Diversity and inclusion
A diverse workforce adds value to our businesses. It helps us understand consumers from all walks of life and create compelling marketing for our clients. An inclusive workplace culture helps us attract the most talented people from all backgrounds.
We introduced a non-discrimination policy in 1992. This commits all WPP companies to select, develop and promote people based on merit and regardless of race, religion, national origin, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age or disability. Our Code of Conduct contains policies on harassment and non-discrimination. Where existing employees become disabled, our policy is to provide continuing employment and training wherever practicable.
Employees can report any concerns or suspected violations of our policies confidentially and anonymously through our Right to Speak helpline.
The CEOs of our operating companies are ultimately responsible for diversity and inclusion.
We review our companies’ diversity programs as part of our annual talent review process. There are currently three women on WPP’s Board,
Esther Dyson,
Orit Gadiesh and Lubna Olayan; and a female Company Secretary, Marie Capes; Group communications director, Feona McEwan; and Group chief counsel, Andrea Harris.
Many of WPP’s businesses are led by women, including:
- Eileen Campbell, CEO, Millward Brown
- Kim Dedeker, Chairman, Kantar Americas
- Janine Hawkins, Global CEO, Added Value
- Mary Ellen Howe, COO, WPP Specialist
Communications, North America
- Lois Jacobs, CEO, Fitch
- Donna Imperato, CEO, Cohn & Wolfe
- Tamara Ingram, President, Team P&G
|
- Shelly Lazarus, Chairman, Ogily & Mather Worldwide
- Bessie Lee, CEO, GroupM China
- Ann Newman, Executive Vice President, WPP Latin America
- Lynn O'Connor Vos, President & CEO, ghg
- Linda Gosden Robinson, chairman RLM
- Stacy Singer, CEO, Chemistry
|
| Gender diversity (%female) |
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
| Board members |
33 |
32 |
32 |
31 |
31 |
|
| Senior managers |
47 |
47 |
46 |
48 |
47 |
|
| Total employees |
55 |
54 |
54 |
54 |
54 |
|
| Ethnicity in the UK & US (% ethnic minority) |
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
| Board members |
11 |
12 |
8 |
11 |
11 |
| Senior managers |
13 |
16 |
16 |
16 |
17 |
| Total employees |
21 |
23 |
23 |
24 |
24 |
| Age diversity (%) |
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
| 19 or under |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| 20-29 |
43 |
42 |
38 |
38 |
38 |
| 30-39 |
35 |
36 |
38 |
37 |
37 |
| 40-49 |
15 |
15 |
16 |
17 |
17 |
| 59-59 |
5 |
5 |
6 |
6 |
6 |
| 60 and over |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
For more information about gender, ethnicity and age diversity see our latest Sustainability report.