New York | May 2025 – WPP has announced the appointment of Marie-Claire Barker as its new Global Chief People Officer, with her tenure officially beginning in early June. She steps into the role following the departure of Lindsay Pattison, who spent over 16 years with the company in various leadership capacities.
Marie-Claire Barker transitions into this global position from GroupM, WPP’s media investment group, where she served for more than three years as Chief People Officer, overseeing the people strategy for a workforce of over 36,000 employees worldwide. Her appointment reflects WPP’s continued focus on culture, talent transformation, and workforce innovation across its global network.
With more than 20 years of experience in HR and talent leadership across the marketing and communications industry, Barker has held pivotal roles at Edelman, where she was Global Chief Talent Officer, and at Wavemaker and Ogilvy & Mather, where she shaped organizational and people strategies during key phases of business evolution.
Her early career began in marketing, followed by a transition to human resources at Allied Domecq Spirits and Wine, giving her a well-rounded perspective on both brand and talent management.
Now based in New York, Barker will lead WPP’s global people strategy, working to cultivate inclusive culture, develop leadership capabilities, and align workforce planning with WPP’s creative and commercial ambitions.
WPP has not issued an official quote at the time of publication. Further updates are expected as Barker assumes her new role.
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