Adidas Reviews £377m Global Media Account
Adidas is conducting a review of its global media contract valued at £377 million (approximately $483 million). The current agency handling the spend is EssenceMediacom, part of WPP Media. The review could lead to a renegotiation of fees or a switch to a new media partner. Industry observers note the move reflects growing scrutiny of large advertising budgets by brands.
Anglian Home Improvements Unveils Brand Refresh by The Gate
Anglian Home Improvements, the UK’s long‑standing home‑renovation specialist, has launched a brand refresh created by agency The Gate. The new visual identity and tagline “The nation’s favourite” highlight the company’s six‑decade legacy and the trust it has built with homeowners....
“Big Ideas, Flawlessly Executed”: Why Creative Agencies Are Doubling Down on Design
Creative agencies are increasingly appointing chief design officers as design becomes a core revenue driver. The trend reflects client demand for integrated branding, user experience, and product design that goes beyond traditional advertising. Agencies report that design‑focused services now account...
Rob Gold Named EMEA Leader at B2B Marketing Company Trilliad
Rob Gold has been appointed as the EMEA leader for Trilliad, a fast‑growing B2B marketing firm. Gold joins Trilliad after serving as president of Dentsu’s B2B division, where he oversaw multi‑market campaigns and agency integration. The move positions Trilliad to...
Vax Selects The7stars Following Six-Agency Pitch
Vax has appointed the UK agency the7stars to run its 2025 media account, valued at $36.5 million (approximately £26 million). The decision came after a six‑agency pitch, highlighting the7stars’ ability to deliver integrated brand solutions. COMvergence projects the account to surpass $40 million...
Pinterest Turns to Real Life Amid Social Media Backlash
Pinterest is shifting focus from purely digital inspiration to tangible, real‑world experiences after facing criticism over algorithm changes and perceived over‑commercialization. The company announced a series of pop‑up retail events in major U.S. cities, partnering with brands to let users...
The Fight for Media Strategy: Will Agencies or In-House Teams Win?
New research reveals that almost 50% of brands intend to shift media strategy and audience planning in‑house within the next two years. While agencies acknowledge the trend, many report that the migration is not yet materialising at scale. The study...
WPP Appoints Chief People Officer as Part of Elevate28 Strategy
WPP announced two senior HR appointments as part of its Elevate28 transformation plan. Mark Taylor has been named chief people officer, while Marie‑Claire Barker takes a senior talent leadership role. The moves are designed to foster a collective culture across...
Why Brands Avoid a Reset, Right when They Need It the Most
Brands often shy away from a strategic reset even as market shifts demand fresh positioning. The article argues that fear of alienating loyal customers, budget constraints, and internal bureaucracy keep companies stuck in legacy identities. It cites recent examples where...
Sparks Appoints Sebastian Dreyfus as Managing Director EMEA
Sparks announced the appointment of Sebastian Dreyfus as Managing Director for the EMEA region, effective immediately. Dreyfus will report to Melissa Levy, Sparks' president, and will oversee sales, client services, and regional strategy across Europe, the Middle East and Africa....
Media Smart and AA Roll Out Pre-Local Elections Revamp of Political Ads Awareness Drive
Media Smart and the Advertising Association have launched a revamped political‑advertising awareness drive ahead of the UK’s local elections. The partnership focuses on first‑time voters, offering a free digital toolkit, webinars and school‑based workshops to demystify ad sponsorship rules. By...
Publicis Grows 4.5% in Q1 as Arthur Sadoun Pans “Squeeze to Please Wall Street”
Publicis Groupe reported a 4.5% rise in first‑quarter revenue, outpacing many peers in the fragmented advertising market. Chief executive Arthur Sadoun described the firm’s strategy as the polar opposite of rivals WPP and Omnicom, emphasizing creativity and digital data services...
