As the advertising world watches closely, Omnicom Group is undergoing notable internal changes in the lead-up to its expected merger with Interpublic Group (IPG) in the second half of 2025. While the acquisition itself is pending regulatory approvals, the wave of shifts inside both holding companies has already begun.
OMD Worldwide, the group’s global media and marketing arm, recently rolled out a refreshed brand identity under the banner “We Create What’s Next,” unveiled by CEO George Manas during a global town hall streamed to over 14,000 employees. The agency also announced it had secured $1.8 billion in net new business for 2024.
Meanwhile, in India, leadership exits have made headlines. Suraja Kishore stepped down as CEO of BBDO India in April, and a replacement is yet to be named. Around the same time, Ranjeev Vij, who held dual roles at TBWA India and Nissan United, also exited. The reshuffle follows earlier developments from October 2024, when Omnicom-owned Wieden+Kennedy shut its India operations, closing its Mumbai office and downsizing the Delhi team as part of a global realignment strategy.
Insiders anticipate further transitions as Omnicom continues to recalibrate its operations in India. While official comments from the group remain limited, a spokesperson noted that Omnicom and IPG continue to function as separate companies and competitors until the merger is finalized.
Globally, the Omnicom Group has been implementing cost-cutting measures, with leadership changes and workforce reductions. CEO Matt McNally of Omnicom Health Group stepped down, and approximately 3,000 roles were reportedly cut in 2024. More reductions are expected this year. The group aims to save $750 million post-merger by streamlining operations, eliminating redundancies, and reducing corporate expenses by 40%, according to CEO John Wren.
When finalized, the IPG-Omnicom merger will create the world’s largest advertising and marketing conglomerate. Under the new structure, IPG agency brands will fall under the Omnicom Advertising Services umbrella, each led by unified market leaders and reporting to regional heads.
This move signals a bold shift in the industry as agencies brace for an AI-powered, data-centric future, but not without some turbulence along the way.
Sources: Exchange4Media (e4m), industry reports, and official company statements.
