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Tag: Omnicom

  • Publicis drags CCI to court over access to files in ad cartel probe

    Publicis drags CCI to court over access to files in ad cartel probe

    MUMBAI: Reuters has reported that  Publicis has hauled India’s antitrust regulator to the Delhi high court, accusing it of stonewalling requests for access to case files in a high-stakes price-fixing investigation that has rattled the country’s $30bn media and entertainment sector.

    The Competition Commission of India (CCI) stunned the industry in March with dawn raids on WPP’s GroupM, Dentsu, Publicis, Omnicom and others, probing suspected collusion on publicity rates and discounts. Sources told Reuters the CCI’s early findings suggest the firms coordinated via a WhatsApp group, struck secret deals, and teamed up with broadcasters to freeze out agencies that refused to play along.

    Triggered by Dentsu’s whistle-blowing under the CCI’s leniency scheme in February 2024, the probe could see penalties of up to three times profit or 10 per cent of global turnover for each year of wrongdoing. Publicis, which operates through TLG India, says it cannot prepare a defence without access to the records, and wants the CCI to pause its investigation until the files are handed over.

    The watchdog has yet to comment. The court is expected to hear the case next week.

  • Anil Pandit steps up as managing partner – data strategy and partnerships at Publicis Media

    Anil Pandit steps up as managing partner – data strategy and partnerships at Publicis Media

    MUMBAI: Publicis Media has named Anil K Pandit as managing partner – data strategy and partnerships, cementing his rise as a key voice in India’s data-driven advertising evolution. The promotion marks a strategic pivot for the group as it sharpens focus on ethical innovation, data privacy, and future-ready partnerships.

    Pandit, who previously served as EVP – programmatic, data and tech for India, now leads efforts to align data transformation with privacy-safe alliances and responsible advertising frameworks. “The future revolves around connected data and collaboration, with trust at the core,” Pandit said, announcing the move.

    With over two decades of experience across Omnicom, MicroAd, People Interactive, and India Today, Pandit has built a formidable reputation as a programmatic pioneer and data governance advocate. He is also a regular voice in academia and policy, serving as guest faculty at IIM Bangalore, IMT Ghaziabad, and member of the MMA AI Advisory Council and IAB Tech Lab working groups.

    His appointment signals Publicis Media’s deepening investment in data infrastructure at a time when privacy, interoperability and AI-readiness are redefining the media and martech playbook.

  • Omnicom–IPG merger gets greenlight from CCI, ad world braces for a mega shake-up

    Omnicom–IPG merger gets greenlight from CCI, ad world braces for a mega shake-up

    MUMBAI: India’s competition watchdog has given a decisive thumbs-up to one of the biggest shake-ups in adland: Omnicom Group Inc.’s acquisition of sole control over The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (IPG).

    The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has formally approved the merger, clearing the way for New York-based Omnicom to swallow IPG whole. The deal sees EXT Subsidiary Inc.—Omnicom’s Delaware-registered arm created for the transaction— merging with Interpublic group, followed by its vanishing in a legal sleight of hand, with IPG emerging as a wholly owned subsidiary.

    The green light marks a major milestone in the creation of an advertising, media and communications (AMC) colossus that will now tower over rivals in over 100 countries—including India.

    Both Omnicom and IPG have long had a robust presence in India, vying for dominance in marketing communications and media buying. With the merger officially sanctioned, expect ripples—if not tsunamis—across client portfolios, agency turf wars, and talent poaching strategies.

    Omnicom brings to the table a vast arsenal of brand advertising, CRM, media planning, PR and specialty comms across more than 70 nations. IPG counters with an 80-brand empire powered by 57,400 employees delivering everything from creative and data to experiential marketing.

    The merger has got the go-ahead in 10 of the 20 global markets it has a presence in, according to reports. And it will have a smaller market share in India than WPP Media. 
     

    The CCI website only has a partial copy of the merger  application uploaded while its clearance document has yet to be put up. 

