Smarter, Safer Data Future for GroupM and WPP Open
WPP has acquired data collaboration pioneer InfoSum—an acquisition set to supercharge the holding company’s artificial intelligence (AI) and first-party data capabilities.
The deal, whose terms remain undisclosed, reflects WPP’s accelerating strategy to deepen its technological advantage in an advertising landscape that is rapidly shifting away from third-party cookies and identity-based targeting.
Founded in 2015, InfoSum brings with it a cutting-edge cross-cloud infrastructure, allowing clients to integrate multiple data sources securely, without compromising privacy.
At the heart of this acquisition lies a simple but powerful premise: empowering brands to harness first-party data more effectively, without relinquishing control or compromising consumer trust.
InfoSum’s privacy-centric platform already powers data collaboration for major players such as Netflix and Samsung Ads, drawing from a network of retailers, media companies and identity partners.
“Bringing InfoSum into WPP is a major step forward for our data capabilities and the results we can deliver for our clients,” said WPP CEO Mark Read.
“It allows clients to stay in complete control of their first-party data, while also giving them access to vastly greater quantities of high-quality, privacy-compliant data and pioneering technology.”
InfoSum will become part of GroupM, WPP’s media investment powerhouse, and its technology will be embedded into WPP Open, the firm’s AI-driven operating platform.
The integration aims to create a seamless data ecosystem where clients can blend their proprietary datasets with rich, real-time signals from InfoSum’s vast data pools—enabling dynamic AI model training and precision targeting at scale.
Identity-based targeting to first-party signal-based intelligence
GroupM CEO Brian Lesser, who previously served as InfoSum’s CEO (2020–2024), described the deal as a milestone in WPP’s data evolution.
“By directly integrating InfoSum’s global network, we enable clients to unlock far greater value from their data—training AI models with breadth and speed never seen before,” he said.
The acquisition also reflects a broader industry trend: a pivot from identity-based targeting to first-party signal-based intelligence.
With regulations tightening and platforms like Apple leading the privacy charge, advertisers are under mounting pressure to rethink how they engage audiences.
InfoSum’s architecture offers an elegant solution—retaining relevance without infringing on consumer privacy.
Lauren Wetzel, InfoSum’s current CEO, will stay on post-acquisition while stepping into a new role as Chief Solutions Officer at GroupM.
She’ll lead efforts to develop data-centric products for WPP and GroupM clients, reinforcing the company’s commitment to privacy-first innovation.
“We couldn’t be more excited to join GroupM at a time when AI is redefining what’s possible for marketers,” Wetzel noted.
“Together, we’ll help our partners thrive in a world where privacy, security, and performance go hand in hand.”
The acquisition comes at a pivotal time for WPP, following a lukewarm earnings call in February.
CEO Mark Read had promised bold investments in AI and proprietary media technology—this move with InfoSum delivers just that.
With enhanced infrastructure, smarter targeting, and future-ready data capabilities, WPP is not just catching up—it’s aiming to lead the next era of intelligent advertising.
