According to WPP's Chief Executive Mark Read, who plans to step down by year-end, the clients' cautious outlook and reduced buying opportunities have significantly impacted the company. Despite efforts to streamline its media operations with AI and relaunch GroupM as WPP Media, the anticipated business improvements remain elusive. WPP anticipates continued trading difficulties into the year's second half, following client losses and challenges in key markets like China, compounded by the emergence of AI tools enabling clients to manage their marketing campaigns independently.