Omnicom announces more than 4,000 job cuts as major agency brands are retired after IPG takeover

UNITED STATES: Omnicom announced on 1 December 2025 that it will cut more than 4,000 jobs following its US$13 billion (S$16.9 billion) acquisition of Interpublic Group.

The company said the layoffs are part of a sweeping integration process completed in November.

According to Omnicom, most affected positions are administrative, although some leadership roles will also be removed.

It said that after the cuts, around 85 per cent of roles will be client-facing, with the remaining 15 per cent focused on administration.

The global marketing and corporate communications giant said the savings would exceed the US$750 million initially projected to investors.

It described the integration as necessary amid rapid industry disruption driven by artificial intelligence and by competition from technology platforms enabling fast, low-cost ad creation.

Omnicom stated it intended to “deliver this news as promptly as possible to maintain transparency and privacy for those affected”. It noted that rivals, including WPP, are also undergoing significant restructuring.

Interpublic Group had already shed about 3,200 jobs in the first nine months of 2025.

Omnicom itself reduced its headcount by 3,000 in 2024 to roughly 75,000 staff.

A major component of the restructuring is the retirement of several long-established agencies.

According to a report by the Financial Times, DDB, FCB and MullenLowe will no longer operate as standalone brands.

They have been absorbed into Omnicom’s three principal creative networks: BBDO, McCann and TBWA.

Omnicom’s updated website confirms the shift, with the historic names removed from its creative structure.

DDB, founded in 1949, will be integrated into TBWA. MullenLowe, another creative marketing agency, will also join TBWA.

FCB, with roots dating back to 1873, will be consolidated into BBDO.

In Asia, Omnicom Advertising will be led by Sean Donovan.

The creative segment now comprises three global networks alongside 12 boutique agencies, including Alma, antoni, Carmichael Lynch, Goodby Silverstein & Partners, Lucky Generals and Martin Agency.

Media operations have been consolidated under Omnicom Media Group.

This will operate through OMD, PHD, UM, Initiative, Mediahub Worldwide, Hearts & Science and Acxiom, with Tony Harradine leading the APAC region.

Public relations will centre on brands such as FleishmanHillard, Golin, Ketchum, Porter Novelli and Weber Shandwick.

Public affairs activities will be handled by maslansky + partners, Portland and a small group of specialist firms.

The broader leadership team remains unchanged.

Florian Adamski continues to lead Omnicom Media and Chris Foster oversees public relations.

Duncan Painter is responsible for Omni and the Flywheel commerce network, while Michael Larson heads Diversified Agency Services.

Jacki Kelley and Andrea Lennon serve as client success leaders. George Manas will assume the role of chief growth and solutions officer from 1 February 2026.

Chief executive John Wren remains chairman, supported by CFO Phil Angelastro and co-presidents and COOs Philippe Krakowsky and Daryl Simm.