WPP China announces appointment of Patrick Xu as new CEO

20 Apr 2017

WPP announces that Patrick Xu, will take on the role of CEO for WPP China, following the departure of Bessie Lee. His appointment takes effect from May 2, 2017. Patrick is the current CEO of GroupM China and will manage the dual role, based out of Shanghai.

Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of WPP says, “China is WPP’s third largest market and has traditionally been a strong contributor to WPP’s overall growth. As such, it is important that we have some continuity in our senior management focusing on WPP’s growth agenda in the market.  TB Song continues in his role as WPP Country Chairman for China and I am pleased to announce that Patrick Xu, CEO of GroupM China will be taking on the added responsibilities of WPP China CEO. Patrick’s role will have a special emphasis on Horizontality and ensuring our business is localized and more relevant to Chinese clients, partners and staff. I want to thank Bessie for the many years of commitment to WPP and I am sure many of our colleagues will continue to work with her as she pursues a career as an entrepreneur in China.”

In Greater China, WPP companies (including associates) generate revenues of $1.6 billion with almost 14,000 people in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and many other cities and provinces.

See Patrick’s bio attached.  

About WPP
WPP is the world’s largest communications services group with billings of US$74 billion and revenues of over US$19 billion. Through its operating companies, the Group provides a comprehensive range of advertising and marketing services including advertising & media investment management; data investment management; public relations & public affairs; branding & identity; healthcare communications; digital, eCommerce and shopper marketing and specialist communications. The company employs over 205,000 people (including associates and investments) in over 3,000 offices across 112 countries. For more information, visit www.wpp.com.

WPP was named Holding Company of the Year at the 2016 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity for the sixth year running. WPP was also named, for the fifth consecutive year, the World's Most Effective Holding Company in the 2016 Effie Effectiveness Index, which recognizes the effectiveness of marketing communications. In 2017 WPP was recognised by Warc 100 as the World’s Top Holding Company (third year running).