AD Agencies
Draftfcb+Ulka’s Star One building future leaders
MUMBAI: On the back of some new client wins and growth in existing businesses, Draftfcb+Ulka has brought on board trainees from some of the management, communication, art and design schools in the country through their Star One programme.
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Elaborating on the programme, Draftfcb+Ulka Mumbai COO Nitin Karkare said” Star One is not just about talent. It is about nurturing a culture and a value system which is unique to this agency. We are delighted that the program is now in its 23rd year and growing from strength to strength.”
The agency Star One is the advertising industry’s most comprehensive entry level training programme. The trainees are put through an intensive two-month training of which the first month is classroom sessions conducted by senior managers from the company.
Draftfcb+Ulka vice president Anita Gokral was a part of the Star One 1995 batch sharing her own experience of Star One programme she said, “Star One guided me into the organisation’s culture, its approach to the business and exigencies of the real world. One could have picked this up on the job but the program gives you space to absorb, appreciate and develop a perspective without getting overbearing. It puts forward the Agency’s confidence and commitment which are critical to managing enthusiasm and morale in the initial years.”
Similarly, Draftfcb+Ulka vice president HR Savita Mathai said, “The fact that this programme has been running consistently for 23 years now is testimony to the Agency’s commitment to growing and nurturing talent. For us it is not just about talent acquisition; it is about creating a culture that grows leaders.”
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.
