Headquartered in London, WPP plc is one of the world’s largest advertising and public relations holding companies. Founded in 1985 by Sir Martin Sorrell, WPP has grown through numerous acquisitions to become a dominant force in the global marketing communications industry. WPP works with many of the world’s leading brands and approximately 325 of the Fortune Global 500 companies. The company employs over 100,000 people and operates in more than 100 countries.
WPP has announced the opening of a new campus in Chennai, India, marking a significant expansion in what is currently their fifth largest market. This campus is WPP’s third in India, following existing facilities in Mumbai and Gurgaon.
The Chennai facility spans over 62,000 square feet, and its development is planned in two phases:
Phase 1 (Current): Accommodation for 330 people
Phase 2 (Mid-2025): Expansion to accommodate 650 people
Looking ahead, WPP plans to establish additional campuses in Bangalore and Coimbatore.
The company currently employs over 11,000 people in India, which serves a dual role as:
1. Home to some of WPP’s best-performing agency teams
2. Location for many global support functions
The Enterprise Technology team is the first to move into the Chennai campus, with other teams scheduled to join later.
The current CEO, Mark Read, said, “India continues to be one of our fastest-growing markets thanks to its technological innovation, creative output and specialist skillsets. WPP is committed to investing in India through our new campuses, creating spaces that foster collaboration, inspire creativity and enable career development. In doing so, we are opening up new opportunities for our people in India and supporting our clients’ growth ambitions – both domestically, in the world’s most populous nation, and abroad.”
Some of the largest and most notable agencies under the WPP umbrella include:
Ogilvy – A full-service global agency network providing advertising, marketing, PR and consulting services. Founded by David Ogilvy, it’s one of the most prestigious agencies in the industry.
VMLY&R – Formed by the merger of VML and Y&R (Young & Rubicam), this agency focuses on creating connected brands through digital innovation and traditional marketing.
GroupM – WPP’s media investment management operation, which includes agencies such as:
– Mindshare
– MediaCom
– Wavemaker
– Essence
Grey Global Group – An advertising and marketing agency known for creative campaigns for major brands.
BCW (Burson Cohn & Wolfe) – One of the world’s largest PR and communications firms, formed by merging Burson-Marsteller and Cohn & Wolfe.
Hogarth Worldwide – WPP’s creative production company that handles implementation and adaptation of campaigns across markets
