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WPP appoints Guillaume Epstein as its global head of commercial
Publicis veteran to streamline pricing, contracts and client deals globally
LONDON: WPP has created a new global commercial leadership role and appointed Guillaume Epstein to lead it, according to media reports, as the company looks to simplify client deals and strengthen commercial operations.
In his new role as global head of commercial, Epstein is expected to oversee pricing structures, contract frameworks and client negotiations across markets. The move points to WPP’s growing focus on making its commercial approach more streamlined and consistent worldwide.
Epstein joins from Publicis Groupe, where he spent close to four years in senior leadership roles, including global commercial finance director and chief operating officer for Brazil. His work there covered financial strategy, operational efficiency and client profitability across multiple regions.
Prior to that, he held key roles across Asia Pacific within Publicis, including chief commercial officer for Apac and regional client finance director. During this period, he helped build regional hubs, standardise pricing models and manage complex, multi-country client relationships across markets such as Singapore, China and Hong Kong.
He also brings experience from Valtech, adding digital transformation expertise to his commercial skill set.
At Publicis, Epstein played a key role in developing multi-country rate cards, improving financial processes and creating training programmes around negotiation and pricing strategy. His work also focused on unlocking new revenue streams through digital and analytics capabilities.
The newly created role at WPP comes at a time when global agencies are under pressure to offer more transparent, efficient and scalable commercial models to clients.
With Epstein’s appointment, WPP appears to be fine-tuning its commercial engine, aiming to make client partnerships simpler, sharper and more aligned with evolving market needs.
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Indian Railways bans alcohol, tobacco ads; tightens onboard ad rules
New policy pushes ethical, compliant advertising across trains and stations
NEW DELHI: Indian Railways has tightened its advertising norms, barring promotions for alcohol, tobacco and other objectionable content across trains and station premises, as part of a broader push towards ethical and compliant brand messaging.
The updated framework, outlined under its non-fare revenue policies, aims to ensure that advertising across railway assets remains lawful, non-offensive and aligned with public interest. The guidelines apply to both static and digital formats, covering everything from train coaches to station display networks.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Government of India union minister for railways, information and broadcasting and electronics and information technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said that advertisements deemed objectionable under law are strictly prohibited, with immediate corrective action taken in case of violations.
Among the key restrictions are ads promoting alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, bidis and other tobacco products. Content with erotic undertones is also barred, along with campaigns from private insurance companies offering policies linked to railway accidents. Additionally, competitive advertising from other transport modes is not allowed.
At the same time, Indian Railways continues to expand its advertising footprint through structured channels. Its out-of-home policy allows brands to tap into high-footfall station areas, while the Rail Display Network supports digital advertising through screens across stations. Mobile assets such as trains and coaches remain a significant branding platform under these guidelines.
All advertising contracts are awarded through e-auctions on the Indian Railways E-Procurement System, ensuring transparency and fair competition. While agencies retain the freedom to choose brands, they must comply with central and state laws, and secure prior approval for advertising plans from the relevant railway division.
Advertising revenue forms part of the Railways’ sundry earnings, contributing to its non-fare income stream. With stricter oversight now in place, the focus is clearly on balancing commercial opportunities with public sensibilities.
The message from the Railways is straightforward. As trains carry millions daily, the content they display must stay on the right side of both the law and public trust.
