Sorrell

A trial in London pits WPP boss Martin Sorrell against two ad executives he claims authored an anonymous - and libelous - blog disparaging him and his agency, reports the New York Times. 

The blog referred to Sorrell as an imposing mafia-boss type and included remarks and photos of him with a woman who worked at a WPP firm and who also had a relationship with Sorrell. The two alleged blog authors are former employees, fired from an Italian firm owned by WPP, who also allegedly circulated via email a racy image of Sorrell and the woman.

Forensic computer specialists have testified that electronic fingerprints point to the two fired execs as being behind the blog, a charge they deny.

The blog not only touches on Sorrell's private life but also his management style. His hands-on approach to agency operations has apparently left some feeling disgruntled and frustrated - along with making WPP the powerhouse that it is.