AD Agencies
O&M bags 17 awards at 47th Annual Effie Awards
MUMBAI: Ogilvy & Mather was recognized with top accolades as both O&M North America and the New York office were recognized as the most effective individual office and agency network of the year in their respective categories.
This is the third consecutive year the New York office received top honors on behalf of all creative agencies and the fourth year for the network as a whole. WPP was also recognized as the most effective holding company.
In total, the O&M network won 17 awards across categories including two Gold, nine Silver and six Bronze Effies for noteworthy work on behalf of clients such as IBM, British Airways, IHG, Nestlé, Kimberly-Clark and Caterpillar.
“This honor reinforces the fact that there is a powerful correlation between innovative creative thinking and overall effectiveness. By understanding what people value most at different moments in their lives, we continue to deliver the best for our clients – by creating campaigns that drive true business results,” said Ogilvy & Mather worldwide head of planning Colin Mitchell.
IBM was awarded with a total of seven Effies for work with the agency and was named the most effective brand. It was also recognized as the second most effective marketer in North America. Kimberly-Clark was recognized as the third most effective marketer in North America.
“At Ogilvy, we exist to ‘Make Brands Matter.’ It is through the discipline of that mission that we can deliver not just exceptionally creative work for our clients, but work that drives business results and growth. I could not be prouder of what we’ve accomplished at the Effies for the past three years in New York,” said Ogilvy & Mather New York CEO Lou Aversano.
The awards, which recognize the most effective marketing communications cases and agencies in the United States and Canada, are based on the analysis of the North America Effie Awards finalist and winner data from the past year.
“To continue to receive such high recognition by such a prestigious award is an honor. It speaks to the volume of talented individuals that live within our network and the innovative and creative efforts we’ve proven to deliver to our clients over and over again. We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to help them build their brands and are excited to share this honor with each of them,” added Ogilvy & Mather North America chairman and CEO John Seifert.
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.
