Latest news with #PublicisGroupe
Broadcast Pro
14 hours ago
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Electriclime° hosts talk on AI in advertising and filmmaking at new W13 office
The next event at °W13 will be held on June 12th, with the theme focused on Sustainability in Commercial Production. Creative production house electriclime° has hosted an insightful talk at its °W13 office in Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, bringing the UAE's filmmaking community together to explore how artificial intelligence and generative AI are reshaping the future of advertising and commercial filmmaking. The event also marked the official launch of the company's new programming at its Dubai hub. Attended by a diverse crowd of creatives, strategists, filmmakers and media professionals from across the region, the evening created a dynamic forum for discussion and networking. The panel was led by electriclime°'s Omar Ibrahim and featured key industry voices: Tahaab Rais, Group Chief Strategy Officer and Film Director at Publicis Groupe; Serge Viranian, Partner and Managing Director at Mojo; and acclaimed film director Dmitry Zhukov. Each speaker shared their perspectives on the evolving role of AI in creative industries. Tahaab Rais envisioned a future where technology enhances human potential in storytelling, calling filmmakers of tomorrow 'superheroes.' Serge Viranian emphasised AI's ability to elevate skilled professionals, while Dmitry Zhukov offered an inspiring take on individual empowerment, suggesting that creators are on the path to becoming their own film studios. The evening encouraged thoughtful discussion among attendees and reflected electriclime°'s commitment to fostering community, innovation, and thought leadership in the global creative industry. Electriclime° announced that its next °W13 event will be held on June 12 and will focus on the theme of sustainability in commercial production.
Al Etihad
26-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
G42, VivaTech alliance to power Europe's responsible AI innovation future
PARIS (WAM) G42 on Monday announced its participation to Viva Technology, Europe's biggest tech and startup event, as its Exclusive AI Champion Partner for the 2025 and 2026 editions of the event. The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the President of VivaTech and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Publicis Groupe, Maurice Lévy, and the Group CEO of G42, Peng Xiao, at the Palace of Versailles during the Choose France Summit. This signing symbolises a new chapter of cross-continental cooperation uniting the ambition of France and the UAE to responsibly shape the global AI agenda. The partnership will emphasise key themes such as AI at scale, sovereign technologies, and trusted innovation ecosystems, underscoring G42's long-term commitment to building The Intelligence Grid, a globally interconnected ecosystem of infrastructure, platforms, and governance models that power responsible, sovereign, and inclusive AI. 'We are excited to partner with VivaTech at this historic inflection point,' said Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42. 'Our shared mission is to unlock AI's transformative potential for innovation and competitiveness, and more importantly for equity, safety, and sustainability. From Paris to Abu Dhabi, this collaboration sends a clear signal: the future of AI must be built on trust, and it must serve all.' 'We are delighted to welcome G42 as our Exclusive AI Champion Partner for 2025 and 2026,' said Maurice Lévy, President of VivaTech and Emeritus Chairman of Publicis Groupe. 'Their vision and leadership in artificial intelligence align perfectly with VivaTech's mission to showcase the technologies and partnerships shaping the future. Together, we will build new bridges between Europe and the Middle East and spark vital conversations on innovation and impact.' This collaboration will include joint innovation showcases, high-level policy discussions, and startup-led initiatives focused on building a future based on trust, security, and sustainability. VivaTech 2025 will take place from 11th to 14th June in Paris, marking the ninth edition of the event.
