Ewan Larkin
Verified
Agencies Reporter @AdAge. Writer, film enthusiast and long-suffering Manchester United fan. Pitches: ewan.larkin@adage.com
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Articles by Ewan Larkin
Waymo seeks agency for first Super Bowl ad, hires WPP for media
Waymo is gearing up for an aggressive marketing push, hiring WPP for media and conducting a creative review for a Super Bowl debut, Ad Age has learned.
Cannes Lions Day 2–WPP, OpenAI, Netflix and more updates
OpenAI revealed new ChatGPT ads details, the first round of Grand Prix winners were announced and dispatches from Croisette brand activations.
OpenAI reveals more of its ChatGPT ads playbook
What Microsoft’s product-focused ad strategy means for Copilot and how it’s connecting with creators
Mondelez awards 72andSunny global Oreo, US biscuits ad account
Mondelēz International has hired Stagwell’s 72andSunny to handle global creative for Oreo, along with much of its U.S. biscuits portfolio, as the snacking company seeks to boost sluggish domestic performance, Ad Age has learned.
7 creative campaigns to know about today
OpenAI vs. Anthropic—how the AI players seek to dominate the market The AI giants are advertising and building marketing teams to see who can emerge as the leader in a space that still needs defining.
How Dentsu Creative is rethinking its US leadership
TikTok is letting users remix videos with AI—what creators need to know TikTok is testing a feature that lets users “remix” creators’ content using generative AI. Creators worry it could strip them of control over their likeness—but influencer marketing leaders say their fears may be overblown in this case.
Carmichael Lynch favors practical nuance over a one-size-fits-all employee experience
The deal brings together one of the industry’s most fully built independent agencies and one of its hottest emerging creative shops.
Mondelez to launch creative review for Oreo as new marketing leader steps in
Mondelēz International is preparing to launch a creative agency review spanning its U.S. business as well as global duties for Oreo, its largest brand, with the process unfolding alongside a change in the company’s senior marketing ranks. The snacks and sweets company has hired Travis Freeman to replace Jon Halvorson, the former senior VP of consumer experience and digital commerce who recently departed for Kenvue, Crain's sister brand Ad Age has learned.
Chicago ad agency scene mourns loss of DDB and FCB
Omnicom’s sprawling reorganization following its acquisition of Interpublic Group of Cos. set the industry alight this week. Beyond mourning the shuttering of three storied creative networks — including DDB and FCB in Chicago — agency executives, analysts and marketing consultants are parsing the impact on clients, local markets and media operations. Below, Crain's sister brand Ad Age analyzes the key talking points.
Papa Johns hires Leo Chicago as new creative agency
Papa Johns has hired Leo Chicago as its new creative agency as one of the nation’s largest pizza chains looks to bolster its marketing and overcome a sales slump. The brand confirmed in early October it had initiated a creative agency review and had parted ways with The Martin Agency, which had held the account since late 2023. The former IPG shop is now part of Omnicom. Joanne Davis Consulting supported the pitch. Dentsu’s Carat will continue to handle Papa Johns’ media buying.
Best creative ads: FanDuel Casino, Georgia CORE, McCain Foods
Big creative agency changes at Yum Brands—Deutsch gets a smaller role with Taco Bell and VML wins Pizza Hut Yum Brands is making key agency changes for two of its largest brands, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut.
NASCAR's street race pivot to San Diego naval base is part of its return to 'Americana'
NASCAR is searching for a lead creative agency to help steer the stock car racing circuit back to its heartland roots and reconnect with the blue-collar fans who have long been its backbone. The brand recently launched an agency review, which it’s managing internally and hopes to complete by early September, said Tim Clark, NASCAR’s chief brand officer, in an interview.
LinkedIn emerges as a haven for influencer marketing
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LinkedIn is helping brands reach their audiences in new ways with video from top creators and publishers.
By Ewan Larkin Verified, Adrianne Pasquarelli Verified, Lindsay Rittenhouse Verified, Brian Bonilla Verified
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Thrill seekers love FanDuel Casino in Orchard’s ‘Calling All Thrillionaires’ ads
US ad employment dropped in June for the seventh month in a row The U.S. ad business lost jobs in June for the seventh consecutive month. The overall economy added 147,000 jobs.
