WPP's Ogilvy Turns to AI as it Cuts 700 Jobs, Axes DEI Team
WPP’s global creative agency Ogilvy is cutting around 5% of its workforce, or roughly 700 jobs, as it embarks on a strategic restructuring aimed at sharpening its competitive edge through AI integration and decentralised operations.
The agency, which employed approximately 14,000 people in 2024, said the move is intended to modernise its business model in the face of rapid technological and market shifts.
“Ogilvy is sharpening its edge by streamlining our global operations and further integrating WPP Open, our powerful AI platform, across every facet of our business,” an agency spokesperson said in a statement.
“This strategic evolution, while requiring some tough but vital changes, is designed to empower our teams, boost our creative effectiveness and ensure we continue to deliver unparalleled excellence for our clients in today’s rapidly evolving market.”
AI disruption
The advertising sector, long powered by creative labour, is undergoing a transformation.
Automation and generative AI tools like WPP Open are redefining the skills agencies need and the speed at which campaigns are produced.
Job displacement is becoming increasingly common, even in traditionally resilient roles such as strategy, production and DEI.
Ogilvy’s restructuring is part of a broader trend across the advertising industry, where holding companies and agencies are being forced to adapt to the efficiencies and challenges brought about by AI.
As jobs change or disappear, agencies are seeking new ways to remain both economically viable and socially responsible.
A shift in DEI approach
Perhaps the most controversial element of Ogilvy’s restructure is the disbanding of its global diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) team.
The change eliminates the role of global head of DEI, held since 2021 by Tope Ajala, who will stay on in an advisory capacity.
Previously, Tope helped implement several initiatives across the group including belonging training, safe room conversations and leadership programmes for underrepresented groups.
Some global DEI team members are being reassigned, with one executive now focusing exclusively on DEI in North America.
Ogilvy has affirmed its ongoing commitment to inclusive culture but is now shifting from a centralised model to a localised one.
“The agency’s commitment to inclusion, culture and bringing diverse thinking to clients hasn’t changed,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
The reorganisation is intended to empower “our regional and local Inclusion leads, who will continue getting support from WPP’s Global Inclusion team".
“This way we can ensure our Inclusion & Impact programs are tailored to each market’s culture and needs,” the statement continued.
“This local focus also means everyone in our network takes more ownership and responsibility.”
A broader industry retreat
Ogilvy’s decision mirrors moves by other major holding companies that are quietly retreating from centralised DEI functions.
Publicis Groupe made cuts to its DEI teams at the end of 2024, while Interpublic Group’s IPG Mediabrands consolidated DEI efforts in April 2024.
WPP and Omnicom Group have also removed references to DEI in their annual reports, indicating a shift in priorities as cost pressures and AI transformations take precedence.
Sustainability and inclusion
The convergence of AI and workforce restructuring raises important questions for companies navigating the evolving definition of sustainability.
Beyond environmental responsibility, sustainability now encompasses social equity and long-term workforce viability.
Moves to decentralise DEI may bring flexibility and localisation, but also risk diluting global accountability if not monitored closely.
As the advertising sector continues to redefine its identity in a tech-led era, the challenge will be to maintain genuine progress in inclusion and social responsibility, even as financial and operational efficiencies dominate strategic decisions.
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