17534: FYI ICYMI IPA BS.

More About Advertising spotlighted a survey from the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) showing clients want White advertising agencies to “stretch, grow, and challenge” them.

 

Yeah, right. Regardless of anything the collected data might claim, here’s a clear interpretation of the client requests based on reality:

 

STRETCH insufficient budgets

 

GROW timelines via scope creep

 

CHALLENGE assumptions and briefs—but execute to assumptions and briefs anyway

 

Clients want agencies to ‘stretch, grow and challenge’ them says IPA

 

By Emma Hall

 

The IPA has got some advice for agencies about what clients value from agencies, and it doesn’t seem to be a “core creative idea,” which was joint 10^th on the list with 73% saying it’s important. AI, however, is right at the top, with 90% of marketers saying AI skills are either critical or very important in both creative and media agencies.

 

Out of 200 clients surveyed, 83% want “stretch and growth thinking,” but only 48% think agencies are delivering it. There was also a gap between the clients who wanted to have their briefs and assumptions challenged (77%) and the 43% who said their agencies dare to do this.

 

What else are marketers looking for? These clients were not admitting to prioritising faster and cheaper; instead say they want strategic expertise (80%), quality production (83%) and specialist knowledge of key channels (79%). Conversely the growth of in-housing is, they said, about cost, speed, control and integration.

 

When it comes to remuneration, agencies will be pleased to hear that two thirds of clients think they are undervaluing themselves. The top preferred alternative (at 54%) is an outcome-based model – one that agencies have long been calling for but find it hard to put into practice. Clients (82%) also want agencies to help them “get the customer heard at board level” which is quite an ask.

 

The study (with Tracksuit) surveyed clients in charge of marketing budgets of between £1m and £250m. There are five recommendations for agencies:

 

1. Create better stories to reframe agency value

 

2. Promote the power of creative expertise

 

3. Package and promote critical thinking

 

4. Influence board level decision making

 

5. Orientate the agency and refocus remuneration around that value

 

Marcos Angelides, chair of the IPA commercial leadership group and Publicis Media’s MD of L’Oréal Lab & head of AI, said: “Clients want agencies to push their thinking further, challenge assumptions and bring new perspectives to the table. To do that effectively, agencies need to combine creativity and expertise with robust data and insight that guarantees competitive advantage.”

 

Ed Palmer, IPA director of value, says: “Agencies should take heart in the value marketers attach to the creativity, challenge and strategic rigour that agencies are uniquely placed to deliver. But there’s work to be done to ensure that agencies deliver what clients truly value in them, and that that value is recognised and compensated accordingly.”

17498: Can’t Beat The Real Exclusivity.

Advertising Age reported The Coca-Cola Company is launching a global review for media, data, and technology, staging a France vs UK battle royale between Publicis Groupe and WPP.

 

The scenario underscores how serving global brands are closed affairs, exclusive privileges available only to a handful of White holding companies and a single White operating company.

 

In the US, Coca-Cola has a history of intentionally excluding Blacks from its marketing efforts.

 

Looks like the colorless campaign continues. Let them eat—and drink—crumbs.

 

Coca-Cola media, data and tech agency review pits WPP against Publicis

 

By E.J. Schultz, Brian Bonilla, and Ewan Larkin

 

Coca-Cola Co. will conduct a global agency review for media, data and technology needs, setting up a shootout between Publicis Groupe and WPP, the beverage giant confirmed.

 

The rival holding companies will compete for the business in Coca-Cola’s top global markets, excluding North America, where Publicis is the incumbent, and Japan and Korea, where it works with Dentsu, Coca-Cola confirmed to Ad Age. Mediasense will handle the review, which will begin in July with a decision expected in the fall.

 

The review is driven by Coca-Cola’s desire to evolve “its digital-first marketing operating system for future growth. This includes a shift in mindset from traditional media planning to the emerging ways we need to reach consumers through technology, including agentic tools,” the company stated.

 

Coca-Cola Co. reported $5.4 billion in ad expenses in 2025, up from $5.1 billion in 2024. Coca-Cola was the 19th-largest advertiser in the world and the 27th-largest advertiser in the U.S. based on 2024 spending, according to Ad Age Datacenter.