    As the global titans fuse, the industry braces for impact—and reinvention.

  • Ashish Singh hops over to Starcom as vice president after a long Mindshare innings

    Ashish Singh hops over to Starcom as vice president after a long Mindshare innings

    MUMBAI: Ashish Singh, a seasoned digital strategist with close to 20 years in media and marketing, has joined Starcom as vice president. The move comes after a rewarding 6-year run at Mindshare, where he last served as principal partner.

    Ashish’s career reads like a masterclass in Indian media evolution — from steering digital growth at Mindshare and Carat, to shaping strategies at Omnicom, Isobar, Hungama, and even a pre-digital era stint at Naukri.com.

    From new business pitches to integrated digital solutions, Ashish has been the go-to guy for driving revenue and innovation. His impressive resume includes managing marquee accounts, building digital roadmaps, leading pitch wins, and mentoring teams across verticals.

    With this power move to Starcom, industry insiders are watching closely as Singh aims to script a fresh growth story at the Publicis-owned agency. Let the planning wars begin.

  • Agencies must connect, not just communicate, say industry leaders at Goafest 2025

    Agencies must connect, not just communicate, say industry leaders at Goafest 2025

    MUMBAI: Goafest 2025’s marquee session, ‘Ignite The Shift’, powered by Hindustan Times and Amar Ujala, staged a spirited conversation on marketing’s evolving ecosystem. The panel, titled “Merging Boundaries: From Placement to Partnership”, brought together five sharp minds—Google India director – marketing partners Satya Raghavan, Starcom India CEO Rathi Gangappa, JioStar head of revenue, entertainment & international Ajit Varghese, Tata Commercial Vehicles CMO Shubhranshu Singh, and moderator Omnicom Media Group India group CEO Kartik Sharma—for a high-voltage discussion on what defines partnership, performance, and brand-building in 2025.

    Opening the session with nostalgic candour, Sharma remarked, “Media was once a business of placement; now it’s a business of partnership”. He added that today’s agencies juggle multiple hats—from storytellers and influencers to data miners and tech integrators.

    Gangappa drove the point home: “It’s no longer innovate or die—it’s connect or die”. She called on agencies to shift from delivering solutions to forging seamless partnerships. “Partnerships today are about connecting the dots—storytelling, media, commerce, influence, even loyalty—and doing it all with intelligence and empathy”.

    Varghese reinforced that clients today demand more, “Agencies now invest in first-party data and tech stacks, stitching solutions across OTT, mobile, and CTV”. From integration to insight, agencies, he said, must become navigators across a complex media map. “Clients expect segmentation, measurement, and execution to be interlinked. When they demand precision, we bend backwards”.

    Raghavan added flair with an Avengers analogy. “The agency is literally the CMO’s superpower”, he joked. “In today’s marketing universe, consumers flit between universes—Youtube, search, Shorts, and shopping. Pinpointing them with the right message at the right moment is the challenge—and technology is the bridge”.

    Singh brought it back to brand belief, “Separating performance from brand-building is a disservice”. He warned against the trap of short-termism. “If everything is dictated by last-click logic, brands lose soul. Media must also create scale and salience”.

    The panel echoed a shared frustration with how measurement obsession has stifled creativity. Singh recalled, “We’ve become a business of attribution. But not everything valuable is measurable”. Raghavan nodded, saying that AI should empower creativity, not constrain it. “We’re now designing better razors, not just machines that shave you”.

    As the session closed, Sharma fired a rapid question: “What are you doing today that would’ve sounded crazy five years ago?”

    Raghavan shared that Google India had built an internal martech platform just for partner enablement. Varghese said he uses AI to ideate around obscure marketing days like “World Menstrual Hygiene Day”. Singh, meanwhile, said it’s time to rename the agency itself. “The term ‘media agency’ no longer fits. We’re something more”.