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Business Standard
25-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Leo India all set to outpace industry growth this year: CEO Amitesh Rao
Leo India, the advertising agency under the Publicis Groupe (formerly known as Leo Burnett India), is expected to outstrip the average industry growth by a significant margin this year. 'We are 100 per cent going to outstrip the average industry growth by a significant margin, both in terms of the scale of revenue and in terms of the calibre of work and the talent that is producing this work,' Amitesh Rao, chief executive officer, Leo South Asia told Business Standard in a virtual interaction. India's advertising industry is projected to grow at 6.5 per cent in 2025 to reach a market size of ~1.1 trillion by the end of the year, majorly driven by the digital segment, according to the Dentsu e4m Digital Report 2025. In the last 15 months, Leo India is said to have added over 40 clients, according to reports — major brands include Pfizer, Shriram Finance and Nestlé. It has also picked up mandates from various companies in the Middle East and North African (Mena) region, Southeast Asia, China and Europe last year. Rao added that the firm has increased its scope by extending mandates with existing clients. It is also in talks with several international brands that want to enter or expand in India, as well as national brands, to further expand its client base. 'We found a lot of growth and what we are seeing as a strong opportunity for Indian talent to work globally. I believe that we (India) have a market that has some of the world's best creative and strategic talent. However, historically, this talent has not been deployed for global work,' Rao said. Apart from Mena, China, Southeast Asia, and Europe, Rao said that there are other global markets that are coming to tap into Leo India's talent pool to work for their brands. He further said that India stands out in many ways compared to other markets in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region in terms of the number of consumers and the size at which brands and businesses operate in the country. 'That's why global holding companies and international brands are paying close attention to India, it is clearly a key market to watch. But some challenges remain, as the strength of the Indian currency is not to our advantage and it impacts the pricing parity from the consumer's perspective, the brand's perspective and even in terms of how we pay for talent. While it has huge potential, it also makes it a tough market,' said Rao.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Goafest 2025 Day1 : AI is underhyped, Rishad Tobaccowala
HighlightsRishad Tobaccowala emphasized that while artificial intelligence is becoming ubiquitous, the true differentiator in the age of machines will be Human Ingenuity, encompassing qualities such as intuition, interaction, inspiration, and inventiveness. Tobaccowala advised agencies and marketers to not only automate with AI but to also rethink their storytelling and business models, suggesting a dual-model strategy that efficiently runs current businesses while investing in future models. He predicted that artificial intelligence will lead to a rediscovery of meaning and human connection in the workplace, ultimately elevating the value of work rather than replacing it. The day 1 of Goafest 2025 opened with a thought-provoking fireside session titled—Staying relevant in an age of machines, featuring Rishad Tobaccowala , author and senior advisor to the Publicis Groupe in conversation with Anupriya Acharya, CEO, South Asia, Publicis Groupe. Tobaccowala set the tone with a keynote that debunked the myth that artificial intelligence ( AI ) is overhyped. 'AI is still underhyped,' he said. 'Its true impact is yet to be fully realised.' Comparing it to electricity, he emphasised that while AI will soon be ubiquitous, it won't be a competitive advantage on its own. Instead, the differentiator will be HI — Human Ingenuity , Intuition, Interaction, Inspiration, and Inventiveness. To thrive in the age of AI, Tobaccowala emphasised the importance of developing the—6 Cs— core human capabilities that machines can't replicate. These include cognition, or the habit of upgrading one's mental operating system regularly; creativity, the ability to connect the dots in novel ways; curiosity, by continuously asking bold questions; collaboration, by working across diverse teams and mindsets; convincing, through compelling storytelling and persuasion; and communication, where clear writing and speaking become key assets as technical skills like coding become commoditised. He urged leaders to shed legacy mindsets and constantly update their 'mental operating systems,' noting that in an AI-driven world, scale can become a liability rather than an asset. 'Don't benchmark only within your industry—disruption often comes from the outside,' he cautioned. 'Think like an immigrant—stay curious, adaptive, and open to reinvention.' In the engaging conversation that followed, Acharaya asked for his advice to agencies and marketers. Tobaccowala responded, 'Agencies must use AI not just to automate but to reimagine storytelling and business models. Marketers, on the other hand, need to rethink their entire business architecture for today's realities.' He emphasised that companies should adopt a dual-model strategy: run the current business efficiently while simultaneously investing in future models. 'Put your best talent on building what will eventually replace your existing business,' he said. Tobaccowala also tackled the growing anxiety around change and burnout. 'Yes, change is hard and often unpleasant. But it becomes manageable when employee incentives align, training is provided, and personal benefits are clearly communicated.' Offering insight for today's workforce, he advised young professionals to play the long game. 'It's a 50-year career—pick the right mentors, not just the right jobs,' he said. For leaders, he was unequivocal: 'Stop being bosses, be inspirers and mentors.' On the question of AI altering not just how we work, but why we work, Tobaccowala was optimistic. 'AI will force us to rediscover meaning, purpose, and human connection at work. It won't replace work, but it will elevate its value.' He closed the session with a prediction, 'One of the most underestimated forces today is India. The country is poised to become central to the global future of talent, technology, and media consumption.'
