Mastercard has selected WPP Media as its new global media agency of record, taking charge of media strategy, planning, and buying in more than 70 markets worldwide. The appointment, announced on August 18, 2025, brings to an end the company’s decade-long relationship with Carat, part of the Dentsu network.
Mastercard has also hired WPP-owned Ogilvy to help it with social listening and be more reactive. McCann, a fixture in the financial services giant’s marketing for decades, remains its creative agency of record and its lead agency on social campaigns.
This is a much-needed win for WPP, which has been grappling with setbacks after losing major global accounts such as Mars and Coca-Cola Co.’s North America business, both secured by Publicis. The company is currently undergoing restructuring in response to declining revenues, with a leadership transition on the horizon as Cindy Rose prepares to step in as CEO next month, succeeding Mark Read.
“This is a landmark win for our company that speaks to the momentum we’re building as WPP Media, the power of our integrated offer, and the value of the investments we’re making to give our clients an advantage in the AI era,” said WPP Media’s GroupM CEO Brian Lesser.
Mastercard pointed to WPP Media’s strength in AI-driven data solutions and its integrated approach across paid media, social engagement, and business enablement as decisive factors behind the appointment.
“As Mastercard continues to evolve—and to refine the future of marketing in an AI- and data-driven era—we’re expanding the role of our media partnerships to take on a new shape and support more integrated business needs,” the company said in its statement. “That’s why we’ve made the strategic decision to partner with WPP Media to lead our media strategy, planning and buying across more than 70 international markets.”
