Culture wars rage on, forcing marketers to decide whether to reevaluate or retrench

The dual forces of the backlash to inclusive marketing and the rapid rise of generative AI could lead marketers to reconsider the role of brands and how to advertise in H2 and beyond.

By Chris Kelly , Shaun Lucas • July 11, 2023

6 campaigns that broke through the creative rut of H1 2023

Though tightened advertiser budgets have spurred a sense of dullness, bets on buzzy tech, experiential displays and major refreshes seized the moment.

By Peter Adams , Jessica Deyo • July 11, 2023

Marketing in 2023: H1 by the numbers

Measurement uncertainty, budget changes and platform shifts were top of mind.

By Jasmine Ye Han • July 11, 2023

MediaMath’s bankruptcy demonstrates difficulties of DSP model

The ad-tech company filed following its inability to lock down an acquisition by potential buyers including Viant Technology and Verve Group.

By Aaron Baar • July 10, 2023

Yum Brands inks AI-powered customer data partnership

Treasure Data will collect first-, second- and third-party data for the restaurant company to create “a single view of a customer across multiple brands.”

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 6, 2023

Why IPG is betting quantum computing can reduce agency complexity

The group has already begun experimenting with models for clients such as Coca-Cola and Verizon as part of a new partnership with D-Wave Quantum.

By Aaron Baar • July 5, 2023

Jeep owner Stellantis appoints first AOR for reaching Black audiences

TKT & Associates will report to Stellantis North America’s head of merchandising and licensing, whose role will oversee multicultural marketing.

By Peter Adams • June 29, 2023

How Kroger’s in-housing push aims to raise the retail media bar

A new self-service advertising platform comes at a point of growing pains for the channel where many brands have become “reluctant” buyers.

By Peter Adams • June 28, 2023

General Mills names food specialist shop Ingredient as content marketing AOR

The agency, which is also Minneapolis-based, has previously worked with several General Mills brands and boasts an in-house production studio.

By Peter Adams • June 26, 2023

Uber boosts advertising sales pitch with help from Omnicom

The partnership will wed the ride-hailing company’s mobility and retail media inventory with the holding company’s audience insights.

By Aaron Baar • June 26, 2023

Ad Net Zero sets new guidelines for sustainable media partners

Supporters of the climate action program will have one year to set public net zero targets and are required to report progress annually.

By Sara Karlovitch • June 23, 2023

Albertsons proposes retail media standards for industry at crossroads

Adopting a shared framework could allay mounting advertiser frustrations, but is contingent on buy-in from notoriously cagey and competitive retail rivals.

By Peter Adams • June 22, 2023

Agencies to replace 7.5% of jobs with AI by 2030 — but creatives could be spared

A Forrester forecast identified a negative correlation between jobs with the highest generative AI influence and their potential to be replaced. 

By Peter Adams • June 22, 2023

Brandtech Group acquires AI SaaS platform Pencil

The deal coincides with the launch of a co-developed generative AI product for big brands that counts Unilever and Bayer as users.

By Aaron Baar • June 20, 2023

ANA: 15% of programmatic ad spend is wasted on click-bait websites

Programmatic campaigns tend to have “incomprehensible” scale, with the ANA stating that marketers could save $13 billion by implementing better practices.

By Peter Adams • June 20, 2023

Smirnoff’s big brand strategy shakeup is all about inclusion

A global campaign developed with new AOR McCann New York combats a “joy recession” stemming from feelings of isolation and disconnection.

By Peter Adams • June 16, 2023

Hoka’s new high-flying ads look to build on $1B sales momentum

Made with Anomaly, the sportswear shoe brand’s largest global campaign to date plays on a bird-flocking behavior called murmuration.

By Peter Adams • June 15, 2023

Walmart’s ad biz finds early success with video partners like Roku

NBCUniversal becomes the latest member of a partner program that has delivered results above benchmarks for Roku, TikTok and TalkShopLive.

By Chris Kelly • June 15, 2023

Accenture to invest $3B in AI and double AI workforce

The company will add 40,000 AI-skilled employees to help clients become more efficient and resilient in their use of the buzzy tech.

By Lindsey Wilkinson • June 13, 2023

GroupM: Ad spending normalizes while AI’s impact on budgets surges

A half-year report falls in line with December forecasts while noting uncertainty in areas like AI, which is expected to “inform” at least half of 2023 ad revenue.

By Peter Adams • June 12, 2023

Independent agency network Serviceplan Group expands into US

The European entity wants to replicate a model it says has proven successful, promising agencies and clients an avenue to keep their independent spirit alive while tapping into additional resources.

By Aaron Baar • June 12, 2023

Impossible Foods taps Terry Crews’ agency Super Serious for national campaigns

The two campaigns mark the debut of Super Serious and see Impossible using humor to adopt a more inclusive and approachable tone.

By Sara Karlovitch • June 12, 2023

Brandtech Group acquires Jellyfish to create $1B digital marketing agency

The deal brings major digital marketing platform expertise that Brandtech Group can apply across its global network to connect content, data and media.

By Aaron Baar • June 5, 2023

Publicis plants flag with responsible AI by joining industry coalition

C2PA, which includes Microsoft and Adobe in its ranks, seeks to develop new content verification standards while helping safeguard IP.

By Peter Adams • June 5, 2023

Heinz honors ‘irrational’ fan love in first unified global brand platform

Representing Kraft Heinz’s biggest media investment to date, the effort celebrates tales of brand passion, such as ketchup bottle tattoos. 

By Peter Adams • June 1, 2023