0938 GMT - WPP's investors are likely to find reassurance in the appointment of an external candidate as new CEO, AJ Bell analyst Dan Coatsworth writes in a note. The U.K. advertising and marketing giant named Microsoft executive Cindy Rose to succeed Mark Read as the group faces challenges from AI and seeks to turn the page on client losses. The risk that the company might struggle to attract a leader willing to take on such a significant turnaround challenge was a concern, he says. "Fresh thinking is of paramount importance," he adds. Rose will need to come prepared with new ideas, as the scale of the recovery ahead is substantial, he says. Shares are up 3% at 441.20 pence. (najat.kantouar@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 10, 2025 05:39 ET (09:39 GMT)

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