Gaming
From Valsad to SC: Justice Pardiwala holds fate of $3 billion gaming industry, 2 lakh jobs
WPP plans to rebrand GroupM to WPP Media amid broader overhaul: Report
GroupM currently employs approximately 40,000 people, more than a third of WPP’s total global workforce.
Experts believe the restructuring aligns GroupM more closely with competitors like Publicis Media and Omnicom Media Group, which have already streamlined media operations under unified brand umbrellas.
Advertising holdco WPP is reportedly preparing to rebrand its media investment arm, GroupM, as “WPP Media,” marking a significant shift after two decades of the unit’s inception. The move, first reported by Ad Age, signals an effort to streamline the company’s offerings and align more closely with rivals such as Publicis Media and Omnicom Media Group.
GroupM, which oversees media planning, buying, and analytics for some of the world’s most prominent brands, is the largest media-buying entity globally. The division is responsible for negotiating billions of dollars in advertising placements across television, digital platforms, print, and other formats.
GroupM currently employs approximately 40,000 people, more than a third of WPP’s total global workforce.
WPP Chief Executive Mark Read has previously described 2025 as a “year of transition,” with sweeping changes anticipated under GroupM’s Global CEO, Brian Lesser.
WPP reported a slight decline in first-quarter revenue for 2025, as global economic pressures, restrained client spending, and the continued overhaul of its operations tempered growth. Despite the downturn, the company reaffirmed its full-year outlook, pointing to momentum in new business and investments in technology.
The firm reported quarterly revenue of £3.24 billion, a 5 percent drop on a reported basis and a 0.7 percent decline on a like-for-like basis, which excludes the impact of currency fluctuations and acquisitions. Revenue less pass-through costs—a key industry metric—fell 2.7 percent like-for-like to £2.48 billion.
Chief Executive Read described the results as “in line with expectations,” and stressed that WPP was advancing on several strategic fronts, including artificial intelligence, streamlining operations, and improving efficiency across its sprawling network of agencies.
SPOTLIGHT
The leaders highlighted how AI is emerging as a critical enabler in this shift from marketing’s traditional focus on new customers to a more sustainable model of driving growth from existing accounts.
Read MoreExplained: What the Online Gaming Bill means for the industry, users and platforms
The Online Gaming Bill 2025 imposes severe penalties, allows warrantless search and seizure, and empowers a central authority to regulate the digital gaming ecosystem. It is expected to disrupt platforms, payment systems, and advertising in the sector. Here's all you need to know about the bill.