AD Agencies
Collective Creative Labs wins two Silver Effies, ranks top 15
Independent agency shines with strategy-led campaigns that move brands and culture
MUMBAI: Collective Creative Labs (CCL) has bagged two Silver Effies at the 25th Effie India Awards and claimed the 15th spot in the Agency of the Year rankings, marking a standout moment for the independent agency.
For a young agency built without legacy backing, these accolades go beyond trophies. They celebrate a fresh approach: starting with brand truth, sticking to strategy, and creating work that drives business, not just chatter.
Three years ago, Collective Artists Network spotted a gap in the market. Brands had access to creators and cultural moments but lacked cohesive strategy. CCL was born to fill that gap, blending cultural insight with disciplined brand planning to deliver campaigns that truly perform.
Collective Artists Network founder and group CEO Vijay Subramaniam said, “We were already sitting at a rare intersection of culture, creators, entertainment and influence. But brands don’t need access alone; they need alignment. CCL brings strategy to the heart of culture so that it drives real brand growth.”
CCL’s campaigns, including work for Zebronics, Rakesh Masala and Liberty, have travelled far beyond paid media, not chasing virality, but earning it through clarity of insight and purpose. Big names are used to amplify thinking, not replace it.
Collective Creative Labs CEO and partner at Collective Artists Network Sanjana Jain added, “Great work starts with clarity, what the brand stands for, the consumer’s reality, and the business goal. In a world that loves spectacle, we focus on outcomes. These awards validate that approach.”
Both Silver-winning campaigns were built on immersive consumer understanding and sharp strategic thinking, reinforcing CCL as a performance-driven creative partner. Operating where brands, culture, entertainment and emerging media intersect, CCL represents a new kind of agency model, uniting talent, content, influence and strategy under one roof.
For CCL, these wins and the Agency of the Year ranking are just markers of momentum, not the finish line.
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.
