AD Agencies
The Mavericks plugs into One Asia Communications to power brands across 13 Asian markets
MUMBAI: When reputation precedes the passport, it pays to go regional. The Mavericks, one of India’s fastest-rising communications consultancies, has officially joined the One Asia Communications (OAC) network—a coalition of leading owner-operated PR agencies across the continent. As OAC’s exclusive partner in India, The Mavericks now offers brands a single-window approach to strategic communications across 13 key Asian markets, including Japan, Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
The move positions The Mavericks as a gateway for both Indian brands with regional ambitions and international players looking to decode India’s complex communications landscape. With OAC’s deep local reach, the firm will offer clients culturally attuned, insight-driven storytelling without the bureaucracy or disconnect of traditional global networks.
“This partnership is built on shared values — deep local expertise, a commitment to meaningful storytelling, and an audience-first mindset”, said The Mavericks founder & CEO Chetan Mahajan. “For Indian brands going global and global brands entering India, this network offers the agility of local operators and the scale of a regional powerhouse”.
The OAC alliance now spans Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and other dynamic markets. With The Mavericks onboard, the network consolidates its presence in south Asia, adding India to its coverage map.
OAC chair & Hahm Partners CEO Siwon Hahm said, “The Mavericks brings incredible energy, creativity, and a strong foundation of strategic reputation management. Their inclusion completes OAC’s presence in major Asian markets, strengthening our mission to deliver cohesive, high-quality communications across borders”.
For Maverick Indonesia founder Ong Hock Chuan, the partnership is more than coincidence. “While we share a name by chance, what binds us is a shared philosophy. Chetan and his team have consistently inspired with their bold yet grounded approach. We’re thrilled to collaborate more closely and create value for businesses, bridging India and Indonesia”, he said.
As clients increasingly seek sharper localisation within global narratives, the OAC-Mavericks partnership offers a cross-border strategy rooted in trust, insight and creative muscle. Whether it’s launching a fintech brand in Seoul or repositioning an FMCG player in Jakarta, The Mavericks is now equipped to make the message travel farther and hit harder.
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.
