WPP is consulting with shareholders on the compensation for chief executive Cindy Rose and other executive directors.
The proposals, which are likely to link improved terms to performance milestones, are due to be voted on by shareholders at the annual general meeting later this year.
A spokesperson for the UK-listed company confirmed it was consulting with shareholders on compensation, but said the process occurs every three years.
A spokesperson said: “As required of UK-listed companies, the compensation policy for executive directors is reviewed every three years and subject to a shareholder vote at our AGM. No decisions have been reached as we're still in ongoing consultations with shareholders."
Rose is due to provide details of an ongoing strategy review on February 26, when full-year results for 2025 will be announced.
Analysts at Bank of America have previously said the narrative around the review points to “likely deep and bold restructuring actions”.
WPP’s share price has dropped from around 830p at the beginning of 2025 to around 300p on Friday. The company issued two profit warnings and slashed bonuses last year, and it was relegated from the FTSE 100 in December.
Rose joined WPP on September 1 last year with a basic salary of £1.25 million, with short- and long-term bonuses based on multiples of her salary.
She was also awarded shares worth £4.5million over five years to compensate for incentives she missed out on after leaving her former employer, Microsoft.
Her predecessor, Mark Read, was awarded a total compensation package including bonuses of £3.8 million in 2024.
In November, it emerged that WPP was deferring pay reviews for some employees until January and May this year.
Former WPP chief executive Martin Sorrell was famously one of Britain’s best-paid bosses, with annual pay peaking at £70 million in 2016.
Source: Campaign UK
