AD Agencies
Aleph drops the donut as it rebrands Mediadonuts across APAC in digital power play
MUMBAI: When global ambition meets local appetite, even digital donuts don’t last long. Aleph, the international digital media giant, has rebranded Mediadonuts—its regional digital ad business across Asia Pacific—under a single name: Aleph. This move marks the final stamp on its 2024 acquisition of Entravision’s digital operations.
As of 16 June 2025, the rebrand is live across India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. While the sprinkles of nostalgia may linger for Mediadonuts loyalists, Aleph is rolling forward with a streamlined identity aimed at deeper integration and regional scale.
The rebrand embeds APAC into Aleph’s global machinery, unlocking new pathways for advertisers and digital platforms. With over 60 exclusive media partnerships, a presence in 150+ markets, and 1,500+ employees, Aleph now serves more than 26,000 advertisers worldwide.
“Becoming one unique brand under Aleph represents a strategic outcome for our partners and clients, reflecting the significant potential that lies ahead under the broader umbrella of Aleph”, said Aleph in APAC MD Pieter-Jan de Kroon.
Aleph plans to use this unification to deepen its grip on the region, offering global clients local insights, publisher access, and tech-powered efficiency tailored to each market.
“By fully consolidating our APAC operations under the Aleph brand, we are achieving a new level of strategic alignment between global digital media platforms and the region’s vast opportunities,” said Aleph Group CEO & founder Gastón Taratuta.
From media and payments to digital education, the rebrand signals Aleph’s ambition to act as a digital bridge between the world’s fastest-growing consumer regions and its most powerful platforms.
AD Agencies
Microsoft shifts global media account from Dentsu to Publicis Groupe: Reports
Closed review ends decade-long tie-up; Xbox remit may remain with Dentsu
MUMBAI: Microsoft has reassigned its global media planning and buying business to Publicis Groupe, according to media reports, ending Dentsu’s long-standing stewardship of one of the advertising industry’s biggest accounts.
The move follows a closed review and marks a notable shake-up in the global media landscape. Dentsu, which managed the account through Carat, had held the mandate since 2014 and successfully defended it in a 2018 review.
While the broader business is shifting, Dentsu is expected to retain media responsibilities for Xbox, according to media reports, though the exact contours of that arrangement remain unclear. None of the parties involved have publicly outlined the transition timeline or the full structure of the handover.
The scale of the account underscores the significance of the change. Estimates from COMvergence, cited by Ad Age, peg Microsoft’s global media spend at roughly $700 million last year.
For Publicis Groupe, the win deepens an already expanding relationship with the tech giant. Earlier this year, Microsoft Advertising partnered with Publicis Media Exchange and Epsilon to integrate Epsilon’s data into its platform, aiming to sharpen targeting across search, native and display formats.
The decision reflects a broader industry shift, as large advertisers increasingly favour agency partners with strong first-party data capabilities, AI integration and platform-led solutions. Publicis Groupe has been leaning into this model, positioning its data assets and technology stack as a central differentiator.
For Dentsu, the loss is significant. Media remains a core pillar of its global business, and the development comes close on the heels of leadership changes, including the appointment of Takeshi Sano as global chief executive officer.
The shift also carries a touch of irony. Microsoft and Dentsu have worked closely beyond the client-agency relationship, including collaborations around AI tools such as Copilot to support media and creative workflows.
As the dust settles, the message is clear: in today’s data-driven, AI-powered media world, relationships may be long, but they are rarely permanent.
