WPP has enlisted a high-profile performance psychologist as part of a broader effort to rebuild internal confidence and reset its corporate culture during a period of sustained pressure on the business.
Chief executive Cindy Rose has brought in Michael Gervais, a Los Angeles–based adviser known for coaching elite athletes and senior executives, to work with the company’s leadership. Gervais previously collaborated with Rose during her tenure at Microsoft and is now supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening mindset, leadership cohesion and resilience within WPP.
The appointment comes as WPP continues to contend with declining revenues, client losses and a reduced market valuation after years of industry disruption and internal restructuring. The group has also slipped out of the UK’s blue-chip index, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing its leadership.
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Central to Rose’s strategy is a restructuring programme known as “Elevate28”, which is designed to streamline the company’s operations and integrate its network of agencies more closely. The plan seeks to move WPP away from a fragmented model toward a more unified structure.
As part of the effort, approximately 175 senior executives were brought together in London for a leadership event focused on performance and culture. Sessions led by Gervais addressed topics such as decision-making under pressure and team alignment, alongside broader discussions on strategy and organisational change.
The initiative coincides with early signs of stabilisation in parts of the business. WPP has recently secured several new client accounts, including assignments from major global brands, and its share price has shown short-term gains. Market attention has also been drawn to the possibility of asset sales as the company reshapes its portfolio.
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The use of performance psychology reflects a growing trend among large corporations seeking to address cultural and leadership challenges alongside financial restructuring, as WPP works to reposition itself in a competitive global advertising market.
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First Published on April 20, 2026, 15:34:31 IST