AD Agencies
Rediffusion throws open consumer research wing Red Lab
MUMBAI: Rediffusion Brand Solutions has launched its specialised consumer research and analysis wing called Rediffusion Consumer Lab (Red Lab).
This unit will specialise in consumer understanding, consumer behaviour and trend spotting to come up with actionable business intelligence which can then lead to brand solutions. Red Lab will be reporting to Rediffusion joint president Navonil Chatterjee.
Rediffusion Group chairman Diwan Arun Nanda said, “I have always believed in the power of brands, and brand building is all about looking beyond the short term and focussing on the long term. It involves understanding consumer behaviour and sometimes, even changing consumer habits. That’s possible only through actionable, data-backed intelligence and not lose assumptions and vague gut feelings. And Red Lab will be that voice of wise counsel for our client partners and prospects.”
Rediffusion Brand Solutions managing director Sandeep Goyal added, “This was a clear priority area so far as I was concerned. In the olden days, sailors looked at stars and constellations to navigate their way around in the high seas. To tide over the choppy waters of a hypercompetitive market, brands too need guiding stars and accurate category, market and consumer information can be those guide-marks for brands. Besides right from my Airtel and Mogae days, I have been a strong advocate of data-based marketing and this is a step in that direction from Rediffusion.”
Chatterjee said, “Think of it as a first step towards brand consultancy. We already had some fantastic brand workshopping and creative ideation tools and techniques. Coupled with that, this consumer intelligence gathering wing will help us further in spotting trends and insight mining, and we sincerely hope that we end up mining gold here.”
AD Agencies
Omnicom to divest $2.5 billion businesses in 12 months: CEO John Wren
Group doubles synergy target to $1.5bn as jobs, brands and markets go
NEW YORK: Omnicom Group is preparing to divest or exit businesses generating about $2.5 billion in annual revenue, stepping up a sweeping portfolio overhaul after its $13.25 billion acquisition of Interpublic Group.
Speaking on the group’s fourth-quarter earnings call, chairman and chief executive officer John Wren said Omnicom had already sold or exited units worth more than $800 million in annual revenue and expects to complete the remaining disposals within 12 months.
The company is also scaling back in smaller markets, shifting from majority to minority ownership in businesses accounting for roughly $700 million in revenue. These markets, Wren said, are no longer central to Omnicom’s long-term strategy.
Following the IPG merger, Omnicom has doubled its targeted annual run-rate synergies to $1.5 billion over the next 30 months, from an earlier estimate of $750 million. Management expects to capture $900 million of those savings in 2026 alone, with around $1 billion coming from labour cost reductions as overlapping corporate, network and operational roles are eliminated.
Further efficiencies will flow from simplified regional and brand structures, consolidated resources, and faster outsourcing and offshoring under a unified operating model. In December 2025, the group said it would cut more than 4,000 jobs and fold several agency brands into larger networks.
Wren also underlined stepped-up investment in automation and artificial intelligence to lift margins and sharpen client servicing amid intensifying competition.
The board has authorised a $5 billion share buyback, including a $2.5 billion accelerated repurchase programme, while committing continued investment in media, commerce, consulting and data capabilities.
Omnicom reported a 27.9 per cent rise in fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 revenue to $5.53 billion, reflecting organic growth and one month’s contribution from IPG, compared with $4.32 billion a year earlier. Wren said the IPG combination strengthened the client roster, citing new or expanded mandates from American Express, Bayer, BBVA, BNY, Mercedes-Benz and NatWest Group.