  • Omnicom expands global solutions presence with new Hyderabad campus

    Omnicom expands global solutions presence with new Hyderabad campus

    MUMBAI: Data-inspired, creative marketing and sales solutions provider  Omnicom is getting omnipresent in India. It has announced the opening of its latest global solutions campus in Hyderabad, following the launch of facilities in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Gurugram in April 2024. This strategic expansion underscores the company’s commitment to leveraging India’s vast talent pool and driving innovation to enhance client services globally.

    The Hyderabad campus will bolster Omnicom’s global client solutions capabilities, offering expertise in media, technology, digital commerce, marketing science, market research, creative services, and business support functions.
     

    omnicom executives

    Annalect India &  Omnicom Global Solutions CEO Vishal Srivastava highlighted the importance of the new campus, stating: “This state-of-the-art collaboration hub will be a convergence point for brilliant minds, revolutionising the marketing landscape through innovation and excellence.”

    Credera India GDC CEO Gaurav Mathur added: “Hyderabad’s dynamic ecosystem and skilled workforce will further strengthen our ability to deliver transformative solutions for clients worldwide.”

    The four Indian campuses now host over 5,500 professionals across media, data and analytics, creative services, marketing technology, digital commerce, and artificial intelligence. The newly designed facilities provide collaborative work environments aimed at empowering Omnicom agencies globally and driving client value.

     

  • Omnicom group to acquire Interpublic group; definitive agreement signed

    Omnicom group to acquire Interpublic group; definitive agreement signed

    MUMBAI: The merger did happen. Just as Wall Street Journal had predicted. 

    Omnicom  and The Interpublic group today announced their boards have unanimously approved a definitive agreement pursuant to which Omnicom will acquire Interpublic in a stock-for-stock transaction. The combined company will bring together the industry’s deepest bench of marketing talent, and the broadest and most innovative services and products, driven by the most advanced sales and marketing platform. Together, the companies will expand their capacity to create comprehensive full-funnel solutions that deliver better outcomes for the world’s most sophisticated clients.

    Under the terms of the agreement, Interpublic shareholders will receive 0.344 Omnicom shares for each share of Interpublic common stock they own. Following the close of the transaction, Omnicom shareholders will own 60.6 per cent of the combined company and Interpublic shareholders will own 39.4 per cent, on a fully diluted basis. The transaction is expected to generate annual cost synergies of $750 million.

    The new Omnicom will have over 100,000 expert practitioners. The company will deliver end-to-end services across media, precision marketing, CRM, data, digital commerce, advertising, healthcare, public relations and branding.

    “This strategic acquisition creates significant value for both sets of shareholders by combining world-class, highly complementary data and technology platforms enabling new offerings to better serve our clients and drive growth,” said Omnicom chairman & CEO John Wren. “Through this combination, we are poised to accelerate innovation and harness the significant opportunities created by new technologies in this era of exponential change. Now is the perfect time to bring together our technologies, capabilities, talent and geographic footprints to bring clients superior, data-driven outcomes. We are excited to welcome Philippe and the entire Interpublic team to the Omnicom family.”

    “This combination represents a tremendous strategic opportunity for our stakeholders, amplifying our investments in platform capabilities and talent as part of a more expansive network,” said Interpublic CEO Philippe Krakowsky. “Our two companies have highly complementary offerings, geographic presence and cultures. We also share a foundational belief in the power of ideas, enabled by technology and data. By joining Omnicom, we are creating a uniquely comprehensive portfolio of services that will make us the most powerful marketing and sales partner in a world that’s changing at speed. We look forward to working with John and the entire Omnicom team.”

    Transaction Highlights
    * Highly complementary assets create an unmatched portfolio of services 
    and products that expands client opportunities for each company on day one
    * Omnicom and Interpublic share highly complementary cultures and core values including a foundational belief in the power of ideas enabled by technology and data
    * Creates an industry leading identity solution with the most comprehensive understanding of consumer behaviors and transactions, enabling us to deliver superior outcomes for our clients at scale and speed
    * Advances our ability to continually innovate and develop new products and services, providing higher ROI on marketing spend
    * Significant free cash flow provides greater capacity for internal investments and acquisitions.

