The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) has mandated that WPP Scangroup, a prominent marketing and communications conglomerate, compensate its former CEO Bharat Thakrar in the amount of Ksh 1.95 million.
This decision comes in the wake of Thakrar’s dismissal in 2021.
“The 1st and 2nd Respondents are…ordered to give the Complainant access to his personal data related to his employment as CEO & Director…within 7 days,” the ODPC said in the ruling signed by Data Commissioner Immaculate Kassait.
In March 2024, Thakrar initiated legal proceedings against WPP Scangroup in both Kenya and the United Kingdom, claiming, among other allegations, that the organization had engaged in a conspiracy aimed at damaging his status and reputation as a founder, shareholder, director, and CEO.
Thakrar holds the position of the second largest shareholder in the company, following WPP Group, which possesses just over fifty percent of the issued share capital through two subsidiaries.
In a press release available on the company’s website, WPP Scangroup’s CEO, Patricia Ithau, stated that the publicly listed company “disagrees with the Determination and is contemplating an appeal.”
WPP Scangroup, a subsidiary of WPP, is the largest marketing and communication group in Sub-Saharan Africa.
It operates a multi-agency model encompassing various disciplines, including advertising, media, public relations, and digital services.
Originally founded as SCANAD in 1982, it was rebranded to WPP Scangroup in 2015 to signify its integration with WPP plc.
The group employs over 1,200 people and has a presence in 25 countries across the region, with notable agencies like Ogilvy and JWT under its umbrella.