WPP to rebrand GroupM as ‘WPP Media’ in a strategic makeover: Report

New Delhi: In what could be a defining move to reassert its position in the fast-evolving global media landscape, WPP is reportedly preparing to rebrand its media investment powerhouse GroupM as WPP Media. The proposed change signals a consolidation of brand identity and a push for strategic clarity amid intensified competition and internal restructuring.

Responding to BestMediaInfo.com’s query regarding a report by AdAge, a GroupM spokesperson declined to confirm the development. “We don’t comment on speculation,” the spokesperson said, adding, “If this changes in the future, we’ll be sure to let you know.”

GroupM, which commands a formidable presence with over 40,000 employees globally, more than one-third of WPP’s workforce, has long been regarded as the media muscle behind the holding company’s operations. However, the network has faced mounting pressure, reflected in a 0.9% revenue decline in Q1 2025, underscoring the urgency for transformation.

Industry observers view the rebranding as part of a deeper strategic shift within WPP under CEO Mark Read, who has opted for organic capability-building over aggressive M&A plays, a contrast to competitors Publicis Groupe and Omnicom. Publicis has expanded significantly with its acquisition of Epsilon, while Omnicom’s purchase of Flywheel has strengthened its hold on retail media and commerce.

GroupM’s evolution has been underway for some time. In 2022, it merged Essence with MediaCom, a bold move aimed at streamlining capabilities. This was followed by the 2024 consolidation of mSix with The&Partnership, forming a more cohesive media and creative offering. These integrations have begun to bear fruit—most notably in March 2025, when WPP’s agency VML bagged Heineken’s commerce and shopper marketing business, prying it away from Publicis.

Adding further momentum to this transformation, WPP’s recent acquisition of InfoSum—a data collaboration platform—could serve as a critical building block in its pitch for data-driven media solutions. Insiders say the move complements the potential rebranding, helping position the network as a next-generation partner in media planning and buying.

The proposed shift to WPP Media also reflects a broader reckoning within the media industry, as advertisers move away from legacy dependencies on platforms like Google and seek more independent, first-party data-led strategies. By aligning GroupM more closely with WPP’s master brand, the company may be aiming to create a unified front across its creative, media, and tech offerings.

As media networks recalibrate in response to a shifting digital economy and increasing client scrutiny, the rebranding of GroupM could emerge as more than a name change—it might just be WPP’s boldest signal yet of a reset in strategy, identity, and ambition.