WPP Media

Leadership isn’t a theory; it’s a practice forged through experience – and sometimes, through fire. For Kate Rowlinson, UK CEO of WPP Media, 2025 was that fire. The year began with profound personal loss following the death of her father and unfolded into the most professionally challenging period of her career. The business underwent the biggest transformation in its history, while navigating negative speculation and news externally and huge change internally.

Through this period, Kate chose to lead with absolute clarity and humanity. Her purpose was singular: prioritise people while transforming WPP Media into a leaner, more agile powerhouse for the future. This meant cutting through complexity to unite diverse companies under WPP Media, while retaining the strength of its agency brands. Her leadership style was authentic, direct and transparent. This openness changed the experience for talent and reshaped the internal narrative from uncertainty to determined resolve. Kate’s human-first approach powered exceptional results. WPP Media UK secured not only multiple retentions across its client base after rigorous review processes, but won a fantastic volume of new business, including the UK Government at the end of 2025 - closing the year with a testament to WPP Media UK’s transformational impact.