AD Agencies
Ogilvy’s influence chief calls time after 12 years
LONDON: Rahul Titus is leaving WPP after a dozen years, during which he transformed Ogilvy into the world’s largest and most awarded influencer marketing operation. The global head of influence, who also leads influencer strategy for WPP Open X, announced his departure with plans for a trek to Everest Base Camp and some cycling holidays.
Under Titus’s watch, Ogilvy has grown to employ more than 650 influencer specialists across over 30 markets. The agency has claimed the title of the world’s leading influencer network for seven consecutive years and won the Social & Creator Grand Prix at Cannes Lions for two years running.
Titus joined Ogilvy as an intern in Bangalore before climbing through the ranks. He took on the role of managing partner and head of influence for Britain and Europe, the Middle East and Africa in September 2017, then became global head of influence in June 2022. His portfolio has included blue-chip clients such as Walgreens Boots Alliance, Bacardi, Mondelez, Mattel, Unilever, British Airways and Vodafone.
Since November 2021, he has also served as global influence lead for WPP Open X, a bespoke unit that handles celebrity and influencer work for more than 200 Coca-Cola brands across 195 countries. He is a founding board member of the Influencer Marketing Trade Body, established in October 2021 to professionalise the industry.
Before Ogilvy, Titus spent six months at YMU as director of social talent, where he managed digital-first creators. Earlier, he spent nearly three years at MediaCom, establishing and running its global influencer offering for clients including Shell, Revlon, LVMH and Sony. He began his career in search engine optimisation at Dentsu Aegis Network agencies Carat and iProspect.
In his farewell message, Titus thanked WPP leaders including Julianna, Laurent, Fiona, Liz, Devika, Karen and Lindsay for their support. He said change was “scary but also exciting” and that he would be “cheering loudly from the sidelines” for his former colleagues.
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.