WPP Hires Advisors for Potential Burson Sale – Report
WPP has engaged financial advisers to evaluate a possible sale of its public‑relations arm, which includes the Burson communications agency. The move signals the first formal step in a potential divestiture of the PR division, a business segment that contributes...
Sue Higgs Exits mFuse
Executive Creative Director Sue Higgs has departed mFuse, the London‑based advertising agency. Higgs, who joined the firm in 2019, was responsible for overseeing integrated campaigns and driving creative strategy across key client accounts. The agency announced her exit without detailing...
Giffgaff, ITV, Paddy Power and Rightmove Among Top Brands Speaking at Media 360
Media 360, the two‑day conference hosted by Campaign, announced a star‑studded speaker roster that includes telecom brand Giffgaff, broadcaster ITV, gambling operator Paddy Power and property portal Rightmove. The agenda also features cultural commentator Grace Dent and former Downing Street press...
WPP Hires Chief Transformation Officer to Drive Cindy Rose's Elevate28
WPP announced the appointment of a new chief transformation officer, recruiting a veteran from The Estée Lauder Companies. The executive will design, implement and embed the operational framework for Elevate28, the agency group’s three‑year growth plan. The move is part...
The Quiet Research and Development Lab Nobody’s Talking About
Luxury fashion houses are increasingly treating product development like a science, establishing low‑profile research and development labs that operate behind the brand’s public façade. These labs experiment with sustainable fibers, AI‑driven design tools, and new retail experiences, often collaborating with...
Giffgaff Hosts Self-Care Experience in East London
Giffgaff staged a self‑care pop‑up in East London, designed by Splendid Communications, to showcase its brand in a hands‑on environment. The temporary venue featured massage chairs, wellness stations and on‑site sign‑ups for its mobile plans. The experience targeted young, urban...
Omnicom Lands IBM's Global Media Account
Omnicom Group has won IBM’s global media account, taking over from incumbent WPP Media, which opted not to defend the business. The multi‑year contract gives Omnicom responsibility for planning and buying IBM’s worldwide advertising across digital, TV and print. IBM’s...
Sustainable Advertising Is Our Best Creative Brief
Sustainable advertising is emerging as a generational business opportunity, promising to drive both environmental impact and revenue growth. Yet many brands remain cautious, citing cost concerns and difficulty measuring behavioral change. The article argues that creative teams must treat sustainability...
Uncommon Hires Robyn D’Arcy as Head of Data and Steph Morrow as Head of Cultural Strategy
Uncommon has bolstered its leadership team by appointing Robyn D’Arcy as head of data and Steph Morrow as head of cultural strategy. Both new executives will report directly to Chief Strategy Officer Tobey Duncan and co‑founder Lucy Jameson. D’Arcy brings...
Greggs Hires Zoe Harris as Customer and Marketing Director
Greggs has appointed Zoe Harris as its new Customer and Marketing Director, succeeding Hannah Squirrell who is retiring after a decade in the role. Harris joins the bakery chain at a time when Greggs is expanding its product range and...
WhatsApp and Facebook Team up with Arsenal to Celebrate Football Group Chats
Meta’s WhatsApp and Facebook have entered a global partnership with Arsenal FC to spotlight the role of group chats in football fandom. The collaboration will roll out a hero film, alongside in‑person and digital fan experiences that showcase how supporters...
Pitch Update: Netflix, Microsoft, Volkswagen, Vodafone, Irn-Bru, Saga, Wingstop, IG and More
Campaign’s weekly Pitch Update highlighted fresh advertising pitches and wins across a diverse set of brands, including Netflix, Microsoft, Volkswagen, Vodafone, Irn‑Bru, Saga, Wingstop and IG. The roundup signals intensified competition for creative talent as agencies vie for high‑profile accounts...
Nurofen Aims to Turn the Tables for Women in the “Pain Game"
Reckitt’s Nurofen is rolling out a gender‑focused campaign, crafted by McCann London, to address the long‑standing under‑recognition of women’s pain. The initiative features real‑life stories, data‑driven insights, and a product line positioned as "Nurofen for women" to differentiate from generic...