 

The review comes nearly five years after Coca-Cola hired WPP for creative, media, data and marketing technology across its 200 or so brands, setting up a bespoke unit called Open X. WPP in early 2025 lost its grip on a significant chunk of that business when Coca-Cola Co. hired Publicis Groupe for its North America media account. Now Publicis has an opportunity to significantly expand its remit with Coca-Cola, potentially at WPP’s expense. Publicis finished a close second during the 2021 review, but at that time, Manolo Arroyo, Coca-Cola’s global chief marketing officer, said WPP’s global reach tipped the scales in its favor.

 

The new review “coincides with a contract renewal cycle following the start of our five-year partnership with WPP Open X, which has helped to modernize our marketing approach and deliver significant business value,” Coke stated, adding that “global creative and PR disciplines are not in scope of this review and will remain with WPP Open X.”

 

“We are proud to serve as The Coca-Cola Company’s global network partner,” WPP shared in a statement. “The upcoming five-year contract renewal process coincides with Coca-Cola’s Next Chapter initiative, and we will continue to transform our capabilities in lockstep with them. We welcome the opportunity to showcase how our integrated media, data science, and agentic technology platform and solutions will continue to drive future growth across their key global markets.”

 

Publicis didn’t return requests for comment.

 

WPP has been building some much-needed momentum in the pitch room, with WPP Media raking in $1.5 billion in new client billings during the first quarter, according to COMvergence. There is, however, a lot riding on the Coca-Cola account. Marketing consultants previously told Ad Age that any further losses or missteps with the beverage giant could signal deeper systemic issues within WPP.

 

It is the latest test for Cindy Rose on the eve of her first time at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity as WPP’s CEO.

 

Open X has seen leadership changes since losing the North America media account. When Laurent Ezekiel moved from Open X CEO to take the top post at Ogilvy in September, WPP handed the reins of the bespoke team to Floriane Tripolino, previously WPP’s client lead for Nestlé and a former Publicis executive, with Ezekiel staying on as executive sponsor.

 

In September, Ezekiel told Ad Age the Open X model was going “very well.” At the same time, Devika Bulchandani, WPP’s chief operating officer, made clear that WPP intended to reclaim Coca-Cola’s North America media account.

 

In April, Coca-Cola reported a 12% jump in first-quarter net revenue, to $12.5 billion. The company in part credited efforts to execute “locally relevant marketing at scale to drive enduring brand value,” citing programs such as an AI‑enabled campaign in China inspired by traditional Chinese paper art. WPP’s EssenceMediacom cited the effort on its website, suggesting it led to 8% year-over-year sales growth.

 

Coca-Cola, in recent years, has shifted much of its advertising to targeted digital channels and stepped back from big tentpole events such as the Super Bowl. However, it still spends big on the World Cup and Olympics.

17130: Overreaction Of The Week.

FOX News reported King Charles is changing the rules at Buckingham Palace, rewriting a 100-year-old tradition for playing tennis on the royal family’s court. Specifically, the strict dress code for players now makes tennis whites “preferred” but “not essential.”

 

Regarding players on the court, however, Whites are still preferred and essential.

 

King Charles shatters 100-year-old royal tradition to usher in modern monarchy: experts

 

By Stephanie Nolasco and Ashley Papa

 

After more than 100 years, King Charles is changing the rules at Buckingham Palace.

For the first time, players on the royal family’s outdoor tennis court no longer have to follow the strict “almost entirely white” dress code, The Sunday Times reported.

 

According to the outlet, the 76-year-old has relaxed the protocol, making tennis whites now “preferred” but “not essential” for players, including members of the royal family, household staff and their guests.

 

Fox News Digital reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment.

 

Shannon Felton Spence, a former British public affairs official, told Fox News Digital that the king has been determined to modernize the monarchy, making it fresh and relevant for today’s public.

 

“King Charles is a very progressive-thinking man,” said Felton Spence. “He has been his entire life, always looking forward and trying to build for the future. He has made it his mission to reshape a monarchy fit for the purpose today and tomorrow, while keeping the cultural relevancy that grounds the institution. These initiatives are good news and should be celebrated.”

