---
title: 'Director Thought Leadership at WPP'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/director-thought-leadership-wpp-united-kingdom-fmk6zq3ahxsb'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-05'
---

# Director Thought Leadership at WPP

- **Company:** WPP
- **Location:** United Kingdom
- **Posted:** 2026-08-31
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-05
- **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/wpp/jobs/8670879002

## Job description

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands.

We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth.

We work with the world's most valuable brands and have global reach across 100+ markets, with deep local expertise.

Our people are the key to our success. We're committed to fostering a culture of creativity, belonging and continuous learning, attracting and developing the brightest talent, and providing exciting career opportunities that help our people grow.

For more information, visit [WPP.com.](https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwpp.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7CErica.Durr%40wpp.com%7C9bf4566a65bc46a48ac008de749116ea%7C150b5e663d884dee83f6ed149b727a00%7C0%7C0%7C639076363668176216%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Q9juosud56XGLThSFZ1NpPZd6FXpJPxV74OeRZWoh%2B4%3D&reserved=0)

Why we're hiring:

The Director, Thought Leadership is responsible for developing and executing the thought leadership strategy for WPP Data & Technology Solutions. The role will identify the issues on which WPP can credibly lead the market, develop distinctive perspectives and proprietary content, and translate complex developments across AI, data, technology and marketing into clear, influential narratives. This individual will lead the creation of flagship research, executive platforms, reports, articles, keynote narratives and event programming that strengthen WPP’s reputation, deepen client engagement and support commercial growth.

What you'll be doing:

- Develop and execute the thought leadership strategy for WPP Data & Technology Solutions, aligned with business priorities and the WPP Open narrative.
- Identify the topics and industry developments on which WPP can credibly establish a distinctive and authoritative point of view.
- Lead the creation of flagship research, reports, articles, white papers, keynote narratives, executive content and event programming.
- Translate complex product, data and AI capabilities into clear and relevant narratives for senior client and industry audiences.
- Work closely with Product, Go to Market, Client Teams, Engineering and other technical stakeholders to identify emerging innovations, client challenges and market opportunities.
- Work closely with the respective functions in Global Marketing to activate thought leadership and report against agreed KPIs.
- Maintain an understanding of the industry and competitive landscape, identifying emerging trends, narrative whitespace and opportunities for WPP to lead the market.
- Partner with client and commercial teams to apply thought leadership across priority pitches, client engagement, events and business development activity.

Additional companywide requirements

- Understand and comply with WPP’s security and privacy policies and be attentive to information security at all times in the performance of duties for WPP.

What you'll need:

- 8+ years of experience in thought leadership, editorial strategy, content, communications, research, journalism or a related discipline.
- Experience working within marketing, advertising, technology, consulting, professional services or another complex B2B environment.
- Strong understanding of the marketing and advertising technology landscape, including AI, data, media, creative, production, commerce and measurement.
- Demonstrable experience developing distinctive strategic narratives and translating complex subjects into clear, compelling content.
- Proven experience creating flagship research, industry reports, strategic frameworks, executive publications or major editorial programmes. Examples will be requested.
- Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the ability to adapt content for executive, client, media, industry and internal audiences.
- Experience developing executive platforms, including keynote speeches, bylined articles, media narratives and social content.
- Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret market data, client insights and technical information.
- A self-starter, critical thinker and problem solver capable of leading complex, cross-functional initiatives and delivering against business goals.
- Strong stakeholder-management skills and the ability to influence senior executives and subject matter experts across a global, matrixed organisation.
- Excellent organisational skills, high attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Who you are:

You're open: We are inclusive and collaborative; we encourage the free exchange of ideas; we respect and celebrate diverse views. We are open-minded: to new ideas, new partnerships, new ways of working.

You're optimistic: We believe in the power of creativity, technology and talent to create brighter futures or our people, our clients and our communities. We approach all that we do with conviction: to try the new and to seek the unexpected.

You're extraordinary: we are stronger together: through collaboration we achieve the amazing. We are creative leaders and pioneers of our industry; we provide extraordinary every day.

What we'll give you:

Passionate, inspired people – We aim to create a culture in which people can do extraordinary work.

Scale and opportunity – We offer the opportunity to create, influence and complete projects at a scale that is unparalleled in the industry.

