Finance
WPP to revamp creative agency structure in strategic shake-up, FT reports
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 9, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 9, 2026
Quick Summary
WPP plans to unify its three main creative agencies under one banner, signaling a strategic shift in its operations, as reported by the Financial Times.
WPP to Consolidate Creative Agencies in Major Restructuring Move
WPP's Strategic Restructuring of Creative Agencies
Feb 9 (Reuters) - UK's WPP is preparing to bring its three main creative advertising agencies under one banner as part of a streamlining push that will be unveiled later this month, the Financial Times reported on Monday.
WPP shares slumped in last week's market sell-off, dropping more than 11%, as rising concerns that rapid advances in artificial intelligence could disrupt companies' business models intensified following the launch of Anthropic's new legal AI tool.
The advertising group will set up a new holding structure called "WPP Creative", the report said, citing three people familiar with the plans.
Details of the New Holding Structure
The British company will keep its existing creative agencies, including Ogilvy, VML, and AKQA, but fold them under a single umbrella to simplify its offering to clients by bringing in more integrated services across the businesses, the report added.
Impact on Existing Agencies
WPP Creative will sit alongside its already integrated media and production divisions, the report said, adding that the separate agencies are expected to continue operating independently, however, WPP plans to keep their brands in the market.
WPP did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
(Reporting by Shivani Tanna in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala and Rashmi Aich)
Key Takeaways
- •WPP is restructuring its creative agencies.
- •The move aims to unify three main agencies.
- •Financial Times reported the strategic shift.
- •The restructuring is part of a broader strategy.
- •WPP is a major British advertising group.
Frequently Asked Questions about WPP to revamp creative agency structure in strategic shake-up, FT reports
1What is a creative agency?
A creative agency is a company that specializes in creating advertising and marketing content for brands. They often handle branding, design, and digital marketing strategies to help businesses communicate effectively with their target audience.
2What is corporate restructuring?
Corporate restructuring refers to the process of reorganizing a company's structure, operations, or finances to improve efficiency and profitability. This can involve merging departments, changing management, or altering business strategies.
3What is a strategic shift?
A strategic shift is a significant change in a company's direction or approach to achieving its goals. This can include altering business models, entering new markets, or changing product lines to adapt to market demands.
