WPP & Mugabe
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- Spookytim
I wrote to them to ask about their involvement in Mugabe's 'campaign' and this is what they sent back...
WPP STATEMENT ON ZIMBABWE
WPP shares the world's outrage at what is happening in Zimbabwe.
We were therefore extremely alarmed by the allegation last week that a firm in which we hold a minority interest (25%) through Y&R and over which we have no legal control, may be advising Robert Mugabe and his political party. This could never happen with our knowledge or approval and we investigated the situation as a matter of urgency.
We have now established that a senior member of the management had been advising President Mugabe in a personal capacity. Nonetheless we want no association with this effort.
WPP's board and management have established clear guidelines for our operating companies on clients for which we are prepared to work. The Mugabe regime in Zimbabwe is not an acceptable client in accordance with these standards.
The decision to divest Y&R's minority interests in Zimbabwe was proposed earlier this year and we are working to ensure this is completed as soon as possible.
Note: Our Group CR Policy on human rights is: "WPP companies will uphold the principles contained in the United Nations Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the International Labour Organisation's fundamental conventions on core labour standards."
- scribbler0
Robert Mugabes' cousin has had a stake in this ad company for 8 years! It stinks.
- MrPierre0
What a bad world...
- kelpie0
what's the firm which this management person actually works with? they don't mention any further down the chain than y&r...
- Spookytim0
...as in, they pass the buck to Y&R. I wonder what Y&R's spokesperson would say. Hmmm.
- kelpie0
not to be a corporate apologist (and I'm not sure of the background on this) but they are a holding company which has over 100000 employees and 2000 offices – that's an awfully big and complex organisation and a there is likely to be a large degree of autonomy in that structure
- kelpie0
but aye, any stick to beat sorrell with's a pretty attractive stick ;)
- Spookytim0
I have to be honest and say I know very little about it. There was a thread earlier in the week, which I couldn't relocate to add this to, which criticised WPP for alledgedly being involved with Mugabe's party. I thought I'd write and see what they have to say for themselves / give them an opportunity to respond to the allegation. That was what they sent back.
- BaskerviIle0
Interesting, especially as I am part of the WPP behemoth. I wasn't aware of this. Doesn't surprise me to be honest though having heard sorrell talk about the growth of the company
- maximillion_0
25% is a minority now?