WPP replaces Dolan with Fudge in bid to boost Y&R network

May 16, 2003

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WPP replaces Dolan with Fudge in bid to boost Y&R network

Mike Dolan, the chairman and chief executive of Young & Rubicam, is standing down from the WPP network. He will be replaced by the former Kraft Foods president, Ann Fudge.

Fudge was the president of Kraft's $5 billion beverages and desserts division until 2001, responsible for core brands such as Maxwell House.

She will oversee the entire WPP-owned network, including Burson-Marsteller and Wunderman, and becomes the first black leader of a major ad network.

Dolan leaves amid speculation that he and the WPP chief executive, Sir Martin Sorrell, had clashed over the future of Y&R. It is unclear what his future plans are.

As well as holding an MBA from Harvard, Fudge sits on the boards of General Electric, Honeywell International and Marriot International.

"I look forward to working with the talented people of Y&R to continue to deliver outstanding work for our client partners and build upon the great legacy of this company," she said.

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Marketing