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
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.