To Be What You Can See: Why Queer Mentorship Still Matters in Advertising
Queer representation remains scarce at the senior levels of advertising, with only a small fraction of executives openly identifying as LGBTQ+. Industry leaders argue that mentorship is the most effective lever to change this imbalance, citing early‑career programs that pair...
Staysure Appoints Goodstuff to Media Account
Staysure, the UK specialist travel insurer for customers over 50, has ended its three‑year media partnership with All Response Media and appointed Goodstuff as its new agency. The insurer, which writes roughly £200 million (≈ $260 million) in premiums annually, aims to refresh...
Holland & Barrett Gives the Body a Voice in First Work by Lucky Generals
Holland & Barrett has launched "Back your body," its first campaign created by creative studio Lucky Generals. The ad features a whimsical choir of singing body parts, blending surreal visuals with a health‑focused message. It rolls out across television, digital...
Marmite Ads Show Ingredients' Reaction to Cooking with the Spread
Marmite has launched a new advertising campaign created by Adam & Eve\TBWA that visualises the spread's core ingredients reacting to cooking. The ads use animated yeast, vitamin B and salt characters to dramatise flavour development and nutritional benefits. The campaign...
Coca-Cola World Cup Spot Explores Emotional Journey of Football
Coca‑Cola’s latest World Cup commercial, titled “Uncanned emotions,” explores the emotional journey of football fans worldwide. The spot was conceived by WPP OpenX, with creative leadership from the Ogilvy Group and production support from WPP Production and WPP Media. It...
Publicis Wins Microsoft Media Account without a Pitch as Part of Expanded Partnership
Publicis Groupe secured Microsoft’s global media buying account without a formal pitch, expanding a partnership that began with joint data initiatives. The agreement gives Publicis control over Microsoft’s projected $10 billion annual ad spend and bypasses the traditional agency RFP process....
Three Executives Depart Amid ‘Changing of the Guard’ at The Trade Desk
The Trade Desk confirmed that three senior executives—Melinda Zurich, Ian Colley and Matthew Henick—have left the company as part of a broader "changing of the guard" initiative. The departures come amid a period of heightened market volatility, competitive pressure, and...
Netflix Steps Into the Ring with Domino's and Sky Vegas for First UK Live Boxing Broadcast
Netflix is launching its first UK live‑boxing broadcast, teaming with Domino’s and Sky Vegas to air the heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Arslanbek Makhmudov. The bout marks Fury’s return from retirement, generating significant buzz across sports and entertainment markets. By...
Inch's Animated Ad Shows an Apple's Journey From Pip to Sip
Inch unveiled an animated television spot that follows an apple from seed (pip) to a finished beverage (sip). The commercial was produced by creative agency Otherway and emphasizes the brand’s focus on natural, fruit‑derived ingredients. The animation uses a whimsical...
Private View: Tesco Mobile, M&S, KFC, Channel 4, McDonald's and Plenty
VCCP and Uncommon Creative Studio teamed up for a "Private View" session, dissecting the newest television and digital spots from Tesco Mobile, M&S, KFC, Channel 4, McDonald’s and the fintech startup Plenty. The critique highlighted each brand’s narrative choices, visual execution,...
From Segments to States: Evolving Audience Modelling for 2026
The article argues that traditional audience segmentation is no longer sufficient for brand experience leaders, who need to shift toward dynamic, state‑based audience models by 2026. It highlights the rise of real‑time data, AI‑driven behavioral signals, and contextual cues that...
KitKat Outdoor Ads Put People Taking Breaks Into Logo
KitKat’s latest outdoor campaign, crafted by VML UK, replaces traditional billboard space with silhouettes of people taking a break, seamlessly woven into the brand’s iconic logo. The visual treats commuters on busy UK routes to a literal representation of the...
