WPP plans up to 1,000 more cuts after already cutting 11,000 jobs

WPP plans to cut up to 1,000 additional jobs by year-end as part of a broader restructuring led by CEO Cindy Rose, who is also pursuing the consolidation of Ogilvy, VML, and AKQA into a single WPP Creative unit. The cost-cutting drive comes amid industry pressure from cautious clients and the efficiency potential of AI, with WPP having already shed about 11,000 roles since the start of 2025. The company is also reviewing non-core assets and property, including potential disposals and consolidating London offices, while signaling an aim to improve margins to roughly 12%–13% for the fiscal year. WPP has reported a headcount of around 97,388 (as of June 30, 2026) after the ongoing layoffs, and has cited a revenue decline in the first half of its fiscal year alongside its restructuring. Industrywide, agencies are cutting costs in response to shifting client demand and the growing role of AI tools in content production and campaign management, with FT reporting multiple peers also pursuing job reductions. In August, Rose flagged the possibility of selling assets such as a stake in Kantar and other non-core holdings, signaling a broad refocus on core operations and margins.