Creator and influencer trends brand marketers need to know about right now
UPS' new campaign with Coco Gauff, Cinnamon Toast Crunch's true crime creator collab and a viral trend from "Love Island USA" are some of this week's creator headlines.
What AI means for agency and marketing roles—the jobs most at risk and how to adapt | Flipboard
6 hours ago Elon Musk may have a sizable fan base, but residents of the upscale Austin suburb of West Lake Hills, Texas, are unimpressed by their celebrity neighbor, reports the New York Times. Instead, a $6 million home Musk purchased in 2022 has become the center of a battle after his team erected an …
Ally Financial looks to add an ad agency to its roster
Detroit-based online banking company Ally Financial is looking to add a new advertising agency to its roster, Ad Age has learned. The bank has had discussions with at least two big-name agencies, including Wieden+Kennedy and Mischief @ No Fixed Address, Andrea Brimmer, the brand’s chief marketing and PR officer, confirmed. Anomaly currently serves as the bank’s lead creative and strategy agency, and Brimmer was adamant about Ally continuing its relationship with the Stagwell shop.
Goodyear consolidates global marketing with Publicis Groupe
AKRON — Goodyear has awarded Publicis Groupe the vast majority of its global marketing business—a sweeping consolidation play that guts a roster of dozens of agencies. The French ad giant will oversee creative, media, production and digital services through a bespoke team called “Publicis P1T Crew.” There are “few minor exceptions” to Publicis’ remit, according to Goodyear, which did not provide details.
Goodyear consolidates global marketing with France's Publicis Groupe
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has awarded Publicis Groupe the vast majority of its global marketing business—a sweeping consolidation play that guts a roster of dozens of agencies. The French ad giant will oversee creative, media, production and digital services through a bespoke team called “Publicis P1T Crew.” There are “few minor exceptions” to Publicis’ remit, according to Goodyear, which did not provide details.
Publicis Groupe merges Leo Burnett and Publicis Worldwide to form new creative unit
Publicis Groupe is merging Leo Burnett and Publicis Worldwide to create Leo, a creative unit that will boast over 15,000 employees in 90 countries. The combination will see “Burnett,” one of the most iconic last names in advertising, disappear. The agency has carried the name since Leo Noble Burnett opened Leo Burnett Co. in Chicago in 1935. Leo Burnett’s regional offices will now simply go by Leo. Leo Burnett Chicago, for example, will now be known as Leo Chicago.
Omnicom agrees to acquire Campbell Ewald parent IPG in merger of ad giants
It’s official: Omnicom Group has agreed to acquire Interpublic Group of Cos., the companies confirmed Monday, in a deal that creates the world’s largest advertising agency group. The combined entity, which will have more than 100,000 employees, will retain the Omnicom name and trade under the OMC ticker on the New York Stock Exchange, according to a statement from both companies. The all-stock deal is expected to close in the second half of 2025 and generate $750 million in annual cost synergies.
Omnicom agrees to acquire IPG, creating world’s largest ad agency group
It’s official: Omnicom Group has agreed to acquire Interpublic Group of Cos., the companies confirmed today, in a deal that creates the world’s largest agency group. The combined entity, which will have more than 100,000 employees, will retain the Omnicom name and trade under the OMC ticker on the New York Stock Exchange, according to a statement from both companies. The all-stock deal is expected to close in the second half of 2025 and generate $750 million in annual cost synergies.
Omnicom agrees to acquire IPG, creating world’s largest agency group
The 2025 VW ID Buzz in two-tone Candy White over Energetic Orange.
Carmax launches media and creative agency review
CarMax reported net income of $132.8 million, up 12 percent from its second quarter a year ago.
Mars is launching a massive global agency review
Mars Inc., the consumer packaged goods conglomerate, is set to launch a sprawling global agency review, Ad Age has learned. The review is focused on Mars Snacking, which includes Mars candy brands such as M&Ms, Snickers and Wrigley’s, as well as Mars Petcare, which encompasses brands such as Pedigree, Cesar and Royal Canin. Mars Food & Nutrition, which includes brands including Ben’s Original, Seeds of Change and Masterfoods, is not part of the review.