    Leadership & Governance

    John Wren will remain chairman & CEO of Omnicom. Phil Angelastro will remain EVP & CFO of Omnicom. Philippe Krakowsky and Daryl Simm will serve as co-Presidents and COOs of Omnicom. Krakowsky will also be co-Chair of the integration committee post-merger. Three current members of the Interpublic board of directors, including Philippe Krakowsky, will be welcomed to the Omnicom board of directors.

    Transaction Details and Financial Profile

    The transaction is expected to generate $750 million in annual cost synergies and be accretive to adjusted earnings per share for both Omnicom and Interpublic shareholders. Omnicom will have an attractive pro forma financial profile:
    * Combined 2023 revenue of $25.6 billion, Adjusted EBITA of $3.9 billion and free cash flow of $3.3 billion
    * Combined 2023 revenue of 57 per cent US and 43 per cent nternational
    * Strong balance sheet, commitment to investment grade rating with combined debt to EBITDA ratio of 2.1x before the benefit of synergies
    * Omnicom will continue its practice for use of free cash flow: dividends, acquisitions and share repurchases
    * Both Omnicom and Interpublic will maintain their current quarterly dividend through the closing of the transaction

    The stock-for-stock transaction is expected to be tax-free to both Omnicom and Interpublic shareholders and is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to Omnicom and Interpublic shareholder approvals, required regulatory approvals, and other customary conditions.

    The combined company will retain the Omnicom name and trade under the OMC ticker symbol on the New York stock exchange.

  • Omnicom expands with four centres in India

    Omnicom expands with four centres in India

    Mumbai: Omnicom (NYSE:OMC) announced the expansion of its Global Solutions Centers of Excellence with the opening of three new campus locations in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Gurugram. A fourth location will be opened in Hyderabad in October. This significant investment reaffirms Omnicom’s commitment to expanding its presence in India’s fast-growing economy, tapping into its diverse talent, and continuing to drive innovation and enhance client services across the company.

    Designed to accommodate Omnicom’s expanding footprint and global client solutions capabilities, these centres of excellence will house a diverse talent pool of over 5,500 colleagues. The newly built, state-of-the-art offices will provide best-in-class collaborative environments for Omnicom’s talent in India. Through their expertise in media, data and analytics, creative, digital commerce, marketing technology, and AI, Omnicom’s Global Solutions Centers will support our agencies around the world, driving more value and efficiencies for our clients.

    “India is a country of creativity and technology with diverse, dynamic and talented people,” said Omnicom chairman and CEO John Wren. “Our India operations are helping us transform from within, improving our client offerings and providing operating efficiencies. We are rapidly scaling and will continue to increase the number of colleagues in Omnicom’s Global Solutions Centers over the next few years, making them a key component of Omnicom’s growth.” 

  • Omnicom names DDB’s Aditya Kanthy CEO of Omnicom Advertising Services in India

    Omnicom names DDB’s Aditya Kanthy CEO of Omnicom Advertising Services in India

    Mumbai: Omnicom chairman and CEO John Wren has named Aditya Kanthy as CEO of the newly formed Omnicom Advertising Services group in India. Kanthy will oversee Omnicom’s creative agencies in the region, focusing on talent, cross-agency collaboration, and innovation to drive growth in one of the company’s fastest-growing markets. The respective creative agencies within the group – DDB, BBDO and TBWA – will maintain their current branding in the Indian market.

    Omnicom Advertising Services will bring together the power of Omnicom to provide exceptional integrated solutions to meet the needs of clients in India. The group will capitalize on the top talent housed within its leading networks and work in partnership with other Omnicom agencies, such as Omnicom Media Group, to further strengthen Omnicom’s comprehensive offering in India. Omnicom recently announced the creation of large global capability centers with four campuses out of Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Gurgaon.

