Layoffs at WPP’s media shopping for unit have hit, simply days after WPP reportedly rebranded GroupM as WPP Media, to unify its media company operations, a number of workers instructed ADWEEK.

ADWEEK was unable to substantiate the extent of the cuts.

A WPP Media spokesperson declined to remark.

Whereas workers had anticipated management consolidation and operational restructuring, a number of workers instructed ADWEEK there was no warning that layoffs would observe simply days later.

These cuts seem to span a number of WPP media businesses, in accordance with a number of individuals.

“My bosses texted me proper afterward, saying, ‘Hey, we had no concept. I’m so sorry. Nobody knowledgeable us of this,’” mentioned one one that was laid off.

That staffer joined a gathering on Could 7 at 3 World Commerce Middle, for an invitation labeled “Join.”

“I used to be like, ‘Okay, nicely, this most likely isn’t nice,’” this individual instructed ADWEEK. The partitions have been glass, and this individual acknowledged an HR govt sitting within the room. “I stroll inside, after which they are saying, prefer it’s simply enterprise as ordinary, that my place now not aligns with the strategic wants or enterprise wants of the corporate.”

The individual requested to say goodbye to their workforce, however was instructed to depart instantly.

There was time for a last goodbye. Earlier than being “kicked out,” this individual stood by what was as soon as their desk, and instructed colleagues: “Hey guys, I’m being laid off. They’re not letting me discuss to you guys. Sorry it’s so fast, however, you understand, pleasure to work with you guys.”


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A second just lately laid-off worker described a office crammed with silence and nervousness.

“I’ve been joking with people who it’s sort of just like the Soviet Union, the place individuals are getting disappeared, and also you’re simply presupposed to faux it didn’t occur,” the individual mentioned.

Each former workers, from two totally different WPP businesses, instructed ADWEEK they have been instantly locked out of their e-mail accounts following the conferences. With out an official listing or inside communication about who had been let go, they found others had been impacted solely by means of bounce-back emails.

A 3rd supply who was not laid off instructed ADWEEK that their company additionally suffered layoffs hitting “at each degree—associates, managing companions, administrators,” and that the company’s HR lead and chief technique officer are now not with the corporate.