WPP to merge J Walter Thompson and Wunderman to form global creative, data and technology agency Wunderman Thompson
WPP is set to merge J Walter Thompson and Wunderman to form new creative, data and technology agency Wunderman Thompson.
The new organization of more than 20,000 people in 90 markets will be fully operational in early 2019. It promises to be distinctively positioned as a provider of end-to-end solutions – through creative, data, commerce, consulting and technology services – at a global scale.
The merger comes exactly two months after WPP merged Y&R and VML to create VMLY&R.
Wunderman and J. Walter Thompson share many core clients, who will now have simpler access to the expertise of both agencies. And, as technology reshapes marketing, Wunderman Thompson will also capitalize on close and long-standing partnerships with Adobe, Amazon, Google, IBM, Microsoft, Salesforce and SAP.
The newly formed agency will be led by Global Chief Executive Officer Mel Edwards, who is currently the Global CEO of Wunderman. Tamara Ingram, CEO of J. Walter Thompson, will become Chairman.
Says Mark Read, CEO of WPP: “Wunderman Thompson is a formidable combination, bringing together the capabilities our clients are demanding – award-winning creativity alongside deep expertise in technology, data and commerce – in a single organization.
“Clients want greater simplicity from their partners and this development, like others at WPP, is designed to reshape our company around their needs.
“It’s great news for our clients that we can combine the best of JWT and Wunderman in a single agency, and it’s great news for WPP as it allows us to compete more effectively in the sectors with the most significant opportunities for future growth.”
Says Edwards: “To achieve transformative outcomes, clients today need inspiration that is rooted in data-driven insight. I’m really excited to be able to deliver that within one agency. Wunderman Thompson offers precisely what clients want: brilliant creativity, expertise in data and sophisticated technology skills. I couldn’t be more honored to lead this new organization and its exceptional people.”
Adds Ingram: “Both JWT and Wunderman have been built by the commitment of many talented people, whose combined capabilities will further distinguish us in the market. Coming together was a decision driven by the opportunity to better serve our clients, expand our offering and create an agency effectively positioned for the future. As Wunderman Thompson we will deliver world-class services in every geography, and work that is more meaningful and more impactful than ever.”
Wunderman Thompson will be an agency of more than 20,000 people in 90 markets. It will be fully operational in early 2019.
20 Comments
Just shit that folds…companies
VMLY&R – Done
Wunderman Thompson – Done
OgilvyAKQA – To do
Then, quite obviously:
VMLY&ROgilvyThompsonWundermanAKQR
20,000 people? That should be a cake walk to merge all that effectively…see you in 3 years
If this is correct then WPP have made a huge mistake.
J. Walter Thompson is a fabulous brand that’s been left to flounder in the hands of those unable to leverage its inherent value.
It’s one of the great – if not the greatest name in advertising.
So much of what we view as contemporary advertising from planning to sponsored content was created by JWT.
Wunderman’s services should be offerings under the J. Walter Thompson banner.
What’s next AKQAGrey?
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The year is 2078. There is one ad agency left: WPPublicisCom&IPGDentsuCorpCo. It slowly orbits the earth in a space barge.
Such a shame to see this happening, but to be expected I guess. You can’t have a holding company’s 5 agencies competing for 1 clients ever shrinking $$$s.
Only creativity will win out and unfortunately Ogilvy and AKQA don’t have that, so they’ll be next.
It’s like a museum and a graveyard got together.
JWT is run by journeymen that have never worked anywhere else or done anything of note. And this was the inevitable consequence.
Yeah, it just did and so the great advertising agencies of the 20th century disappear one by one.
Replaced by sticky notes and buzzword bingo.
JWT hasn’t been a great brand for 30 years. Shut up and smell the napalm.
J. Wunderman Thompson would’ve been easier to remember and easy to revert back
You should think about a career in advertising.
The decline of JWT in Oz has been very sad to observe.
Similarly Y&R.
Some very smart people worked there over the years. And still do.
But they are at the mercy of the imbeciles lingering from SWT and from WPP.
Remember this rosy announcement just two years ago?
http://www.campaignbrief.com/2016/04/stw-group-and-wpp-officially-m.html
At least they were nice enough to list the board members so we all know who has failed in their job.
Patts. The Palace. Grey. Y&R. Now JWT.
Nice track record SWT & WPP.
Long may your shares tumble.
So very many smart people at JWT here. I thoroughly enjoyed working there.
I can’t fathom this decision, it just seems ridiculous to throw away a brand with this much history and reputation.
JWT Sydney, the best place I’ve ever worked, fantastic people and great work. This is a real shame, the oldest name in history re-written!
Good luck to all of you- you’re a bloody team and a half.
X
Would any client trust an agency who casually tosses aside a legendary brand to build their brand?
So who the hell runs it in Australia? Absolutely no mention of that. CEO? CCO? City by city? Who goes? JWT management? Wunderman management? Triple Joint MDs?As usual with a WPP/STW merger more questions than answers….
J. Walter Thompson is truly one of greatest advertising agencies on this planet. It was known in many circles as “The University of Advertising.” The great campaigns, the list of Worldwide clients, the numerous creative and marketing awards, all subjugated to second place behind a direct marketing company. Such a travesty. J. Walter Thompson still stands as a beacon of ingenuity and creativity that continues to illuminate the world of advertising and marketing.