From Disney to Microsoft, via Vodafone and Virgin Media, Cindy Rose has been a top executive at some of the world’s best known companies. Born and raised in the US, one of her early passions was figure skating – a sport she confessed left her covered in bumps and bruises. After qualifying as a lawyer, she later switched to corporate roles, relocating to Europe then London. Her time at Disney included a shift dressed as Mickey Mouse’s loyal hound, Pluto, welcoming guests to the Californian theme park. Now she’s set to become the new CEO of the troubled FTSE ad giant, WPP – where her experience in tech and AI look set to be an asset.
Stephen Smith talks to friends and colleagues to find out how Cindy Rose made it from law to leadership – and the challenges she faces as head of one of the world’s biggest advertising groups.

Presenter: Stephen Smith
Producers: Natasha Fernandes, Alex Loftus, Sally Abrahams
Production Coordinator: Maria Ogundele
Sound Engineer: James Beard
Editor: Bridget Harney

Credits:
Cindy Rose at London Tech Week, 2018
Satya Nadella, Microsoft CEO, addressing Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing CBS Mornings (2014)
Claudia Winkleman, Liquid News, 24 July 2002
Greenpeace scale Disney offices in London, 2004. Source: Greenpeace.