WPP (Re)Discovers Creativity

The focus on creative endeavours sounds like a sensible idea.  Certainly, it’s hard to argue with.  On the basis that one way to judge the uniqueness of a positioning is to assess how many competitors do the opposite, it’s fair to say that WPP’s isn’t unique.  There’s little future for an unimaginative business interested in staying exactly where it is.

The new strategic focus is built around four pillars: communications, experience, commerce and technology.  Again, all very sensible and good to see a recognition of the importance of creating and building upon brand experiences.  Plus, there’s little question that many people need help with e-commerce and with all aspects of technology.

Mark Read had this to say: “What we hear from clients is very consistent.  They want our creativity and they want us to help them transform their business in a world reshaped by technology.  This is at the heart of what we do.  We are fundamentally repositioning WPP as a creative transformation company with a simpler offer that allows us to meet the present and future needs of clients.”

Again, all good stuff -- but is WPP best placed even amongst the holding companies to deliver to this promise?  After all, judged purely on the single metric of creativity, and the single lens of advertising, there aren’t many who would place JWT (as was) or Y&R (as was) ahead of Adam and Eve DDB, or Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO.

There’s work to be done.  The question it seems to me is not, “will WPP successfully mutate?” but rather, “what is the point of a holding company these days?”

Clients want flexible, nimble organizations able to work with others to deliver brilliant transformative solutions for their businesses.  Is this more or less likely to happen if the organizations selected are owned by a common parent?  Or is it more likely in an organization free from pressures and processes from above?

Simplicity in delivery to the client regardless of what’s happening behind the scenes is what counts.  There’s a lot to be said for the swan model -- serene on the surface, paddling like hell underneath.

Read is right to call for a simpler offer.  Will the people charged with delivering creative transformations be allowed the freedom to spread their wings?  Or will they still feel the need to (in the words of the dear departed leader) “fight nicely”?

Does WPP have enough of the right people; and will the center give them their freedom?  Maybe.  Even with the 3,500 announced job losses there’s certainly plenty of talent around.  But if I were a betting man, I would have a flutter on the independents.

Photo credit: Cody Davis/Unsplash

Click the social buttons above or below to share this content with your friends and colleagues.

The opinions and points of view expressed in this content are exclusively the views of the author and/or subject(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of MediaVillage.com/MyersBizNet, Inc. management or associated writers.