AD Agencies
Goafest 2017: Ramesh Narayan re-elected council chairman
MUMBAI: The Advertising Club and Advertising Agencies Association of India have announced the Awards Governing Council for the Abby’s at Goafest 2017. Ad veteran and industry leader Ramesh Narayan, founder of Canco Advertising has been once again appointed the Chairman of the AGC.
“The Abby’s are the Oscars of Indian advertising. The Awards Governing Council has a wealth of experience and expertise and I feel privileged to lead such an august panel. It will be our endeavor to engage actively with all constituents and ensure that creativity is properly judged and celebrated,” Narayan shared.
The other members elected to the Council are:
The other members elected to the Council are:
· Nakul Chopra, CEO – South Asia, Publicis Communications India & President, Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAA’s of I)
· Ajay Chandwani, Director, Percept Ltd
· Ajay Kakkar, Chief Marketing Officer- Financial Services, Aditya Birla Group.
· Ashish Bhasin, Chairman Goafest 2017 and Chairman & CEO South Asia Dentsu Aegis Network
· CVL Srinivas, Chief Executive Officer, South Asia, GroupM
· M G Parameswaran, Founder at Brand-Building.com
· Nagesh Alai, Founder, Independent Business Advisory and Chairman of C4A
· Partha Sinha, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, McCann Worldgroup
· Pradeep Dwivedi, CEO Sakal Group
· Shashi Sinha, Chief Executive Officer, IPG Mediabrands
The Advertising Club’s Raj Nayak said, “Under Ramesh Narayan’s leadership Goafest 2016 emerged as a huge success with increase in participation and highest standards of ethics and governance. We are sure that with once again taking on the reigns of the awards, he will take this key industry event that is the gold standard in advertising awards, to greater heights.”
“It is great to once again have Ramesh in the driver’s seat of the governing council. His experience of leading multiple industry bodies and awards gives him great perspective and foresight to be able to drive excellence, in the judging and execution of this year’s awards,” added Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAA’s of I) president Nakul Chopra.
AD Agencies
Publicis posts €4.19bn Q1 revenue, 6.4 per cent growth; backs FY outlook
Ad giant signals Q2 acceleration as AI and new deals power momentum
PARIS: Publicis Groupe continues to outperform the industry, delivering a strong start to 2026 under Chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun. Despite a volatile global macro environment, the company has now outpaced the industry for nearly 20 consecutive quarters.
For Q1 2026, total revenue reached €4,191 million, up from €4,161 million last year, with organic growth of 6.4 per cent. Net revenue, which excludes pass-through costs, stood at €3,460 million, reflecting organic growth of 4.5 per cent.
Exchange rates had a negative impact of €268 million, mainly due to a weaker US dollar and pound sterling. Acquisitions, including Adge.AI and 160over90, contributed an additional €46 million.
Performance across regions was largely positive, with some variation:
- North America, accounting for 59 per cent of net revenue, grew 4.7 per cent
- Europe recorded growth of 3.9 per cent, led by the UK at 6.2 per cent, while France grew 1.6 per cent
- Asia Pacific posted 5.9 per cent growth, driven by China at 11.7 per cent
- Latin America grew 13.3 per cent
- Middle East and Africa declined 5.1 per cent due to geopolitical challenges
AI-powered marketing services, which now make up 86 per cent of the business, grew 5.6 per cent. However, the technology segment, representing 14 per cent of revenue, declined slightly as clients reduced spending on large-scale transformation projects.
Sharing his outlook, Publicis Groupe chairman and CEO Arthur Sadoun said, “Publicis had a very strong start to the year, outperforming the industry for almost 20 quarters in a row despite the volatile macro environment. Organic revenue growth reached 6.4%, leading to 4.5% in net and further increasing the gap with our peers.” He added that the company remains confident of delivering industry-leading performance. “We are confirming our industry-leading organic growth guidance of 4 to 5%, with the 4% rock solid, and a sequential organic growth acceleration in Q2 despite a higher comparable.”
Publicis continued its expansion with the acquisition of Adge.AI in March, followed by 160over90 in April to strengthen its sports and culture marketing capabilities.
Net financial debt stood at €1,156 million at the end of March, reflecting a seasonal shift from the net cash position at the end of 2025. Average net debt over the past twelve months was €1,035 million.
The company has reaffirmed its full-year guidance, expecting net revenue organic growth of 4 to 5 per cent in 2026. It also anticipates an operating margin slightly above 18.2 per cent and free cash flow of approximately €2.1 billion.
With expectations of stronger performance in the second quarter, Publicis remains well positioned to sustain its growth momentum.