Rocket Companies selects media agency to unify its brands in $875M marketing push
Rocket Companies Inc. has appointed Publicis Groupe as its media agency of record following a competitive review that was first reported in May. Publicis and its technology, resources and leadership will work on the account, and Detroit-based Rocket Companies' day-to-day media duties will be managed by Publicis-owned Zenith, according to Jonathan Mildenhall, who was appointed the company’s first group chief marketing officer earlier this year.
Weber Shandwick Collective names Susan Howe as CEO
Weber Shandwick Collective CEO Gail Heimann is retiring after nearly three decades with the Interpublic Group of Cos. network. Susan Howe, the network’s president, will succeed Heimann in November, with the leadership transition taking place over the next four months.
Highdive gets 'significant' private-equity investment as it looks to grow
Svoboda Capital, a Chicago-based private equity firm, has made a “significant” investment in independent advertising agency Highdive. Both parties confirmed the investment but declined to share specific financial terms. Highdive will retain its independence. CEO Megan Lally, co-Chief Creative Officers Chad Broude and Mark Gross, along with Partner and Group Director Kaley Lambeth will maintain an undisclosed ownership stake in the business, Highdive said.
Rocket Cos. puts $875M advertising business up for bids under new marketing chief
Rocket Cos. has put its media account in review, Ad Age has learned. The review includes the Detroit-based company’s U.S. portfolio of brands such as Rocket Mortgage and Rocket Homes. The news comes just months after Rocket Cos.
Caliber Corporate Advisers names Grace Keith Rodriguez CEO
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72Point appoints former Reach associate editor
With an extensive background in media and journalism, Andy Rudd (pictured) has joined 72Point. Rudd worked at publisher Reach for eight years, serving as head of news at Mirror.co.uk before becoming associate editor. He has also held journalism roles at Trinity Mirror, Express Newspapers and The Sun. In his new role, Rudd will develop 72Point’s media strategy, as well as drive innovation and creativity to deliver clients and publishers newsworthy content.
Edelman parent DJE Holdings acquires German marketing agency Pacific
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Edelman parent DJE Holdings acquires German marketing agency Pacific
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Zeno to train employees on antisemitism and Islamophobia amid surge in hate speech
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How Ford, Stellantis and GM responded after reaching tentative deals with UAW
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APCO Worldwide acquires NGC International Advisory, Strategic Advice
'The Young and the Restless' Spoilers: Elena Busts Nate/Victoria In LA, Demands To Know What's Going On Between Them
Stephen Kehoe returns to PepsiCo as corporate affairs chief
Dwyane Wade says he and his family moved from Florida because they were not ‘accepted,’ citing anti-trans discrimination against daughter Zaya
Brands: Is it worth it to pay for a verified check mark on Twitter?
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What Microsoft is saying the first reactions to its AI-powered Bing chatbot
REDMOND, WA: As the artificial intelligence arms race wages on between Google and Microsoft, the latter has detailed updates to its AI-powered Bing search engine. ...
Penta promotes David Knaus, Meghan Pennington to partner
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AT&T names PepsiCo’s Krista Pilot as comms head
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Ex-Twitter exec Joseph Nuñez joins Brightcove
Jack Ma, the billionaire founder of Alibaba who disappeared from public view in 2020, appears to resurface in Thailand as he prepares to give up control of his company The Bangkok restaurant Jay Fai posted a picture of the elusive billionaire on Instagram just hours before he ceded control of the company he founded.
Lippe Taylor Group promotes Tracy Naden to North America president
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WhatsApp responds after Iran restricts access - PR Week
Ads As protests take place in the country, the Iranian government has also limited access to Instagram and more of the internet in general. September 22, 2022 MENLO PARK, CA: WhatsApp said on Thursday that it is “working on” keeping Iranians connected after the country blocked access to the global messaging platform. On Wednesday, Iran limited access to the internet, as well as WhatsApp and Instagram, two of the only available social media networks available in the region.
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