Kantar Media names former WPP CEO Mark Read as chairman

Kantar Media, a global media measurement and analytics firm operating in over 80 countries, has appointed Mark Read, former CEO of WPP, as chairman of its newly formed board of directors.

Read, who led WPP from 2018 to 2025, has a long career in advertising and media, including stints as head of strategy at WPP, CEO of Wunderman, and spearheading WPP’s early digital expansion. He championed investments in AI, including WPP Open and the acquisition of UK-based AI firm Satalia.

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“Kantar Media serves a unique and essential role in the media ecosystem – helping advertisers, agencies, media owners and platforms understand how people are consuming media and how best to direct their media investments," said Read in a statement seen by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE.

"I am delighted to join Kantar Media’s board as chairman, and to support Béhar and his leadership team in bringing greater clarity to the media ecosystem at a time when audience behaviour is changing more rapidly than ever,” added Read.

In tandem, Patrick Béhar, CEO of Kantar Media, said: “We are honoured that Read has chosen to join Kantar Media’s Board at a pivotal moment in our company’s journey. Read combines deep strategic thinking with practical experience in transformation, data and AI, and most importantly he shares our ambition to transform the industry by bringing clarity to a complex landscape. I have every confidence that with his support Kantar Media will continue to deliver best in class results for our clients globally.”

Nishant Nayyar, managing director at H.I.G. Capital, added: “Read’s appointment underscores our commitment to backing Kantar Media with exceptional leadership. His deep industry knowledge and proven track record in driving transformation and innovation will be invaluable as Béhar and his team take the company into its next phase of growth.”

This new board is the company’s first fully independent board following Kantar Media's sale by Kantar Group and Bain Capital to H.I.G Capital in August. The strategic divestment allows Kantar to further focus on the growth of its core offerings in brand building and marketing effectiveness. 

Following which, Kantar appointed Paul Zwillenberg as chief executive officer in September. He joined Kantar on 29 September and assumes day-to-day leadership of the business on 1 January 2026. 

Meanwhile, closer to home, the global platform appointed Andy Gallagher as its new head of creative and media business in Singapore. In his role, Gallagher will strengthen Kantar's media capabilities in the region, having previously worked across the firm's EU and US markets. 

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