AD Agencies
Syed Amjad Ali launches content & brand strategy platform Catalysts
NEW DELHI: One of the founding members and former president of Mullen Lowe Lintas, Syed Amjad Ali has announced the launch of his own start-up – Catalysts. The newfound agency will focus on content and brand strategy.
Ali had moved on from Mullen Lintas earlier this month, after spending more than 25 years at the company.
As shared by Catalysts in a press statement, the agency is working on two pillars: content and consulting services. It proposes to move into other verticals through partnerships. Catalysts will particularly leverage data and communicate meaningfully on non-TV assets.
"The pandemic shifted goal posts and threw open opportunities. As budgets shrank, resources became tight and consumer attitudes shifted, efficiency and efficacy became more important. Locations became irrelevant. Virtual meetings enhanced punctuality and conversations became fruitful. This shift mandated a new sensibility, a new attitude and a new thought process. It can no longer be business as usual. However, given the size and baggage of the legacy setups, the struggle to change will continue. Next year, we would be at least five years ahead of time; it’s that kind of shift. One needs to be nimble in order to catch up. That’s at the heart of this opportunity. This process might have started long ago but the pandemic made it real and accelerated it," the statement read.
Catalysts comes with the promise to always hunt for interesting brand stories no matter where they come from, and then collaborate and explore how best it can be told. The communication will be customised and tailor-made to fulfil aspirations.
AD Agencies
Publicis Groupe to acquire 160over90 from WME Group
Deal aims to build data-led platform linking brands, fans and culture at scale
MUMBAI: Publicis Groupe has agreed to acquire 160over90 from WME Group, in a move that signals a major push into the fast-growing world of sports and culture-led marketing.
The deal, subject to regulatory approvals, will see Publicis combine its existing Publicis Sports capabilities with 160over90’s global footprint to create what it calls a unified, end-to-end platform connecting brands with audiences through sport, entertainment and culture.
Founded as a division of WME Group, 160over90 has built a reputation for delivering high-impact campaigns across some of the world’s biggest sporting moments, including the Super Bowl, Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup. With over 670 employees across the US, UK, EMEA and Apac, the agency works with global brands to create experiences that resonate both on and off the field.
The acquisition reflects a broader shift in marketing, where sport has become a central pillar of premium media. With the global sports media market estimated at $150 billion and sponsorships crossing $90 billion, brands are increasingly looking for more integrated ways to engage audiences.
Publicis is betting that a data-led approach will be the differentiator. By integrating 160over90 with its own capabilities, including the Epsilon identity ecosystem and Influential network, the company aims to offer marketers a seamless way to plan, activate and measure campaigns across media, sponsorships, live events and creator partnerships.
Publicis Groupe CEO Arthur Sadoun said, “After building our industry-leading position in identity resolution, commerce, and creators, our next big bet is sport. In the age of AI, it has become one of the most high-value channels for clients.”
He added that combining 160over90’s expertise with Publicis’ data and technology stack would help “connect brands to fans in ways that are both meaningful and measurable”.
Echoing the sentiment, Publicis Connected Media CEO Dave Penski said, “Sport has become the most powerful intersection of culture, commerce and community,” highlighting the growing need to treat sports marketing as a measurable channel rather than just brand-building.
As part of the deal, Publicis will also enter into a strategic partnership with WME Group, enabling closer collaboration on talent, content and brand partnerships. WME Group president Mark Shapiro said the tie-up would open up new opportunities for talent and brands to scale their ambitions globally.
Post acquisition, the combined Publicis Sports entity will report to Suzy Deering, while Robbie Henchman will remain with WME Group to oversee the ongoing partnership.
The move builds on Publicis’ recent investments in the space, including acquisitions of Adopt and Bespoke in 2025 and a partnership with Magic Johnson Enterprises, underscoring its intent to dominate the intersection of sport, culture and commerce.
As brands chase both attention and accountability, Publicis’ latest play suggests the future of sports marketing may be less about moments alone and more about measurable impact at scale.
