The Drum

😅 As WPP issues a profit warning and Media Group waits on Interpublic Group (IPG) approval, Publicis Media keeps climbing. “When you have constant news flow around cost-cutting, layoffs and succession planning, it is not what our clients want to hear.” Publicis Media CEO Arthur Sadoun tells The Drum why industry instability hurts the whole ad agency scene – and why he’s rooting for WPP and Omnicom to succeed. 👉 Read here: https://lnkd.in/eUBhyaHD What do you think – is holding company upheaval hurting client trust?

‘CAN WE PLEASE STOP TALKING ABOUT PERIODS?' - The Telegraph ‘PERIOD TALK NEEDS TO STOP. PERIOD.' - The Spectator. Think periods aren’t taboo anymore? Think again. Just last month, headlines slammed women for “oversharing” after model Brooks Nader posted a video of blood on her skirt at Wimbledon. The Drum spoke with Tanja Grubner, global marketing director for periodcare, about why the brand still challenges menstrual stigma, nearly a decade after it was criticized for showing a pad in use and using red liquid in ads. Grubner shares why fearless marketing still matters and how Essity is tackling censorship in an AI-driven media world. https://lnkd.in/e3dcysHk

Waitrose & Partners once focused digital marketing on online sales alone. But when in-store visits proved 8x more likely than online conversions, it became clear: real value was being missed. That insight sparked a 7-year transformation for the retailer, moving from fragmented tools to a clear, credible measurement strategy that resonates with finance and drives growth. Now, with BCG’s Effectiveness Maturity Framework, other brands can too. 🔍 Learn how the right structure can turn measurement into a strategic asset. 📖 Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/egJsVdkE

Do you know what any these Gen Alpha slang terms mean? 😅 Tesco Mobile is helping adults understand. In response to growing concerns about online safety Tesco Mobile are decoding digital slang to parents. Helping them to get a better handle on what their kids might be up to. New from BBH London #ooh

Did a strawberry sandwich save UK retailer M&S? Columnist Sian Conway-Wood argues that “only a confident brand launches a dessert-themed novelty sandwich while its backend systems are on fire.” She explains how M&S perfectly harnessed product, promo, and place to rebuild trust after its e-commerce platform was held to ransom by hackers. Maybe it’s time more of us respond to the serious with some silly? https://lnkd.in/eAnsW6pQ #advertising #marketing #opinion

Brand purpose has become the villain of marketing strategy. We must move the conversation on with a clearer definition. Quite like any good creative idea, purpose can be a "mission" a brand goes on to bring their positioning to life consistently in an emotional way. A way that scores them unfair fame, earned media, and word of mouth. It doesn't mean this has to end in some kind of societal CSR benefit, Peter Field has already shown us with IPA (Institute of Practitioners in Advertising) that this can lead to various results (varying from 32% more or less very large business effects). All brands don't need a purpose. But they all need a consistent campaign idea. Purpose is a version of that. Patrón's recent campaign from BBH USA is a fantastic example of this. A clear aim that aligns their product, place, price, and ads (the 4ps). Despite falling out with the Mexican officials after shouting about their additive-free tequila (something that shows up other brands in the category), they are doubling down despite what it might cost them. Marketing can be for good. Lots of brands have shown this can be effective. But a brand purpose doesn't NEED to do this. We got silly and some thought all brands needed a purpose. They don't. But when a brand goes on a mission, it aligns all its resources in one direction. It's emotional. It can make your brand salient. It's simply a version of proper marketing. Jon Evans discussed this with Kory Marchisotto from Elf on the Uncensored CMO podcast last week. Their purpose (to make beauty for everyone) has helped them secure 25 quarters of growth. Another brand showing this definition of purpose can work hard. My column in The Drum today: https://lnkd.in/eqH_Pvbv Brilliant stuff from top marketers at one of System1's partners, Bacardi. I share #advertising and #marketing insights daily, follow for more.

Culture in 2025 isn’t slowing down—it’s evolving at lightning speed. For brands, the question isn’t just “how do we keep up?”—it’s “how do we stand out and stay relevant?” Join Kantar’s Lindsay Gorton-Lee and Liana Gregorians, in conversation with The Drum’s Maria Greaves for a powerful session on how cultural relevance fuels brand growth. In this session, you’ll learn: ✅ What sets culturally fluent brands apart in today’s crowded market ✅ How to spot meaningful trends (and avoid the hype) with tools like Kantar’s Global Monitor ✅ Why ‘comfort culture’ is gaining momentum—and what that means for marketers ✅ How Kantar’s VIBE framework defines and tracks cultural relevance ✅ What winning brands are doing right now to lead the way 🗓️ Thursday, 24 July 🕒 3pm BST / 10am ET Don’t miss it—your brand’s next cultural breakthrough could start here. https://lnkd.in/dNFZHjK7

Don’t just watch the industry evolve, be in the room while it happens. Tickets for The Drum Live are live. Save now and thank yourself later. 🎟️: https://lnkd.in/dFRiu3i9

Mobile gaming in Asia Pacific is exploding - and esports is leading the charge. From sold-out stadiums to record-breaking streams, titles like MLBB are turning gameplay into a global spectacle. And brands? They’re not just watching - they’re winning, with campaigns that reach millions and drive real results. Read more insights from MOONTON GAMES here: https://lnkd.in/e8BnvJaT

Brands served up their best creative on social media for Wimbledon 2025 🎾 This year, brands focused on striking visuals and storytelling in line with the CGI, stop-motion and aesthetic trends. See the interesting ways brands (Burberry, Jellycat, Ralph Lauren, Terry’s, Tetley & PrettyLittleThing.com) transformed tennis balls and recreated the Wimbledon stands ⬇️