Operations in Russia to Halt for WPP due to Ukraine's Invasion
In a significant move, WPP, the world's largest advertising agency network, has announced its withdrawal from Russia. The decision, made in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine, affects approximately 1,400 employees in the country.
However, the number of employees in Ukraine remains unchanged, with WPP employing 200 people there. The company has expressed its gratitude to its Russian staff and expressed regret for the impact of the decision on them. It has also assured that it will provide support during the discontinuation of operations.
The offices of WPP's agencies, including GroupM, Wunderman Thompson, and VMLY&R, accounted for 0.6% of the company's total operations. Since the announcement, these agencies have either ceased active operations or significantly scaled back their presence in Russia, following a wider multinational exit or suspension trend since 2022.
The withdrawal marks a strategic shift for WPP, as it focuses on digital transformation and AI-driven innovation. The company has been investing heavily in new technology and talent expansion in markets like India and MENA, with no explicit mention of a return or continued operation in Russia.
As of the latest public sources from 2025, there are no direct references or announcements regarding specific plans for GroupM, Wunderman Thompson, or VMLY&R in Russia after the withdrawal decision. This suggests that these agencies likely maintain an inactive or nonoperational status in Russia, aligned with WPP’s prior exit strategy.
In summary, WPP's agencies in Russia, including GroupM, Wunderman Thompson, and VMLY&R, are currently inactive or have exited Russia following WPP’s withdrawal decisions. The company’s 2025 focus is on AI integration, talent growth in other markets (notably India and MENA), with no public plans indicating reentry into Russia. Agencies are prioritizing global AI-driven marketing and digital solutions rather than Russia-specific market operations at this time.
For more precise, on-the-ground operational updates, direct inquiries to WPP or its agencies may be needed.
WPP's decision to withdraw from Russia has led to a focus on digital transformation and AI-driven innovation, resulting in increased investments in markets such as India and MENA. However, the agencies GroupM, Wunderman Thompson, and VMLY&R, which previously accounted for part of WPP's operations in Russia, are currently inactive or have exited the country, with no public plans indicating a return or continued operation in Russia as of 2025.
