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
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.
