WPP has confirmed it will be discontinuing all business activities in Russia over the country’s invasion of Ukraine, saying it stands with “the international community in condemning this unjustifiable aggression”.
In a note sent to all WPP employees, global CEO Mark Read said the company had been carefully considering the future of its agencies in Russia and what its actions would mean for its nearly 1,400 people there.
He added: “We have concluded that to continue operating in Russia would be inconsistent with our values as a company. This means that over the next few weeks and months, we will discontinue our activities in the country.
“Our Russian colleagues have been dedicated and valued members of the WPP family for a long time and I deeply regret the impact this decision will have on them.”
The group’s agencies which operate in Russia include Wunderman Thompson, Ogilvy, PBN Hill + Knowlton and BCW. It says it will now work with its people, clients and partners to “consider all options”, including transfer of ownership and divestment, and it will provide additional and enhanced financial support to anyone who loses their employment as a result of this decision. Local agency leaders are said to be discussing next steps with their teams directly.
Read continued: “The world has watched the invasion of Ukraine with growing horror and disbelief. WPP stands with Ukraine and the international community in condemning this unjustifiable aggression, which has created a humanitarian crisis in the heart of Europe.”
WPP added that its 200 people in Ukraine “have shown extraordinary resilience and bravery in the face of the horrific attack on their country, and we have been inspired by their example and the outpouring of support from their colleagues in the region and worldwide”.
Read also thanked the “thousands” who have already donated to a UNHCR appeal set up by WPP agency Blue State to help people forced to flee the fighting in Ukraine. WPP has been matching all donations from WPP employees and will continue to do so.
Meanwhile, Accenture has revealed it will also be discontinuing its business in Russia, where it has 2,300 employees and donating $5m (£3.8m) to the humanitarian fund. While Accenture does not have a presence in Ukraine, it does have Ukrainian employees around its network and has pledged to support them.
The company said: “Accenture stands with the people of Ukraine and the governments, companies and individuals around the world calling for the immediate end to the unlawful and horrific attack on the people of Ukraine and their freedom. Therefore, Accenture is discontinuing our business in Russia.
“We thank our nearly 2,300 colleagues in Russia for their dedication and service to Accenture over the years. We will be providing support to our Russian colleagues. While Accenture does not have a business in Ukraine, we will continue our efforts to help our Ukrainian colleagues working around the globe at Accenture and their extended families; we are providing telehealth for those in Ukraine, and helping resettle family members who leave Ukraine.
“We are donating $5m to nonprofit relief organisations working to help people in Ukraine and those who are being displaced into Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic. We are also matching 100% of the donations from our people.”
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