AD Agencies
Omnicom named most creative agency by Gunn Report
MUMBAI: Gunn Report for Media named Omnicom Media Group Agency OMD Worldwide as world’s most creative media agency. This year, the perennial first ranked network was joined in the top three by sister Omnicom Media Group agency PHD Worldwide, which claimed the third place ranking.
The Gunn Report for Media is the industry standard for evaluating media creativity, ranking agencies according to their performance in the top industry awards shows around the world. Most importantly, it recognizes the vital role media agencies play in today’s highly competitive and fragmented communications landscape. The rankings reflect a point system based on awards won in more than 50 annual award competitions worldwide.
In addition to OMD leading the list with 521 points, the top five slots were claimed by Starcom-Mediavest (Publicis) with 467 points; Omnicom Media Group’s PHD (357 points); Mindshare (Group M) with 294 points; and UM (IPG) with 209 points.
With agencies claiming the first and third slots on the ranking, Omnicom Media Group is the only media holding group to have two agencies in the ranking’s top five. With a combined 878 points earned by its OMD and PHD networks, Omnicom Media Group also earned the most combined points of any media holding group in the ranking, followed by GroupM, which earned a total of 738 points earned across its four agency networks.
For its ninth showing at the top of the list, OMD’s top ranking reflects recognition earned in 2014 by agencies in every region across its network, with stand-out performers including OMD Singapore, OMD UK, OMD Colombia and OMD MENA, which was the most awarded media agency at the 2014 Effies.
PHD joins the Top Three for the first time, having won four Gold Media Lions in Cannes – the most Golds won by any media agency in 2014. Among the standout performers are PHD UK and PHD India; as well as PHD Hong Kong, PHD New Zealand, PHD China, PHD Denmark and PHD Colombia. PHD was also recognized in the report for having two of the world’s most awarded campaigns in 2014.
Omnicom Media Group CEO Daryl Simm said, “Awards are a great testament to the innovation and creativity of our networks and our people. No source provides as comprehensive a measure of an organization’s ability to deliver great work on a global level as the Gunn Report — we’re very proud of this recognition.”
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.
