WPP boss Martin Sorrell Faces Misconduct Investigation

WPP is investigating an allegation of personal misconduct against its chief executive Sir Martin Sorrell.

The world’s largest advertising agency said its board had appointed independent counsel to conduct the investigation.

“The allegations do not involve amounts which are material to WPP,” the firm said in a statement on Tuesday.

Mr Sorrell responded on Wednesday, saying he rejected any allegation of financial impropriety “unreservedly”.

“Reports in the media have stated that WPP is investigating an allegation of financial impropriety by me, specifically as to the use of company funds,” Sir Martin said in a statement.

“This allegation is being investigated by a law firm. I reject the allegation unreservedly but recognize that the company has to investigate it,” he said.

“I understand that this process will be completed shortly.”

Share price falls

The allegations about Sir Martin, 73, were first reported on Tuesday by the Wall Street Journal.

The Journal also reported that WPP’s board was examining whether Sir Martin misused company assets, citing unnamed sources.

That issue was not addressed in the company’s statement, which only confirmed an investigation into the personal misconduct allegation.

One of the UK’s best-known business leaders, Sir Martin has built WPP into a firm that dominates the advertising industry and has about 134,000 staff in more than 100 countries.

He has been chief executive of the company for more than three decades.

Last month WPP warned that 2017 was “not a pretty year” for the firm due to flat growth, despite profits of more than £2bn.

Its share price has fallen sharply over the past 12 months from £17.31 to close at £11.17 in London on Tuesday.

 

Courtesy :BBC
Photo : adweek

 

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