BT’s outgoing CEO Phillip Jansen has been considered to become the next chairman of marketing firm WPP.

According to Sky News, Jansen, who is to step down from the telecoms company in spring, is one of several prospective candidates to have been approached for the post.

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However, WPP’s search is not yet at an advanced stage, with no certainty Jansen or WPP would progress his application further.

Jansen joined BT in 2013, after holding the position of CEO at Worldpay. Before that he was CEO and then chairman at Brakes Group between 2010 and 2015.

He started his career at FMCG giant Procter & Gamble (P&G) and has also held senior positions at MyTravel, Sodexo and Telewest Communications (now Virgin Media).

The news comes as WPP CEO Mark Read was recently awarded a CBE in the King’s New Year Honours list, for his services to the creative industries.

Read was promoted from Chief Operating Officer to the CEO role at WPP in 2018 succeeding Sir Martin Sorrell. Prior to that, he held leadership roles at Wunderman and WPP Digital.

“I am delighted and proud to have received this honour,” Read said.

“The creative industries and the many thousands of amazing people who work within them – not least those at WPP – are such an important part of British life, with a huge impact on both our culture and economy. It’s wonderful to see that contribution recognised.”