WPP’s UK president Karen Blackett is set to exit the business this summer after almost 30 years to pursue ‘external interests’ and ‘new opportunities’.
Having first joined the group of agencies that would go on to become GroupM in 1995, Blackett has played an influential role within WPP’s operations during her long-standing tenure.
Over the course of her career Blackett has worked extensively to promote causes linked to equality, becoming the first business woman to top the Powerlist 100, which ranks the most influential British people of African and Afro-Caribbean heritage annually in 2014.
Before being made WPP’s UK president in 2022, Blackett had held a variety of leadership roles within the WPP portfolio, including working as MediaCom’s CEO and chair before taking on the role of GroupM UK CEO in 2020.
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“Karen has continually been a positive force for change in our industry and her commitment and unwavering loyalty to WPP and our clients have benefited the company in many ways,” WPP CEO, Mark Read said.
“She has always championed diversity of talent as the driver of creativity and growth, and has acted as a beacon for new talent, many of whom are key leaders across our agencies and the industry today.
He added: “On behalf of everyone at WPP, I would like to thank Karen for her incredible contribution and wish her the very best in her future endeavours.”
Blackett is yet to give further details on her future plans, but speculation has arisen in regards to a potential political role – having been appointed as the UK government’s first race equality business champion in 2018.
On her decision to leave, Blackett commented: “I will miss our brilliant people in our agencies, our clients and the creativity of our teams. I am always on a growth journey, and the time is right to pursue this outside of WPP.
“There is no doubt 2024 will be a pivotal year for the UK and US, and I am looking forward to what comes next.”
