WPP’s new boss Cindy Rose starts today: Here’s what will be on her to-do list

Insiders acknowledge the company is struggling. Outsiders say there's no magic bullet. WPP’s board hopes Cindy Rose has her own answer.

September 01, 2025

WPP's new boss Cindy Rose starts today: Here's what will be on her to-do list As the holding company's new boss takes the reins, we look over some of the biggest challenges facing the group, and how its advertising outsider chief exec might handle them. Additional coverage: The creator economy is growing into a fully formed media channel — complete with dedicated ad spend and marketing playbooks. But according to seven influencer marketing experts, the creator economy has measurement issues that could stunt its further growth. What's going to happen with Dentsu outside of Japan? (This story is a Digiday+ member benefit. For full access, consider subscribing). Ed Hyatt, director of newsroom SEO at The Wall Street Journal, shared SEO strategies he's prioritizing for this search and AI era. Companies including ThredUp, Depop, OfferUp and more are reporting record user growth, increased engagement and sales spikes, as consumers hunt for duty-free bargains. Editor's Note: The Digiday Daily is undergoing a visual redesign that is slated to be live in your inbox next week. There is no need to resubscribe, but we appreciate your feedback. Other things to know about Only nine spots remain to attend the Digiday Publishing Summit, September 15-17 in Miami. Don't miss out on this opportunity to network with top media leaders from The Washington Post, Axios and many more. Secure your pass before the meeting scheduler opens on Thursday, September 11. Publishers who modernize their audience strategies with smarter data collection, AI tools and personalization increase audience reach and boost revenues. Sponsored by Marigold. Pause ad success comes from matching the right ad with the right moment. Brands whose pause ads focus on food delivery services and discounts move beyond simply advertising to provide solutions to consumers' needs. Sponsored by DIRECTV. Top Stories Evolving Agencies WPP's new boss Cindy Rose starts today: Here's what will be on her to-do list Insiders acknowledge the company is struggling. Outsiders say there's no magic bullet. WPP’s board hopes Cindy Rose has her own answer. howdy! The Creator Economy The creator economy wants to be a mature media channel, but measurement is holding it back As influencer marketing grows up, measurement fragmentation and pricing inconsistency stand in the way of full media channel status. Advertisement Sponsored by Celtra Virtual event: Behind Unilever's AI-powered creative transformation Join this virtual event on Sept. 24, or watch on demand, to learn best practices for scaling digital advertising without sacrificing quality. howdy! Evolving Agencies Media Buying Briefing: What's going to happen with Dentsu outside of Japan? The Japanese-owned holding company wants to sell all its international assets. Who might buy them and what are the best parts? Sponsored by Keen Decision Systems The case for keeping marketing budgets amid economic uncertainty Scenario planning helps brands avoid making catastrophic decisions and sets them up for success, no matter the state of the economy. howdy! Zero-click Future How The Wall Street Journal is strategizing for 'Google zero' Ed Hyatt, director of newsroom SEO at The Wall Street Journal, shared SEO strategies he’s prioritizing for this search and AI era. Advertisement Sponsored by Blis How to connect the dots to build a cohesive CTV media strategy The CTV industry is thriving, but many advertisers are struggling to unify disparate CTV touchpoints into a cohesive media strategy. The future lies in moving beyond siloed ID-based targeting and embracing privacy-forward, omnichannel models. howdy! Retail Revolution How resell platforms like ThredUp, Depop are navigating the tariff economy Tariffs are fueling a secondhand shopping boom, with platforms like ThredUp, Depop and OfferUp reporting record growth, new users and increased engagement. Now, they’re under pressure to retain cost-conscious shoppers. howdy! Marketing on Platforms Platform and agency execs recommended must-reads to unwind during busy periods Senior execs from the likes of TikTok, Snap, OMD USA, Publicis London and more let us in on their favorite page-turners to unwind. All Latest Stories

You received this email because you're a member of the Digiday community. If someone forwarded this to you, subscribe for yourself here . Unsubscribe from this newsletter or update your preferences. I don't want to hear from Digiday anymore. Stop receiving all Digiday emails. Digiday Media, One Liberty Plaza, 9th Floor, New York, NY 10006

Forward to a Friend