Source: Fortune.com
Summary
WPP, a global advertising company, is undergoing a significant restructuring under its new CEO, Cindy Rose. The company aims to achieve £500 million in savings by 2028 through its Elevate28 plan, which includes job cuts and the implementation of a single business structure. Marie-Claire Barker, WPP’s chief people officer for performance and culture, is leading the effort to improve employee performance, increase AI adoption, and build a new company culture. Despite the challenges, Barker is optimistic about the potential for the restructure to bring about positive change.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
WPP’s restructuring plan, Elevate28, aims to achieve £500 million in savings by 2028, but is estimated to cost £400 million. The company has already cut its headcount from 108,044 in 2024 to 98,655 at the end of 2025. Marie-Claire Barker is leading the effort to implement the new strategy, improve employee performance, and increase AI adoption. The company is also focusing on building communities inside the office and tracking employee sentiment data to assess the success of the return-to-office policy. Despite the challenges, Barker is optimistic about the potential for the restructure to bring about positive change. The company’s culture is being redefined, with a focus on shared values and career development opportunities.
The restructure is a classic case of “efficiency” by another name.
Author: Evan Null
