WPP appoints ex-Unilever global CMO Keith Weed as non-executive director

WPP has appointed Keith Weed (pictured) to the Board as a non-executive director. The appointment will be effective from 1 November 2019.

Weed retired as Unilever’s CMO in May 2019, after 35 years with the company. During his nine years as the chief marketing and communications officer at Unilever, he led the company’s groundbreaking sustainability programme.

He is currently the president of the UK Advertising Association, a board member of business in the community, a member of McLaren F1’s advisory board, president of the History of Advertising Trust, and a board member of Grange Park Opera.

Weed said that he is delighted to join the WPP Board at such an "important and dynamic time" for the industry. "I have worked with WPP for many years, leading brand-led businesses around the world. I look forward to contributing to WPP’s future, leveraging my understanding of building brands in a rapidly changing world – from digital and data to content creation and sustainability,” he said.

Meanwhile, WPP chairman Roberto Quarta added: “Keith is one of the world’s most influential and successful marketers. He has a deep understanding of our business, the ways in which technology is transforming marketing, the sectors in which we operate, and our FMCG clients in particular.”