The holding company executives reveal to The Drum’s founder and editor-in-chief, Gordon Young, how they’re working on getting the deal that will reshape the advertising industry over the line.
“You know, I could show you the scars,” John Wren quips, leaning back in his chair. “But I’ll spare you.”
The Omnicom CEO is referring to his failed 2014 merger with Publicis – a deal that famously collapsed under its own weight.
Now, alongside Philippe Krakowsky, CEO of Interpublic Group (IPG), Wren is attempting another mega-merger – one that promises to transform the advertising industry and form the world’s largest holding company.
But this isn’t a replay of 2014. Both men are confident they’ve learned valuable lessons that will inform their approach. And they’re determined to show the world that this time will be different.
Redefining the network model
At the core of Wren’s and Krakowsky’s strategy is a bold reimagining of the holding company …