AD Agencies
Zenith wins the domestic mandate of Welspun India
Zenith has bagged the media duties of Welspun India’s domestic business. Welspun Group is one of India’s fastest growing conglomerates with a net worth of $2.3 billion. The business was won following a rigorous multi-agency pitch. The mandate includes media investment and strategic partnership across print, television & radio.
Tanmay Mohanty, Group CEO, Zenith India says, “Welspun group is one of India’s fastest growing conglomerates and we are pleased to be chosen as the strategic partner for the domestic business of Welspun India. Zenith brings in powerful, integrated communications at scale and we look forward to harnessing our rich capabilities in tech, data, content and analytics for them. We were able to demonstrate a strong understanding of Welspun’s consumers and how we can exceed their business objectives. Zenith looks forward to making a real difference to the Welspun brand, and will cement and support their expansion plans.”
Commenting on the association, Manjari Upadhye, CEO, Welspun India – Domestic Business said, “Welspun India focuses on offering thoughtful living to its consumers. With the domestic brand SPACES, Welspun India is promoting thoughtfulness through home décor. Zenith specialises in transformative, effective and data-driven communications which will be integral to our strategy of building a robust domestic offering through our brand SPACES.”
A US$ 2.3 billion Welspun Group has a global presence in home textiles and large diameter line pipes, and with the infrastructure business in India. The Group has a global presence in over 50 countries with over 26,000 employees across geographies.
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.