 

British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital that it’s one of many changes the busy king has been making. She pointed out that Buckingham Palace announced on July 3 that the Royal Train, whose history dates back to Queen Victoria, would end 156 years of service. The palace shared it’s too costly to operate and would require a significant upgrade to accommodate more advanced rail systems.

 

“The Royal Train is no longer,” said Fordwich. “Other changes have included lowering the temperature of the palace swimming pool to reduce energy consumption and other updates to palace amenities.”

 

“King Charles has previously broken many royal customs, including changes to ceremonial duties, the public displays of affection, and, in general, many public engagement styles,” she shared. “His direct engagement in political lobbying has not been well received and has been most ill-advised.”

 

The dress code upgrade is significant for the king, who is known for his formal wear. According to the outlet, Charles is rarely seen in jeans or sneakers. However, he wanted his staff and guests, in particular, to “feel less restricted by protocol.”

 

“While the end of the all-white tennis dress code at Buckingham Palace might seem somewhat minor, it’s a significant and rather symbolic step by King Charles to modernize the monarchy, making royal life more approachable and less bound by rigid traditions,” Fordwich explained.

 

Fordwich noted that the fashion rule was originally put in place when the court was built in 1919 during King George V’s reign. According to the Royal Collection Trust, it’s recognized as “London’s most exclusive tennis court.” The Sunday Times noted that it’s located in “a shady area of the palace’s 40-acre garden.”

 

“It has always been a hallmark of royal sporting etiquette,” Fordwich shared. “Players, including royals, staff and guests, may not wear colored clothing... It’s so sad to see yet another tradition abandoned.”

 

It’s noted that for Charles’s ancestors, sweat was considered unsightly, and colorful clothing showed it off more than white ensembles.

 

Felton Spence noted that we can expect the king to continue bending the rules.

“Protocol are simply unofficial rules adopted through tradition. They started somewhere,” she said.

 

Royal commentator Amanda Matta also told Fox News Digital that Charles’s latest move may have been a quiet one, but its message was loud and clear.

 

“It might seem like a minor change, but in royal circles, even a small dress code modification says a lot,” Matta explained. “By easing up on the all-white rule for tennis at Buckingham Palace, King Charles is continuing his quiet push to modernize the monarchy. This modernization will not be through big pronouncements, but with subtle shifts.”

 

“The all-white rule dates back to Victorian ideas about formality and appearance, and changing it shows that Charles is willing to let go of traditions that feel outdated,” she shared. “It’s also a practical move. This isn’t Wimbledon, after all, and the court is used by family, guests, and even palace staff, so relaxing the rules makes sense. I’m expecting (and excited for) more of these small tweaks throughout Charles’ reign!”

 

Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital that Charles isn’t the only one looking to dust off the monarchy’s rigid rules. Kate Middleton made her fashion first by wearing Christian Dior on July 8 for the start of the French state visit. According to the outlet, the 43-year-old’s style choice was aimed at showing sartorial diplomacy. Her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, was known to be a muse for the French fashion brand.

 

“There have been many arguments recently allegedly about fashion styles,” said Turner. “It is known that as soon as she is seen in a new outfit, it is sold out in minutes. Such is the demand to emulate her.”

 

Royal photographer Chris Jackson, author of “Charles III: A King and His Queen,” previously told Fox News Digital that Charles’s personal style has always shared important messages about his prized causes.

 

“He’s got this beautiful Aston Martin that runs on biofuel, which is surplus wine and cheese whey, which is pretty incredible,” Jackson said. “He’s obviously very passionate about the environment, [and] he’s got this beautiful car, a DB6 Volante Aston Martin, that’s environmentally friendly.”

 

The king, who has been a longtime advocate of sustainable living, bought the car in 1970. He converted it to run on biofuels, which use ethanol created from cheese-making whey and wine. He loaned his beloved vehicle to his son Prince William, who used it to drive Kate from their nuptials in 2011.

 

Daily Mail reporter Robert Hardman, author of “The Making of a King,” also previously told Fox News Digital that Charles is known for sharing “coded messages” by using his ties.

