WPP removes references to DEI in latest annual report
The holding company has replaced all references to diversity, equity and inclusion with "people and culture."
by Alessandra Scotto di Santolo, Campaign31 March 2025
LONDON: WPP has removed references to "diversity, equity and inclusion" from its latest annual report amid growing opposition to such policies from President Donald Trump's administration.
The company, which counts the U.S. as its largest market, made the change in its report released on Friday.
Last year’s report referred to WPP as a “diversity leader” and mentioned DEI 20 times, but the latest version omits all references.
Instead, the section measuring executives’ non-financial performance, previously called “people and DE&I," has been renamed “people and culture."
The change was first reported byThe Sunday Times. In the report, WPP did not comment on whether it was a direct response to anti-DEI policies from the Trump administration but stated that the way executive bonuses are calculated remains unchanged.
However, WPP has faced market challenges, including a decline in share value, which has had an impact on executive compensation.
In a letter within the report, WPP’s chief executive, Mark Read, acknowledged the shifting political landscape.
“In today’s complex world, a pressing question for brands and organizations is whether to engage on social issues in a more contested public arena, and how to navigate the expectations of different audiences with competing views on sensitive topics," he said.
However, he reaffirmed WPP’s commitment to a workplace that “reflects the world around us."
Since taking office, Trump has taken action against DEI initiatives. His administration has instructed government agencies to shut down DEI programs and put diversity officers on leave.
He has also signed executive orders overturning past diversity measures, including one from the civil rights era that required federal contractors to adopt equal opportunity policies.
The Financial Times reported that more than 200 U.S. companies have removed DEI references from their annual reports since Trump’s election.
Additionally, reports suggest that the U.S. government has pressured some large European companies to comply with Trump’s executive order banning DEI initiatives if they supply goods or services to the US government.
WPP has been asked for comment.
Last weekTransport for London removed Accenture Song from its creative review following thenetwork’s decision to scrap its global diversity and inclusion goals.
WPP's PR firms include Burson and Ogilvy PR.
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