AD Agencies
Ogilvy Mumbai named APAC Effie Agency of the Year 2015
MUMBAI: The Ogilvy Group in India picked up eight metals at the APAC Effie Awards 2015 that were held in Singapore. The agency also picked up the coveted APAC Effie Agency of the Year award.
The Ogilvy brands that picked up metals included Google, Akanksha, Bournvita and Brooke Bond Red Label.
Soho Square, an independent agency that is part of the Ogilvy Group in India, also picked up metals for its clients, BJP and Voltas.
Overall, the group picked up two Gold, four Silver and two Bronze metals at the 2015 APAC Effies.
“I am truly blessed to be surrounded with so much great talent focused on creating great work. The APAC Effie Agency of the Year is a fantastic triumph. I salute our people and all our clients who constantly partner us to create this wonderful body of work that the world celebrates,” said Ogilvy South Asia executive chairman and creative director Piyush Pandey.
“Ogilvy Mumbai winning the APAC Effie Agency of the Year on the back of Ogilvy India being Indian Effie Agency of the Year earlier this year, is a sweet double hit. We feel proud to do great work that works across such a large spread of clients, reflected in the number of shortlists. It is a moment to savour,” added Ogilvy India vice chairman and director client relations Madhukar Sabnavis.
“It is wonderful to see Ogilvy India shine at the APAC Effies. The two things that make us proud are our work and our people, and it is such a pleasure to see both applauded. The Effies are a great global platform and to have so many Indian brands and marketers recognized at this level is pretty cool,” said Ogilvy India CEO Kunal Jeswani.
“Winning both, the Grand Effie at the India Effies and the Gold and Silver at the APAC Effies is an immense moment of pride for Soho Square,” said Soho Square Mumbai head Samrat Bedi.
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.
