WPP has named Philip Jansen to its Board as a non-executive director and chair designate. He will join the Board on September 16 and will succeed Roberto Quarta as Non-Executive Chair of WPP starting January 1, 2025. 

Quarta had indicated earlier he would be stepping down after nine years in the role, which is customary in the UK.  

Jansen was Chief Executive of BT Group from 2019 to February 2024. Before that he was CEO of Worldpay, the technology-led global payments services group. Previous roles include CEO and then Chairman of Brakes Group, and a number of senior positions in Sodexo Group. He began his career at Procter & Gamble.  

Jensen led Worldpay through the UK’s largest ever fintech IPO, having overhauled its technology infrastructure and invested in areas such as data analytics and cyber security. He also led the merger with US counterpart Vantiv to create Worldpay Inc., the world’s largest industry player, handling payments across 146 countries. At BT Group, he oversaw the strategy to modernize and simplify the business. 

Angela Ahrendts, Senior Independent Director of WPP, said: “Philip brings a valuable blend of experience, from leading technology and consumer goods companies to transforming large, complex organizations and creating significant value for shareholders. As a former marketer he understands our business, its clients and the opportunities ahead of us.” 

Quarta has been in the role since 2015 and oversaw the company during the roiling CEO transition period in 2018 when long-time CEO Martin Sorrell was forced out. After an interim period, Mark Read was appointed CEO. Quarta also helped steer the company through the challenging pandemic period and worked closely on WPP’s multiyear strategic plan to streamline its operations, helping to reshape “our offer to meet the needs of modern marketing,” as Read put it.