The big three holding companies – Publicis Groupe, Omnicom and WPP – have reported their Q3 results, and each are on different journeys. WPP is working on its turnaround Elevate28 plan, Omnicom is nearing one year since its acquisition of IPG, and Publicis points to its "record new-business" run, winning accounts without a pitch.
This episode features journalists from Campaign UK and US discussing how the last three months have gone for big three, what each of the CEOs have said on their results, and the recent fight over two of the biggest media accounts, Coca-Cola and PepsiCo. As was well-reported, Publicis stole Pepsi from Omnicom, which in turn won Coca-Cola’s North America account, which WPP declined to take part in, though it retained Coca-Cola’s international business.
Emmy Liederman, managing editor at Campaign US, joins the episode to discuss her rare interview with Omnicom chief executive John Wren. Gideon Spanier, UK editor-in-chief, provides his analysis of the holding company earnings calls and Ellie Lewis, data editor Campaign UK, provides the headline figures of the results. The episode is hosted by tech and multimedia editor Lucy Shelley.
Further reading:
Podcast: Does Publicis' PepsiCo coup mean pitching is changing?
Cindy Rose criticises 'pitch-less CEO handshake' deals
Is John Wren right to say 'everybody’s replaceable'?
Arthur Sadoun on winning without pitching and why the new ‘big three’ is driving ‘profound’ change
The key charts behind WPP’s Q3 2026 results
The key charts behind Omnicom’s Q3 2026 results
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