WPP leaders recognised for championing inclusion and diversity

Twelve leaders from across WPP have been honoured in the 2024 Empower Role Model lists,  aimed at celebrating leaders who are driving inclusion for people of colour within global  businesses. 

Created by Involve and supported by YouTube, the lists celebrate 100 Executives, 100 Future  Leaders and 50 Advocate Role Models who do not work professionally in the field of DE&I for  their work in championing inclusion and driving strategic change within their sector. 

Empower Top 100 Ethnic Minority Executive Role Models: 
Apoorva Bapna, Chief Culture Officer, WPP 
Dorothy Burwell, Partner, FGS Global 
Kapria Jenkins, Executive Director, Detroit Experience Studio, VML 
Julia Rast, Global Senior Director, Emerging Innovation, GroupM Nexus Niken Wresniwiro, SVP Global Communications, WPP 

Empower Top 100 Ethnic Minority Future Leaders: 
Chelsea Breur, Social Creative Director, Wavemaker 
Matthew Chew, Paid Social Innovation Lead, EssenceMediacom 
Ashford Mills, Global Project Manager, GroupM Nexus 
Jené Mitchell, Technology Specialist, VML 
Diane Munyeshuli, Account Manager, Ogilvy Social Lab 
Jennifer Nnamani, Project Manager, AKQA 
Empower Top 50 Advocate Executive Role Models: 
Lindsay Pattison, Chief People Officer, WPP 

This recognition comes as WPP CEO Mark Read was inducted into the Involve Hall of Fame,  acknowledging his inclusion in the Empower Top 10 Advocate Executives Role Model Lists  from 2021 to 2023 for his efforts in driving diversity and inclusion. Under his leadership, DE&I  goals were introduced into WPP senior leaders’ incentive plans and WPP established a Global  Inclusion Council, which allows underrepresented voices to advise on DE&I goals and identify  barriers to progress. In June 2020, Mark announced the company’s commitment to combat  racial injustice and support Black and minority ethnic talent, including a pledge of $30 million  over three years to fund global inclusion programmes. 

Mark Read, CEO of WPP, said: “Creativity is the ultimate competitive advantage, and at WPP we understand that the most innovative and impactful ideas come from diverse teams and  empowered individuals. I'm proud to see our leaders celebrated in the Empower Role Model  lists for their unwavering commitment to cultivating an inclusive culture where everyone feels  inspired to contribute their unique perspectives, helping our clients stand out and captivate  their audiences.”