Mark Read is stepping out from the shadow of WPP founder Martin Sorrell as the British advertising company’s new chief executive, and he has a clear message: Change is coming.

The exit of Martin Sorrell from advertising, and specifically from the WPP marketing giant he built and reigned over, marks a significant turning point in world business, writes Kyran Fitzgerald.

WPP has begun the search for a new chief executive, for when founder Martin Sorrell steps down.

WPP’s Martin Sorrell, head of the world’s largest advertising company, has raked in more £120 million (€155m) in the past six years in annual pay — but his biggest windfall is yet to come.