WPP is reportedly planning to retire the GroupM brand as part of an ongoing global media restructure led by GroupM global chief executive Brian Lesser, according to a report by several outlets.
Reports suggest that WPP’s media arm will be rebranded as “WPP Media,” with the change expected to occur before the northern hemisphere summer.
This follows what WPP CEO Mark Read described in the company’s annual report as a “year of transition” under Lesser, who joined in September 2024.
Brian Lesser
According to several sources, Lesser told US staff earlier today there will be changes including some layoffs in an internal memo.
He acknowledged the company will be “moving to a single operating model that brings the best of GroupM to our clients, with one voice in the market, and more opportunity for our people.”
The memo highlighted this will require “difficult decisions” to “improve team structure” and “reduce overlap,” and he noted these changes will “affect some roles”.
Mediaweek understands there will be very limited impact to the Australian market.
During WPP’s 2024 annual results presentation in January, Lesser had stated, “We know that we have to be simpler and there is more work to do.” He added, “We are further simplifying our structure to become a unified company with one voice to clients and partners.”
GroupM, reportedly the world’s largest media buyer with approximately 40,000 staff globally, remains a significant revenue driver for WPP.
The reported rebranding of GroupM to WPP Media appears to be part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and present a unified front to clients and partners.
A spokesperson for GroupM in Australia told Mediaweek, “We don’t comment on speculation.”