Challenging and stimulating work – Unique work and the opportunity to join a group of creative problem solvers. Are you up for the challenge?

#LI-Hybrid We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wpp.com/en/careers/wpp-privacy-policy-for-recruitment) for more information on how we process the information you provide.

## About WPP

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: WPP is the world’s largest advertising and marketing services group, helping leading brands navigate change and deliver growth through media, creative, production, and enterprise solutions.
- **Entity Type**: Public (LSE: WPP, NYSE: WPP)
- **Headquarters**: London, United Kingdom
- **Founded**: 1971 (by Sir Martin Sorrell)
- **Founders**: Sir Martin Sorrell

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Advertising, Marketing, Media, Public Relations, Digital Services
- **Target customers**: B2B and B2C enterprise clients – global brands, retailers, and government organisations
- **Mission or purpose statement**: “Trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands” – aligning success with clients, people, and partners to deliver transformation and growth.

## Products & Services
- **WPP Media**: Media planning, buying, and data-driven audience targeting across all channels.
- **WPP Creative**: Brand building, advertising, content creation, and storytelling with AI-enabled personalisation.
- **WPP Production**: Next-generation production services using generative AI to accelerate timelines and reduce costs.
- **WPP Enterprise Solutions**: Transformative enterprise technology, customer experience, and commerce solutions.
- **WPP Open**: Pioneering agentic marketing platform that unifies data, AI agents, and human talent in a single secure workspace for end-to-end marketing planning and execution.

## Market Standing
- **Valuation/Market Cap**: ~£10 billion (approx. $12.5 billion) as of mid-2025 (market data from LSE)
- **Key Metric**: Annual revenue of £14.8 billion (2024 full year)
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Institutional investors; technology partners include Adobe, Google, Microsoft, and leading AI innovators.
- **Growth Signals**:
  - Launch of WPP Open, an AI-powered agentic platform that securely connects client data for real-time optimisation.
  - Continued investment in generative AI for production and creative personalisation.
  - Global headcount of approximately 100,000 employees, with offices in over 100 countries.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Scale & Integration**: Only company that combines media, creative, production, and enterprise solutions under one roof, offering seamless end-to-end services.
- **WPP Open Platform**: Proprietary AI platform that differentiates by enabling privacy-safe, real-time marketing optimisation across all client touchpoints.
- **Deep Tech Partnerships**: Exclusive integrations with Google, Microsoft, Adobe, and AI startups, giving clients access to best‑in‑class innovation.
- **Talent & Culture**: Attracts top creative, data, and technology professionals; strong emphasis on internal mobility and cross‑discipline careers.

## Strategic Focus
- **AI‑First Transformation**: Embedding AI across all operations via WPP Open to automate routine tasks and elevate creative work.
- **Sustainability & Trust**: Embedding sustainability into client solutions and committing to transparency in data use and measurement.
- **Simplification**: Becoming simpler to work with – breaking down silos between operating units to deliver integrated outcomes.

## Why Work Here
- **Global Opportunities**: Work with iconic brands (e.g., Ford, Unilever, Google, Nestlé) across 100+ countries; careers span media, creative, tech, data, and production.
- **AI as a Teammate**: WPP positions AI as a force multiplier, not a replacement – giving employees the chance to focus on high‑value, creative work.
- **Culture of Belonging**: Emphasises openness, trust, and diversity; “Belonging isn’t a programme” – building a culture where people feel free to be themselves.
- **Growth & Mobility**: Designed for career mobility – move across disciplines, brands, and borders; continuous learning supported.
- **Work Environment**: Hybrid/remote arrangements vary by role and location; global campuses in London, New York, and other major cities designed to spark collaboration.
- **Perks & Benefits**: Competitive compensation, learning & development programmes, and a commitment to inclusive hiring (including use of AI tools to reduce bias in recruitment).

## Sources
1. [wpp.com - Company Overview](https://www.wpp.com/en/about)
2. [wpp.com - Careers](https://www.wpp.com/en/careers)
3. [wpp.com - Search & Apply](https://www.wpp.com/careers/search-and-apply)
4. [Greenhouse - Jobs at WPP](http://job-boards.greenhouse.io/wpp)

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