    “This year India will become the most populous nation on the planet. It is an important growth engine for Omnicom. By centralizing the leadership of three creative powerhouses under Aditya, we will continue to build on our agencies’ strong foundations to deliver a wider breadth of capability and scale for our clients,” said Omnicom chairman and CEO John Wren. “Aditya brings deep experience to the newly created Omnicom Advertising Services, and our India operations is primed to thrive under his leadership.”

    Kanthy, currently CEO of DDB Mudra Group, began his career in Mudra in 2003 as a strategic planner, taking on various responsibilities over the years including Chief Strategy Officer, a role in which he helped shape India’s most successful independent advertising agency into an Omnicom-owned integrated marketing communications group. As the new leader of Omnicom Advertising Services India, he will further strengthen Omnicom’s presence and ensure all of our capabilities are extended to our top clients.

    Speaking about this development, Aditya Kanthy said, “Omnicom is the most creative global network in the world. Our agencies represent the enduring power of creativity to build brands and businesses. I look forward to bringing the might of the Omnicom network to clients in India and continue to attract the best creative talent in one of the most exciting markets in the world.”

  • Omnicom elevates Alex Lubar to global CEO of DDB Worldwide

    Omnicom elevates Alex Lubar to global CEO of DDB Worldwide

    Mumbai: Omnicom chairman and CEO John Wren has elevated Alex Lubar as global CEO of DDB Worldwide. Lubar succeeds current global CEO Marty O’Halloran who will continue as chairman. In addition, Glen Lomas currently CEO, DDB EMEA, based in London, becomes global president and chief operating officer in partnership with Alex.

    “We are pleased to announce these changes as DDB has reclaimed its title of being one of the top creative agencies in the world, including 2023 Cannes Network of the Year,” said Omnicom chairman and CEO John Wren. “Marty’s dedication to DDB has made him an integral part of the network’s culture and operations, and we thank him for his strong leadership during the past four years as CEO. With extensive global leadership credentials within the industry, we are confident that Alex, supported by Glen, will continue to elevate the network and build upon its legacy of creative excellence.”

    Lubar was appointed president and chief operating officer of DDB Worldwide last October 2022, following ten years at McCann. He held several regional leadership roles during the course of his time there including President, McCann North America, head of McCann’s Asia Pacific region, and CEO of McCann London.

    Said Lubar about his new role, “Since its inception, DDB has unlocked the power of human emotion to make millions of different people change how they behave, feel, and transact with brands and businesses around the world. We believe that creativity, in all its modern forms, has the power to profoundly transform our clients’ businesses. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Bill Bernbach’s legacy into the future with such a talented global staff and leadership team who all share the same vision.”

    Lomas has unparalleled international client experience at DDB having been CEO of Europe, Middle East, and Africa, DDB’s largest region and with the network since 1995. Based in London, he is responsible for the EMEA region and has built successful client teams across geographies while creating an environment where creativity and effectiveness flourish across the network.

    Said Lomas about his appointment, “It has always been a privilege to work at DDB and it is a great honor to take on this role. DDB has always been where brilliant, unpretentious people turn up each day to apply their creativity to solving problems. The problems and solutions change, but that culture doesn’t. I love what this network is capable of when it comes together, as demonstrated this year at Cannes, and Alex and I are here to ensure that spirit continues and the network keeps evolving to attract the most ambitious talent and clients.”

    O’Halloran has been a leader within the DDB network for close to four decades and took over the role of global CEO in 2020. Under his leadership, DDB won 2023 Network of the Year at Cannes, Network of the Year for the past 3 years at D&AD, and Network of the Year at Effie US and Latina.

    “It has been my honor to lead DDB over the past four years,” said O’Halloran. “The talent across our regions is incredible and together we’ve been able to produce work that has achieved transformative results for our clients and has been awarded as some of the best creativity in the world. As part of this orchestrated succession plan, there is no doubt in my mind Alex will continue to lead the DDB network to new heights. I look forward to working in a chairman’s capacity with Alex and Glen as they partner in leading the way forward with their global leadership team.”