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Bayer names MediaCom as its global media agency
Mumbai: Bayer has named WPP’s MediaCom as its global full-service media agency. MediaCom global client president and Team Bayer lead at WPP Costin Mihaila will head up the account, with full handover in the markets new to the agency taking place as of 1 January 2022. The pitch process was managed by MediaSense.
The agency network will contribute to driving Bayer’s modernised marketing strategy, with best-in-class data and content integration as a key driver for business growth. The agency will also support the German multinational pharmaceutical company’s ongoing commitment to ‘Media For Good’, ensuring that both companies continue to develop their initiatives and leadership in I&D, sustainability, and brand communications suitability, said the statement.
MediaCom will fully leverage WPP’s Choreograph to deliver the expertise and insight required for Bayer to lead the industry in the critical area of data-driven marketing, it added.
“The agency proved that it shares our vision and commitment to create a customised data-focused solution that will help us deliver on our ‘media for growth’ ambition whilst also exceeding on its sustainability commitment and media for good vision,” said Bayer chief marketing & digital officer Patricia Corsi. “I am confident that together we will realise our ambition to be the best in our industry. While congratulating MediaCom I would like to also take this opportunity to recognise and appreciate the three partners involved in the review process for their professionalism, commitment and shared values with Bayer.”
MediaCom previously worked with Bayer across 65 markets, but this consolidation will add crucial markets such as Germany, China, and Russia to its remit and ensure further synergies for both companies. Consolidating the global business for the first time will also deliver enhanced best practice sharing, simpler ways of working, as well as consistency of approach, improved data, and reporting.
“I’m thrilled that we have built on our existing strong relationship with Bayer. We are now in a solid position to deliver a step-change in media thinking and activation that drives growth and celebrates the good that the company’s brands provide,” said MediaCom global CEO Nick Lawson. “Our new working relationship will enable us to see the bigger picture for Bayer and deliver smarter, more personalised, and relevant messages across the business.”
MAM
Lego brings Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappé, Vinicius together
Campaign clocks 314 million views ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 buzz.
MUMBAI: Four legends, one frame and not a single tackle in sight. Lego has pulled off a crossover few thought possible, uniting Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in a single campaign ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 only this time, they’re building dreams brick by brick.
Titled “Everyone wants a piece”, the campaign features the quartet assembling a Lego version of the World Cup trophy, before placing miniature versions of themselves atop it, a playful nod to football’s ultimate prize. Shared widely across social media, the ad carries a pointed disclaimer: it is not AI-generated, a subtle but telling signal in an era where even reality is often questioned.
The numbers tell their own story. The campaign has already crossed 314 million views on Instagram across the players’ accounts, with fans hailing it as a rare, almost nostalgic moment particularly for the reunion of Messi and Ronaldo, whose last shared campaign ahead of the 2022 World Cup became one of the platform’s most-liked posts.
Beyond the film, Lego is extending the play with exclusive, player-themed sets tied to each of the four stars, part of a broader football-led programme designed to ride the global momentum building towards 2026. The idea, as echoed by the players themselves, leans into the parallels between football and play experimentation, creativity, failure, and triumph.
Messi described the sets as a way to bring on-pitch moments into an imaginative, hands-on world, while Ronaldo called the transformation into a Lego figure a rare honour, blending sport with storytelling. Vinícius, meanwhile, struck a more personal note, recalling childhood moments of building with Lego and framing creativity as a universal language that transcends borders.
The timing is no accident. With the 2026 World Cup set to run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and featuring an expanded 48-team format, global anticipation is already building. Argentina, led by Messi, will enter as defending champions, adding another layer of intrigue.
For Lego, the campaign does more than celebrate football, it taps into its mythology. Because when icons become figurines and rivalries turn into play, the beautiful game finds a new kind of pitch. one built, quite literally, by hand.
