WPP leaders recognised in the Heroes Women Role Model Lists 2024
25 Sep 2024
Ten leaders across WPP have been named in INvolve’s Heroes Women Role Model Lists for their work in championing women in business and nurturing a more gender diverse and inclusive workplace.
Heroes Executives
Mel Edwards, Global President, VML
Caroline Frankum, Global CEO, Profiles Division, Kantar
Tejal Shah, Global Head, Talent, Kantar
Beth Wade, Global Chief Communications and Integration Officer, VML
Sharlene Wu, CEO, Grey and AKQA China
Heroes Future Leaders
Gill Hardy, Head of Executive Talent, EMEA, WPP
Lorna Ive, Programmatic Executive, GroupM Nexus
Paola Maffezzoni, Marketing and Communications Director, GroupM and WPP in Italy
Heroes Advocates
Wayne Levings, Chief Client Officer and CEO, Insights Division, Americas, Kantar
David Mitchell, Chief Technology Officer, Americas, VML
Lindsay Pattison, Chief People Officer at WPP, said: “At WPP, we believe that investing in our people is fundamental to our success, and this includes fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace. By championing women in leadership and supporting the next generation of female talent, we are creating a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
The recognition of WPP leaders underscores the company's ongoing efforts to drive positive change and amplify gender diversity across its global network. With women representing 53% of senior managers and 41% of those in executive leadership roles, WPP is focused on achieving gender parity at all levels of the business. The company’s programmes such as Walk the Talk have supported over 3,000 women in developing their leadership skills, while initiatives like Visible Start help midlife women re-enter the advertising world.
Additionally, WPP continues to build inclusive cultures through programmes like Inclusion as a Skill (which equips employees with the tools to grow as inclusive leaders), employee support networks, and progressive benefits covering fertility, surrogacy and adoption. Stella, WPP’s global community for women, now operates in 11 markets to support women at various points in their career to maximise their potential and fuel growth at WPP through increased gender diversity across the business.
WPP's work for clients also serves as a platform for driving gender equality. In Kenya, Scanad's Stain Not Shame campaign led to a landmark law-making period shaming a punishable offence. Grey’s The Postponed Day in Argentina creatively raised awareness about breast cancer, while Ford's Support Belt initiative, developed with VML, Mindshare, and Makerhouse, addressed the safety needs of mastectomy patients. DEGIRO’s Pink Chip initiative, developed with AKQA and UN Women Netherlands, challenged investor bias by highlighting the performance of women-led companies. Ogilvy Singapore's collaboration with Vaseline resulted in Transition Body Lotion, the world’s first clinically proven skincare solution specifically designed for transgender women, which won a Grand Prix at Cannes Lions 2024. Through these initiatives, WPP aims to not only advance client objectives but also drive meaningful societal change.
Further information
WPP Communications
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About WPP
WPP is the creative transformation company. We use the power of creativity to build better futures for our people, planet, clients and communities. For more information, visit www.wpp.com.