WPP appoints Baiju Shah as Chief Strategy Officer

In the role, Baiju Shah will work with WPP's management team and Board to guide strategic priorities, investment decisions and growth initiatives

WPP has appointed Baiju Shah as group Chief Strategy Officer, expanding his responsibilities to help drive the company's long-term strategy and identify corporate development opportunities across the business.

In the role, Baiju Shah will work with WPP's management team and Board to guide strategic priorities, investment decisions and growth initiatives. His remit includes helping the company respond to emerging technologies, develop capabilities and turn client work into future growth opportunities.

Expanded strategy and development remit

Baiju Shah will lead a team focused on group-wide strategy and future corporate development initiatives. These responsibilities were previously overseen by Andrew Scott, who is leaving WPP after 27 years with the company. Andrew Scott will support the transition to the new leadership structure.

Alongside his group responsibilities, Baiju Shah will continue as CEO of AKQA. WPP said this will enable him to bring the agency's perspective on technology, creativity and innovation to a broader role across the organisation.

Experience across strategy, technology and AI

Baiju Shah has more than 25 years of experience in strategy, technology, creativity and AI. He joined AKQA in 2025 from Accenture Song, where he served as Global Chief Strategy Officer.

At Accenture Song, Baiju Shah was part of the founding leadership team and worked on the company's growth strategy, acquisitions and AI-related transformation initiatives.

Focus on long-term growth

Cindy Rose, Chief Executive Officer, WPP: "Few leaders combine strategic thinking, technology expertise and a deep understanding of where client needs are heading as effectively as Baiju. As WPP’s group Chief Strategy Officer, he will play a critical role in accelerating our Elevate28 strategy, helping to shape our investment priorities, anticipate the future needs of our clients, and position WPP for the next wave of growth.”

The appointment comes as WPP continues to invest in technology, AI and growth opportunities linked to changing client demands and market conditions.

Shah to retain AKQA leadership role

Baiju Shah: "The pace of change across technology, culture and business is creating entirely new opportunities for growth. As our clients look to adapt and compete in this new environment, WPP is uniquely positioned to help them create advantage. I'm excited to bring AKQA’s frontier perspective to a broader role and help WPP build what will matter most for our clients in the years ahead."

www.wpp.com

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