WPP appoints former Apple boss Angela Ahrendts to its board

Before that Ahrendts was chief executive at Burberry, where she modernised what was at the time a tired British brand.

The advertising industry has been hit by coronavirus with corporates slashing spend and tightening budgets.

Roberto Quarta, chairman at WPP, said: "Angela's reputation as a leader of creative and technology-driven businesses is second to none; she also has deep insight into our clients' needs in a changing world. We are delighted that she will be joining the WPP Board."

Angela Ahrendts said: "WPP is one of the world's leading creative companies. Mark and his excellent leadership team have a strong sense of purpose and a strategy that values creative talent while embracing societal shifts and new technologies. I am so honoured to support their ongoing development as a member of the WPP Board."