WPP Halves 7.5p Dividend as H1 Profit Drops 48% to £221M Ahead of CEO Cindy Rose Transition and Strategy Review

WPP plc, the UK-based advertising group, has halved its interim dividend to 7.5 pence amid a challenging business environment and ahead of a CEO transition and strategic review. The company reported a 48% year-over-year decline in operating profit for the first half of 2025, down to £221 million, and has downgraded its full-year 2025 guidance. Outgoing CEO Mark Read cited macroeconomic uncertainty, including the impact of tariffs and client distractions, as factors contributing to the subdued market conditions. Incoming CEO Cindy Rose is expected to lead a comprehensive strategy overhaul. Additionally, WPP has experienced client losses to competitors such as Publicis. The U.S. market remains subdued due to ongoing trade tariff uncertainties, as noted by industry executives.