Forbes
20-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Becoming Essential: How Brands Can Thrive In The Vibecession
Ray Lansigan is the Head of Strategic Intelligence for Publicis Groupe, Digital Experience. getty In recent years, what's known as a 'vibecession' has become a defining characteristic of consumerism. Encapsulating the divergence between rational economic thinking and emotional behavior, this catchy term reflects a contemporary twist on the complex interplay between consumer sentiment and spending habits. For example, the phenomenon of 'girl math' has gained traction as shorthand for how consumers of all genders and ages rationalize their spending decisions. Recent data shows a significant drop in consumer sentiment, and current trends like #deinfluencing and #NoBuy challenges further cement the reality that people want to spend less. For marketers, understanding these aspects of behavioral economics is crucial. If consumers are caught in rolling waves of spending anxiety, how can brands leverage behavioral economics to their advantage? The answer may lie in embracing essentialism. Essentialism is a philosophical theory about how we as people interact with objects. Our brains are wired to seek out something's essence or inherent nature, and that extends to the products we buy. For brands, essentialism is an avenue for well-crafted storytelling that emphasizes the importance of focusing on what truly matters, choosing quality over quantity, and ensuring that time, energy and resources are dedicated to purchases and investments that deliver value over time. When done well, this approach can foster loyalty and establish brands as an essential part of their consumers' lives. By identifying prevalent key consumer behaviors and the emotional connections that consumers seek with products and experiences, marketers can go beyond meeting their consumers' needs. Many Gen Zers and Millennials treat the immediate, emotional ROI of spending as a form of self-care. Nearly 60% will make a purchase to soothe themselves after a bad day. But retail therapy isn't exclusive to younger generations. Baby Boomers exhibit similar behaviors when it comes to products and services related to wellness and longevity. Marketers who understand this mindset can effectively position their brands as partners in the pursuit of fulfillment and well-being. Consumers are beginning to frame one-time purchases as cost-effective, long-term investments. For example, the popular salon chain DryBar's signature 'Blowout' service averages between $55 and $70 per visit. Depending on how regularly a consumer engages in this service, they may decide that the cost-per-daily use value of buying a hair tool worth hundreds of dollars is more financially sound. Brands can leverage this insight and encourage consumers to do the mental math of dividing a price tag into smaller dollar amounts tied to each use. Customers need some form of psychological permission before they spend money on something. Offering initiatives like store credits or loyalty programs align with this need because people perceive them as "free money." Targeted campaigns that display points balances along with stacked discounts can bring consumers off the sidelines and into the purchase funnel. Consumers' willingness to turn aspirational purchases into a reality has contributed to the growing popularity of buy now, pay later (BNPL) services. This form of credit allows people to take financing strategies once reserved for mortgages or phone plans and apply them to everyday purchases. In the context of economic uncertainty, BNPL is an effective lever for showing consumers that they can control a product's affordability by dividing the payments over time. Existing customers are high-value targets, and brands can engage with them more effectively by using owned channels to transform transactions into experiences. For example, loyalty program points create a positive feedback loop of repeat purchases and increased brand affinity. In a 2024 Epsilon survey, 55% of respondents said they frequently sign up for these programs when given the chance, and 74% agreed they feel more loyal to a brand when their experience is positive. In times of declining consumer sentiment and increasing uncertainty, marketers must align their strategies with consumer needs. Here are three key recommendations to essentialize your brand: • Leverage Micro- And Nano-Influencers: With an audience that tends to max out at 100,000 followers, micro- and nano-influencers possess unique authority within their focus communities. Because authenticity is key, they get creative when highlighting a product's importance, utility and value. Engaging with influencers at this level can be a powerful method for conveying your brand's emotional ROI. • Innovate For Affordability: With rising costs top of mind for consumers, make your product or service more accessible and palatable. Using BNPL platforms can help defray financial costs and overcome pricing barriers. • Optimize Your CRM Program: Effective targeting minimizes waste and builds consumer loyalty. Through first-party data and direct channels like cart abandons, direct mail and site retargeting, you can focus on lower-funnel activity with existing customers. When paired with a strong value exchange and an intuitive UX, a tuned CRM program creates a virtuous cycle that benefits both your brand and the consumer. By embracing essentialism and maximizing emotional ROI, brands can become indispensable to consumers. By fostering lasting engagement and loyalty, marketers can strengthen their brand's presence in the current economic climate while laying the groundwork for continued success in an ever-evolving marketplace. Forbes Agency Council is an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies. Do I qualify?
