AD Agencies
WAT’s Your Big Idea 2.0 gets bigger
MUMBAI: After the success of its inaugural edition last year, digital and social media agency WATConsult has launched WAT’s Your Big Idea (WYBI) 2.0. It is the second season of WYBI, a digital ideation competition for colleges across India that provides a unique platform and opportunities to the next generation in the field of digital advertising and marketing.
This year, besides the cash prize, endorsed certificate, and an assured job offer, the winning team will also get an opportunity to visit Cannes Lions in 2018.
During WYBI,students get an opportunity to work on live projects, understand the nuances of creating digital campaigns for notable brands, and showcase their creative skills to the best brand marketers in the country.
The agency has partnered institutes such as MICA, SIMC, IIM Bangalore, IIM Indore, SP Jain, Jamnalal Bajaj, NMIMS, and Jai Hind along with brands like Swarovski, Madame Tussauds, HE face wash, Savlon (ITC Group), Jack and Jones, and Naturolax (Piramal Healthcare).
WATConsult founder and CEO Rajiv Dingra said, “Considering the overwhelming responses from students last year, we decided to offer them an international platform to meet, be inspired, and interact with the advertising stalwarts of the world. The winning team will have the opportunity to win an all-expenses trip to Cannes Lions 2018.”
Dentsu Aegis Network chairman and CEO South Asia Ashish Bhasin added, “Last year was a benchmark setter. The students came up with some exciting and innovative ideas and I am looking forward to the entries this year. WATConsult’s initiative has helped us find some really good talent and we will continue supporting their efforts.”
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.