 

“His favorite has a little T-Rex motif on it,” said Hardman. “I thought, ‘That’s a bit odd. I keep seeing this tie with a dinosaur on it… Of course, his cipher says, C. Rex, Charles Rex. So, I think he’s having a little joke about being king with his tie. But he’s in a good place. He’s a happy monarch.”

 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

16750: For ISBA, It’s Got To Be Taide.

 

More About Advertising reported the Incorporated Society of British Advertisers—ISBA—appointed Procter & Gamble Chief Brand Officer SVP Europe Taide Gaujardo to ISBA Council Vice President. Of course they did. The organization is undoubtedly seeking to make good on its performative PR surrounding social responsibility and inclusion.

 

Don’t mean to overreact, but it’s odd how the MAA content refers to Guajardo by her first name versus the journalistic standard of identifying executives by their last name.

 

BTW, while Guajardo is the newest addition to the ISBA Council, her credentials arguably establish her as the most experienced and talented member on the entire team.

 

ISBA appoints P&G’s Taide Guajardo as new vice president

 

By Emma Hall

 

Taide Guajardo, the brand senior VP Europe at Procter & Gamble, has signed up to become a VP at ISBA. She’s spent three decades in P&G marketing departments, moving from Mexico, Poland, and Italy to her current base at the European HQ in Switzerland, from where she leads a team of 1300 marketers in 49 countries.

 

ISBA have got some pretty heavy-hitting senior people right now. The president is Boots CMO Pete Markey, and Taide’s fellow VP is Unilever VP global media, Sarah Mansfield.

 

Taide said “It is a great honour to undertake the role of VP in ISBA and be part of this forward-thinking community that shapes the future of advertising. In line with my role in P&G, I’m excited and committed to keep raising the bar on brand building in terms of transparency, impact and accessibility towards a better advertising environment that best serves people and grows the markets”.

 

ISBA director general Phil Smith said: “Taide brings with her a wealth of experience from across the marketing spectrum. Her work on creating advertising that is accessible to all aligns with one of ISBA’s key priorities. I am looking forward continuing to work with her, both as ISBA Vice President and as one of the key sponsors of the Ad Access Alliance.”

16722: An Award-Winning Merger Of Exclusivity + Systemic Racism…?

MediaPost reported Ascential—parent company of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity—is considering a $1.5 billion acquisition offer from UK-based Informa.

 

There’s something appropriate about an enterprise tied to Adland—where mergers and acquisitions are common occurrences for White advertising agencies and holding companies—now undergoing the process too.

 

Based on their respective websites, both companies appear to be run by White men and White women—so there’s a corporate and cultural fit. Don’t expect either place, however, to land a Glass Lion or other patronizing trophy for performative DEIBA+ achievements.

 

Indeed, any such prize for Ascential or Informa would likely constitute a scam award.

 

Cannes Lions Operator Ascential Weighing $1.5B Bid

 

By Joe Mandese

 

Ascential plc, the parent company of the Cannes Lions festival and other assets relevant to the ad industry, is weighing a $1.5 billion acquisition offer from British publishing company Informa plc.

 

“Following recent movement in Ascential’s share price, the board of Ascential confirms that it has received a conditional proposal from Informa PLC regarding a possible cash offer for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Ascential at 568 pence per Ascential share,” Ascential said in a regulatory statement, adding that the current proposal follows “a number of approaches by Informa to Ascential in recent months.”

 

The statement goes on to say Ascential’s board is “minded to recommend” Informa’s most recent proposal.

 

Ascential, which recently sold its Flywheel Digital commerce assets to Omnicom for nearly a billion dollars, also is in the process of selling agency technology startup Hudson MX, which it has said it is discussing with multiple potential bidders.

16712: Parody For Poverty…?

 

Here’s a delayed reaction to the Women’s Equality Party advertisement spotlighted in a previous post.

 

The responsible agency—Quiet Storm in the UK—purports to being an inclusive and culturally competent firm, yet can’t help but wonder about the thinking behind the concept.

 

After all, Mahatma Gandhi said, “Poverty is the worst form of violence.” To make light of people experiencing poverty and hunger with candy bar references is insensitive at best—and insipid, inane, and inexcusable at least.

