AD Agencies
WPP to group Ogilvy, VML and AKQA under one creative banner
New WPP Creative unit aims to simplify structure and speed up AI push
LONDON: WPP is preparing to place its three flagship creative agencies, Ogilvy, VML and AKQA, under a single umbrella called WPP Creative, as part of a wider effort to simplify its structure and respond to rising pressure from artificial intelligence.
According to a Financial Times report, the British advertising giant plans to keep the individual agency brands intact while bringing them together under one banner. The move is designed to make it easier for clients to access integrated creative services without navigating multiple legacy networks.
The proposals are still being finalised and could change, the report noted.
WPP Creative will function as a holding structure, sitting alongside WPP Media, which houses GroupM, and WPP Production, the unit built around Hogarth. Rather than forcing full mergers, the company is expected to let Ogilvy, VML and AKQA retain their names and day-to-day operations, while sharing strategy, resources and technology behind the scenes.
The shift is also tied to a broader push into artificial intelligence. Executives are expected to outline plans to increase investment in internal AI tools as competition intensifies from technology companies offering automated creative and marketing services.
The restructuring marks one of the first major moves under WPP’s new chief executive, Cindy Rose, who took charge in late 2025. Her brief is clear: trim complexity, speed up decision-making and present a single, sharper creative face to clients.
For marketers, the promise is simple. Instead of three doors, there will be one entrance to the combined creative muscle of WPP. For the company, the bet is that fewer silos and more shared tech will translate into lower costs, tighter margins and a structure fit for an AI-shaped future.
AD Agencies
Goafest 2026 set for 20–22 May in Goa
South Asia’s marquee advertising festival returns with ABBY Awards powered by One Show and promises bigger conversations on creativity and innovation
GOA: The advertising industry’s annual pilgrimage is locked in. The 19th edition of Goafest will take place in Goa from 20 to 22 May 2026, bringing together the biggest names in advertising, media and marketing for three days of ideas, networking and celebration.
Announced jointly by the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and The Advertising Club (TAC), the festival will once again host the ABBY Awards powered by One Show 2026 — widely regarded as the region’s most coveted creative honours — recognising outstanding work across advertising and media.
Launched in 2006, Goafest has evolved into the industry’s marquee gathering, drawing more than 2,000 professionals each year. Beyond the awards, the event has become a forum for big debates, future-facing ideas and the occasional industry soul-searching.
Srinivasan K Swamy, president of the Advertising Agencies Association of India, said the festival remains a crucible for industry thought and collaboration. “Goafest has always been a melting pot of ideas, creativity and camaraderie. We aim to spark new conversations, fresh perspectives and fuel the future of advertising and marketing. It is an occasion for the industry to come together, celebrate excellence and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of our craft.”
Dheeraj Sinha, president of The Advertising Club, underlined the legacy of the ABBY Awards, now in their 57th year. “Goafest has always been synonymous with creativity, collaboration and industry excellence. The ABBY Awards powered by One Club continue to push boundaries and set new creative benchmarks year after year. In its 57th year, the awards continue to raise the bar, and this year’s edition will be even more inspiring, bringing together the brightest minds in the industry.”
For organisers, the festival has grown beyond a calendar event. Jaideep Gandhi, vice president of AAAI and chairman of the Goafest 2026 organising committee and founder of Another Idea, said the property has become a legacy for the industry. “In its 19th year, Goafest is no longer just an event — it is a legacy we are privileged to carry forward. It is a unifying force that brings together the various industry associations across advertising and marketing under one roof. I am deeply grateful to the stalwarts who envisioned this remarkable property, and it is heartening that some of them continue to be actively involved in its journey.”
The organisers promise that the upcoming edition will dial things up a notch. Mohit Joshi, co-chair of the Goafest 2026 organising committee and chief executive officer of Havas Media India, said the festival is gearing up for a bigger, more immersive format. “Over the past 18 editions, Goafest has evolved into a premier platform that celebrates creativity, innovation and the dynamic transformation of our industry. This year Goafest will be more impactful than ever. It will introduce new formats, immersive engagements and high-calibre discussions that have never been done before.”
“With a larger scale, an inspiring line-up of speakers and a focus on cutting-edge ideas,” Joshi added, “Goafest 2026 is set to redefine the way our industry comes together to learn, collaborate and celebrate.”
Co-hosted by the Advertising Agencies Association of India and The Advertising Club, the festival continues to position itself as South Asia’s premier advertising gathering — where ideas collide, creativity gets crowned and the industry takes a long, hard look at where it is headed next.
