AD Agencies
Divya Parkhi steps into client lead role at WPP Media
MUMBAI: Divya Parkhi has made her next career move, joining WPP Media as client lead, marking a fresh chapter in a media career that has quietly spanned almost two decades.
Sharing the update, Parkhi said she was “happy to share” that she had taken on the new role. Based in Maharashtra, she steps into the position after a substantial stint within the GroupM ecosystem, where she steadily climbed the planning and leadership ladder.
Before the move, Parkhi served as senior director planning at GroupM for over four years, steering complex media strategies and client mandates. Earlier roles at Lodestar UM, Wavemaker and MediaCom further shaped her expertise across planning, business management and brand handling, with portfolios ranging from automobiles and healthcare to consumer and industrial brands.
Her journey into media began on the research and broadcasting side, with early stints at Star India and Sony Entertainment Television, before moving into agency life through Mudra Communications. That mix of research grounding and frontline planning has become a defining feature of her profile.
At WPP Media, Parkhi is expected to bring both strategic depth and a steady client-first lens, qualities sharpened over years spent navigating some of the industry’s most demanding accounts.
It is a move that feels less like a leap and more like a natural next step, one shaped by experience, timing and a clear view of where the media business is headed next.
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.