16710: Ripping Off Candy Bar Campaign To Fight Hunger And Poverty Is Nuts.

 

Quiet Storm in the UK is responsible for this Women’s Equality Party advertisement parodying the popular candy bar campaign. Sorry, this concept induces snickers and fails to satisfy.

16565: Hitting The Brakes For Neurodiversity…?

 

This Autistica campaign seeks to build awareness and increase employment opportunities for neurodivergent people. Okay, but putting so much text—and QR codes (!)—on outdoor billboards seems, well, crazy. Or downright dangerous if the audience is trying to drive while reading and scanning the content.

 

16559: BHM 2024—Karen Blackett.

 

Although it’s technically not a BHM 2024 moment, MediaPost reported President of WPP UK Karen Blackett is leaving to pursue “other interests and opportunities”—which is actually a monumental Black history event for Adland. The “other interests and opportunities” will greatly benefit from Blackett’s genius.

 

Longtime WPP Executive Blackett Stepping Down After 29 Years At The Company

 

By Steve McClellan

 

WPP announced today that Karen Blackett, UK country president, is leaving after nearly 29 years with the company.

 

Blackett is set to depart this summer to pursue other interests and opportunities, according to the company.

 

She joined WPP via media agency MediaCom (now part of EssenceMediacom), rising to become UK CEO.

 

Blackett also spent three years as COO of MediaCom EMEA. In 2020 she became UK CEO of GroupM, and is credited with leading the company through a time of significant transformation and uncertainty due to the global pandemic.

 

Blackett has been a staunch advocate for greater industry diversity and business generally. She played a central role in WPP’s response to the murder of George Floyd and its repercussions around the world.

 

In 2011, she introduced the first government-backed apprenticeship program in the media sector, and in 2018 she was appointed by the UK Prime Minister as Race Equality Business Champion. More recently she was instrumental in the creation of the UK Inclusion Board to share learnings and elevate best practice policies around DEI companywide.

 

And her contributions have been recognized beyond the advertising and media industries. She has topped the UK’s EMpower, HERoes and Powerlist rankings, and been featured in the Vogue 25 Most Influential Women in Britain. In 2014 she was awarded an OBE for services to media and communications.

 

CEO Mark Read stated: “Karen has continually been a positive force for change in our industry and her commitment and unwavering loyalty to WPP and our clients have benefitted the company in many ways.”

 

Blackett said: “I will miss our brilliant people in our agencies, our clients and the creativity of our teams. I am always on a growth journey, and the time is right to pursue this outside of WPP.”

 

Separately, in the U.S. today EssenceMediacom confirmed a leadership change.

16549: A Royal Opportunity For Publicis Groupe…?

 

People reported King Charles was diagnosed with a form of cancer and is undergoing treatment. A statement read, “His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”

 

Expect Publicis Groupe to capitalize on the event with its cancer contest. Hey, Publicis Health is allegedly not above taking advantage of others’ pain and misfortune.

16313: Audi UK Drives Diversity In Reverse.

 

Audi UK presents its electric vehicle propaganda as a tale of progress, drawing parallels to how BRIT award-winning singer/songwriter Jorja Smith drove to success. According to the carmaker’s self-promotional hype, the “Driven by Progress” campaign forwards the Audi “Living Progress” philosophy.

 

Okay, except the concept was executed by BBH London—and work that’s arguably multicultural (and definitely appropriating Black culture) being awarded to a White advertising agency hardly qualifies as progressive. Indeed, it’s another example of accelerating systemic racism.

16307: Scorn On The Fourth Of July.

 

Adland gleefully celebrates the 4th of July—despite the fact that four of the big six holding companies are not American enterprises, hailing from Japan, France, and the UK.

 

Does this reality impact true dedication to DE&I initiatives? Do the majority of holding company leaders view such nettlesome matters as primarily US concerns—local nuisances to check off from to-do lists preceded by more pressing priorities like quarterly earnings, mergers, award pursuits, digital capabilities, and AI? And it doesn’t help that holding companies take a colonizing approach to growth.

 

Are most of the men in charge—by virtue of their geopolitical perspectives and foreign interests—further levels removed from those seeking equality and justice?