AD Agencies
SW Network lands creative role for Fila and Foot Locker
MUMBAI: SW Network has put its best foot forward, winning the creative mandate for Fila and Foot Locker from Metro Brands Ltd, one of India’s most established names in footwear retail.
Announced in Mumbai on 26 November, the partnership sees the agency handling Fila’s digital creative work while also taking charge of mainline creative duties for Foot Locker. For Metro Brands Ltd, known for decades of craftsmanship, quality and a sharp eye for global trends, the move signals a renewed push to connect with younger, style-driven consumers.
SW Network will look to sharpen Fila’s digital presence and speak to India’s growing athleisure audience through lively storytelling and interactive online campaigns. For Foot Locker, the goal is to cement its place as India’s home of sneaker culture by spotlighting individuality, movement and self-expression.
SW Network co-founder Pranav Agarwal, said the team was energised by the brief, noting that the aim was not just to advertise but to spark conversation and build community.
Metro Brands Ltd head of marketing (AVP) for the sports division Meenakshi Samantaray, said the partnership arrives at the right moment as athleisure gains momentum in the country. She added that Sociowash’s creative understanding and cultural intuition would help the company connect strategically with its audiences.
The win adds another stride to SW Network’s expanding portfolio as it continues crafting campaigns designed to make brands stand out in a crowded market.
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.
