He felt sitting around the boardroom table and looking at those guys in the eyes after what he'd been put through was not a particularly attractive option," the person close to Mr. Sorrell said. Martin Sorrell , the 73-year - old founder of advertising giant WPP , has stepped down as CEO amid an investigation into an allegation of personal misconduct . WPP said the details of the internal probe would remain confidential . Martin , who founded the world 's largest advertising firm three decades ago , denies the allegations but said the situation was " “ too much unnecessary pressure on the business ” . WPP stock has fallen by a third in the past year . Roberto Quarta , WPP chairman , will remain as executive chairman until a new CEO is appointed .
Martin Sorrell , the 73-year - old founder of advertising giant WPP , has stepped down as CEO amid an investigation into an allegation of personal misconduct . WPP said the details of the internal probe would remain confidential . Martin , who founded the world 's largest advertising firm three decades ago , denies the allegations but said the situation was " “ too much unnecessary pressure on the business ” . WPP stock has fallen by a third in the past year . Roberto Quarta , WPP chairman , will remain as executive chairman until a new CEO is appointed .