Ex-WPP CEO Mark Read heads to Kantar Media as chairman of board of directors

United Kingdom – Kantar Media has appointed former WPP chief executive Mark Read as chairman of its newly formed Board of Directors, the company recently announced.

Read, who led WPP from 2018 to 2025, brings decades of experience in advertising and media. His earlier roles included overseeing WPP’s strategy, spearheading its move into digital through WPP Digital and serving as CEO of global digital agency Wunderman. 

During his tenure at WPP, he also drove the group’s investments in artificial intelligence, including the development of WPP Open and the acquisition of UK-based AI firm Satalia.

“Kantar Media serves a unique and essential role in the media ecosystem – helping advertisers, agencies, media owners and platforms understand how people are consuming media and how best to direct their media investments. I am delighted to join Kantar Media’s board as Chairman, and to support Patrick and his Leadership team in bringing greater clarity to the media ecosystem at a time when audience behaviour is changing more rapidly than ever,” said Read.

Patrick Béhar, CEO of Kantar Media, welcomed the appointment, stating, “We are honoured that Mark has chosen to join Kantar Media’s Board at a pivotal moment in our company’s journey. Mark combines deep strategic thinking with practical experience in transformation, data and AI, and most importantly he shares our ambition to transform the industry by bringing clarity to a complex landscape. I have every confidence that with his support Kantar Media will continue to deliver best in class results for our clients globally.”

The announcement comes after Kantar Media’s recent sale by Kantar Group and Bain Capital to H.I.G. Capital, a transaction completed in August. 

Nishant Nayyar, managing director at H.I.G. Capital, said the appointment aligns with the firm’s plans for the business. 

“Mark’s appointment underscores our commitment to backing Kantar Media with exceptional leadership. His deep industry knowledge and proven track record in driving transformation and innovation will be invaluable as Patrick and his team take the company into its next phase of growth,” he said.