WPP Media to lead global media strategy for Mastercard in $180m deal

USA – Mastercard has appointed WPP Media as its new global media agency, taking over strategy, planning, and buying responsibilities in a move valued at US$180 million.

The win sees Mastercard end its decade-long relationship with Carat under dentsu, marking a significant shift in the brand’s media approach. It is further understood that WPP Media will now oversee Mastercard’s media operations across more than 70 international markets.

The remit also extends to Ogilvy, which will act as Mastercard’s global social agency partner, tasked with building and engaging online communities in key markets worldwide. Meanwhile, McCann, part of Interpublic Group (IPG), continues as Mastercard’s global creative agency of record.

For WPP Media, the account represents a major boost. The agency, which rebranded from GroupM in May, has been under pressure following a string of client losses in 2025, including Paramount, Mars, and Coca-Cola’s North America business. 

The challenges have been compounded by the announcement that CEO Mark Read will step down at year-end, alongside a profit warning in July as client spending slowed and new business pipelines weakened—leaving WPP trailing behind rivals amid wider industry headwinds driven by AI disruption and economic uncertainty.