AD Agencies
IPG Mediabrands chief Eileen Kiernan exits as Omnicom integration kicks in
NEW YORK: The Omnicom IPG shake-up is claiming a high-profile casualty. Eileen Kiernan, global chief executive of IPG Mediabrands, is set to leave as the network disappears into Omnicom Media in early 2026. Her departure, flagged in an internal memo, underlines the scale of upheaval ripping through the newly combined empire.
The $13bn takeover of Interpublic Group has already unleashed thousands of layoffs, the retirement of three long-standing agency brands and a boardroom reshuffle across continents. India has not been spared. Shashi Sinha shifts to strategic advisor while Amardeep Singh grabs the chief operating officer remit in the redesigned structure. Mediabrands itself shuts down as a standalone unit, absorbed into a single global media machine.
Kiernan, who took charge of Mediabrands in 2023 and previously led the Johnson & Johnson account, promised more change ahead. She thanked staff for commitment during a turbulent period and plans to stay through the first months of 2026 to ensure a smooth handover to Omnicom Media chief executive Florian Adamski.
The new Omnicom Media umbrella houses six network agencies: OMD, PHD and Hearts & Science from Omnicom, plus UM, Initiative and Mediahub from IPG. Omnicom Media Investment, Outdoor Media Group and Kinesso form the commercial spine, while Acxiom and Annalect anchor the data layer. Specialist units including Omnicom Media Health, Ptarmigan, TRKKN, Optimum Sports, Fuse and Creo bolt onto the structure.
Leadership will largely come from the Omnicom bench. Justin Wroe, until now US chief of Mediabrands, becomes chief commercial officer. Daniel Fox and Jonathan Rigby retain key seats as chief investment officer and chief strategy officer.
Industry watchers expect the merged giant to flex formidable media-buying muscle and tilt the flow of billions in global ad spend. The consolidation is far from over. The disruption has only just begun and the dust is nowhere close to settling.
AD Agencies
Havas Media India bags integrated media mandate for Modenik Lifestyle
Agency to steer full-spectrum online and offline campaigns for iconic innerwear brands
MUMBAI: Havas Media India has been appointed as the media agency of record for Modenik Lifestyle, taking charge of both online and offline media strategy, planning, and buying for the popular innerwear and lifestyle brand.
Modenik Lifestyle is home to some of India’s most trusted brands, including Enamor, a leading fashion lingerie label celebrated for its modern designs, and Dixcy Scott, renowned for comfort and mass appeal across generations. Together, these brands reflect Modenik’s vision of delivering aspirational yet accessible lifestyle products to millions of Indians.
Under the new mandate, Havas Media India will oversee end-to-end media across Television, Print, Radio, Cinema, Digital, Out-of-Home, Mobile, and BTL activations. The partnership comes as Modenik accelerates its integrated media presence nationwide, with a special focus on South India where Havas Media has been expanding rapidly.
Modenik Lifestyle Pvt Ltd CEO and executive director Shekhar Tewari said, “We wanted a media partner who truly understands both digital and traditional landscapes. Havas Media India brings a sharp, data-driven approach and strong on-ground execution. We look forward to reaching the right audiences at the right moments and creating something impactful together.”
Havas Media Network India CEO Mohit Joshi added, “Modenik Lifestyle embodies the desire of brands to mean more and consumers to connect deeply. Their iconic products have won the love of generations, and we are thrilled to partner with them to drive desire-led growth across every touchpoint.”
Havas Media India & Havas Play COO Uday Mohan noted, “With brands like Dixcy Scott and Enamor, our goal is to elevate existing equity with seamless, insight-led campaigns. South India is a particularly exciting growth region, and this win reflects the momentum of our teams there.”
The mandate reinforces Havas Media India’s position as one of the fastest-growing media networks in India and strengthens its footprint in South India, a market known for its regional nuances and hyperlocal consumer engagement.
