Ian Darby

Nielsen billings

School Reports 2024: Economic headwinds slow agency billings growth

With many advertisers being cautious last year amid economic uncertainty, we look at how creative and media agencies weathered the storm, billings-wise.

Colourful bar chart

Performance ‘not up to standard’ for some global agency groups as Q3 revenues drop

UK organic growth slows for some of the 'big six' holding companies.

Close-up image of a film camera

Lights, camera, action: how production companies are fighting back

Under threat from in-housing, budget cuts and new tech, production companies are rallying and in a bullish mood.

Advertising's fear factor: marketing during a pandemic

What will be the role of fear beyond Covid-19?

The A List 2020: We are the champions

Adland's finest are putting the worst of it behind them...

Year ahead for strategy: Be honest

Chaos seems an appropriate theme to hold on to...

Masters of the universe: A List 2016

Adland's finest already have a lot on their plates but how would they deal with a robot invasion or a world without the internet? If they survived, which fantasy playmates would they party with?

Emirates: moves its global advertising account to Nomads

StrawberryFrog CEO opens shop

Nomads, a new agency formed by the management of StrawberryFrog Amsterdam and MediaCatalyst, launches this week with the global Emirates ad account among its first clients.

Agencies now really are in a battle to remain relevant

Like A Fiery Elephant is the title of Jonathan Coe's brilliant biography of the experimental novelist BS Johnson.

Will the abuse issue damage Twitter?

Is Twitter losing the battle against internet trolls who use the network to target female users, Ian Darby asks.

John Harlow: the driving force behind Naked

Naked Communications founder John Harlow passes away

John Harlow, the co-founder of Naked Communications, has passed away.

Dan Hulse: returns to St Lukes as managing director and planning partner

Dan Hulse returns to St Luke's as MD

Dan Hulse, the former head of planning at St Luke's, is returning to the agency after just six months at Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R.

Tim Lovejoy: presenter of Channel 4's Sunday Brunch

Beer industry to run branded content during Sunday Brunch ad breaks

The beer industry has developed a content partnership with Channel 4 that will result in three-minute segments running during ad breaks of the broadcaster's 'Sunday Brunch' show.

Matt Pye: promoted to chief operating officer at Cheil UK

Cheil UK promotes Matt Pye

Cheil UK has promoted Matt Pye, its managing director, to the role of chief operating officer.

 Heston Blumenthal: chef stars in ad for his Waitrose caramel popcorn ice cream

AIS London lands Waitrose CRM account

Waitrose has appointed AIS London as its CRM agency following a pitch process.

Johnny Fearless: alligator campaign for Jeremiah Weed

Nick Gutfreund joins Johnny Fearless as chairman

Johnny Fearless, the independent agency, has appointed Nick Gutfreund as its first non-executive chairman.

Simon Poole: joins ESI Media as group sales director

Simon Poole joins ESI Media ahead of London Live

ESI Media, the commercial department that represents The Independent, the London Evening Standard and i, has appointed Simon Poole as its group sales director ahead of its launch of London Live TV.

Balfour: launched 77 digital channels at LOCOG, including a dedicated app for Paralympians

Games-maker gives Engine a digital tune-up

LOCOG's digital guru, Alex Balfour, talks to Ian Darby about why his skills will be of value to an integrated group.

Lévy and Wren: ‘The prize is not to be on top – we care about the opportunities and what clients say’

Publicis Omnicom: What started as a joke came to pass

Like Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, Omnicom's John Wren isn't likely to forget Paris. He spent last Sunday in the company of Publicis' Maurice Lévy as they announced advertising's mega-deal at the French group's offices.