Why Are In-House Teams Taking Top Talent From Agencies?
In‑house creative teams are expanding as brands pull work from external agencies, a shift highlighted by ITV Creative director Niki Garner on The Campaign Podcast. Recent moves, such as ITV moving its retained account from Uncommon to ITV Creative and...
Microsoft Appoints Global Media Agency
Microsoft has appointed a global media agency to manage its advertising across markets, consolidating its fragmented media buying under a single partner. The UK portion of the deal is valued at roughly £34 million, equivalent to about $43 million. The move is...
Publicis Groupe Acquires 160over90 to “Disrupt” Sport Sector
Publicis Groupe announced the acquisition of 160over90, a specialist sports‑marketing agency, to accelerate its push into the sports sector. CEO Arthur Sadoun described sports as the network’s “next big bet,” while Suzy Deering, head of Publicis Sports, will oversee the...
Ofcom Research Finds Rise in Concern over Online Risks versus Benefits
Ofcom’s latest research, released after a landmark trial examining the harms of Meta and YouTube, shows a marked increase in public concern about online risks. The study finds that 68% of respondents now view digital platforms as more dangerous than...
Loveholidays Makes TV Debut with ITV Sponsorship
Loveholidays has entered television advertising by securing a sponsorship deal with ITV, marking its first major broadcast campaign. The partnership features a series of short idents that riff on classic film titles, blending travel messaging with pop‑culture humor. Launched ahead...
Born Social Appoints Head of UK Growth
Born Social, a UK‑based digital marketing agency, announced the appointment of a new Head of UK Growth. The executive will work closely with Croud’s Chief Growth Officer James Wilde on shared client pitches. This collaboration deepens the strategic tie‑up between...
Omnicom CEO John Wren Earned $70m Package in 2025
Omnicom Group announced that CEO John Wren will receive a $70 million compensation package for 2025, despite reducing his base salary to a symbolic $1. The bulk of the payout is tied to stock options that only vest if Omnicom’s share...
What Marketers Can Learn From the Manosphere
Marketers are urged to study the manosphere—a loosely organized online community targeting young men—to understand how it resonates with their hopes and fears. The article argues that the manosphere’s success stems from authentic, identity‑focused messaging, community building, and data‑driven targeting....
“Client-Centricity Is Our New Mantra”: New Dentsu CEO Delivers First Address to Staff
Takeshi Sano has taken the helm as Dentsu’s new chief executive, delivering his first address to staff. He declared "client‑centricity" the company’s new mantra and outlined an execution‑led transformation agenda. The plan includes a sweeping international overhaul aimed at streamlining...
OpenAI’s ChatGPT Ads Trial Surpasses $100m in Six Weeks
OpenAI has opened a pilot that lets advertisers place ads directly inside ChatGPT conversations. Within six weeks the program generated over $100 million in ad spend, showing strong advertiser appetite. The format offers brand‑safe, native placements and reports higher engagement than...
Serviceplan Group UK Hires Social Team From Atomic London
Serviceplan Group UK has hired a four‑person social team from rival agency Atomic London, adding senior talent to its UK operations. The appointments come as the agency cites growing client demand for social media and creator‑driven campaigns. The move expands...
Toxic Positivity or Doom and Gloom? Why Times Like These Require a New Leadership Style
In today’s turbulent environment, passive reassurance is no longer a viable leadership tactic. Executives are urged to abandon both toxic positivity and fatalistic pessimism, opting instead for a balanced, authentic approach that acknowledges challenges while inspiring confidence. The article highlights...
Cadbury Transforms Press Ads Into Packaging to Help Disguise Easter Eggs
Cadbury, in partnership with agency VCCP, has turned its traditional press advertisements into the actual packaging for its Easter Creme Eggs. The innovative design disguises the chocolate treats within printed ad panels, turning each wrapper into a mini‑advertising space. This...