Advertising giant WWP lines up industrialist Roberto Quarta as chairman
ADVERTISING giant WPP has lined up industrialist Roberto Quarta as its new chairman after an extensive search for a replacement for long-serving Philip Lader.
Quarta is chairman of FTSE 100 medical technology group Smith & Nephew and FTSE 250 engineer IMI.
He is also a partner at private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice.
He will join the board in January 2015 and subject to re-election at the annual meeting next June will then succeed Lader who has had the role since 2001.
Lader, a former US ambassador to the UK, said: “Roberto brings to WPP extensive, diverse experience in corporate governance and global commerce.
“This completes our refreshment of the board, which over the last three years has seen the appointment of 10 internationally recognised business leaders from four continents and the phased retirement of long-serving directors.”
WPP chief executive Sir Martin Sorrell added: “Roberto’s experience and background complement us and will help develop WPP’s strategy in new markets, in new media, in data investment management and the application of technology.”
