WPP sees modest reduction in UK gender pay gap

WPP has published its UK gender pay gap report for 2025, including consolidated data across its total UK workforce.

This approach provides a more representative picture and allows for like-for-like comparisons by excluding entities below the statutory reporting threshold of 250 employees.

Pay gap trends

WPP’s overall mean pay gap decreased slightly from 20.5 percent in 2024 to 20.3 percent in 2025, continuing a six-year trend of year-on-year improvement. The median pay gap fell from 17.8 percent to 17.4 percent, driven by an increase in the proportion of women in the top pay quartile.

While the median bonus gap showed a significant reduction, the mean bonus gap widened due to differences in the proportion of men and women receiving bonuses, concentrated in senior roles where male representation remains higher.

Representation in leadership

Globally, women represented 55 percent of senior managers and 42 percent of executive leaders at WPP in 2025. In the UK, women made up 55 percent of the workforce. The overall gender pay gap reflects the lower proportion of women in the most senior roles, consistent with wider industry patterns; women held 40 percent of C-suite roles in 2025, according to the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising’s Agency Census.

WPP has achieved gender parity on its Board, with three of the most senior positions – Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Senior Independent Director – held by women.

Inclusive culture and opportunity

WPP emphasizes that an inclusive and dynamic culture is key to business success. The company is committed to equal opportunity, cultivating a workforce reflective of the communities it serves, and developing skills and leadership potential. By fostering an inclusive environment, WPP aims to maintain a workplace that supports growth, opportunity, and high-quality outcomes for both employees and clients.

www.wpp.com

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