Martin Sorrell Criticizes WPP's Strategy Following His Departure
Former CEO says he wasn't "treated equally" in leaving company
Sir Martin Sorrell at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, France.
Photo: eric gaillard/Reuters
Nick Kostov
@nick_kostov
nick.kostov@dowjones.com
June 21, 2018 11:31 am ET
CANNES, France—Former WPP PLC chief Martin Sorrell lashed out at the ad giant on Thursday, criticizing its strategy as well as the handling of his resignation as CEO in April.
Mr. Sorrell, who was attending the annual Cannes Lions advertising festival, said he "violently" disagreed with Chairman Roberto Quarta's claim that he was treated the same as any other employee facing dismissal.
In response, WPP said: "The process followed relating to the investigation of the whistleblower's allegations was exactly that put in place while Martin Sorrell was CEO."
After decades at the firm, Mr. Sorrell stepped down after The Wall Street Journal reported in early April that WPP's board was looking into an allegation of improper personal behavior and whether he had misused company assets, and that the board had retained a law firm for a probe. Mr. Sorrell said at the time that he rejected the allegation "unreservedly."
WPP has said the allegation didn't involve sums that were material to the company. Earlier this month, the Journal reported that the board's investigation addressed whether Mr. Sorrell used company money for a prostitute.