Omnicom cuts 4,000 jobs and appoints new leaders after IPG takeover

Omnicom has launched a sweeping overhaul of its global operations following its $13 billion acquisition of Interpublic Group, announcing more than 4,000 job cuts alongside a new leadership structure and the closure of several long-standing agency brands. Reuters reported that the layoffs, largely in administrative functions but also affecting senior roles, come as the group integrates IPG and seeks to streamline overlapping operations.

The restructuring will fold legacy creative networks into Omnicom’s strongest brands. DDB and MullenLowe will be absorbed into TBWA, while FCB, one of the world’s oldest advertising agencies, will be merged into BBDO. Omnicom said 85% of roles within the combined organisation will be client-facing, with 15% focused on administration, and projected annual cost savings will exceed the $750 million initially outlined to investors.

Alongside the job cuts, Omnicom announced an expanded leadership slate to steer the combined operation. Troy Ruhanen, CEO of Omnicom Advertising, will lead the reconfigured creative division, which now includes BBDO, McCann, TBWA and the U.S. Advertising Collective. Florian Adamski will head the media business, overseeing networks such as OMD, PHD, Initiative, Mediahub, UM and Hearts & Science.

The PR division will be led by Chris Foster, responsible for FleishmanHillard, Golin, Ketchum, Weber Shandwick and other communications agencies. Sergio Lopez has been appointed CEO of Omnicom Production, while India’s Vineet Bajpai, CEO of Omnicom Production India, joins the global production leadership team following the integration of IPG’s content operations.

Duncan Painter will serve as CEO of Omni and Flywheel Commerce Network, anchoring the company’s data and commerce capabilities, and George Manas will take charge of global growth and solutions from February 2026. John Wren remains chair and chief executive of Omnicom, supported by Phil Angelastro as CFO and Philippe Krakowsky and Daryl Simm as co-presidents and COOs.

Wren said the combined expertise of the expanded team, together with access to the company’s advanced AI and data platforms, positioned the enlarged group to “turn this moment into a catalyst for intelligent growth”. He welcomed IPG’s agencies and employees to Omnicom’s global network, describing the integration as an opportunity to strengthen client offerings across creative, media, PR and production.

The consolidation reflects broader pressures across the advertising industry, where generative AI, automated ad tools from technology platforms and shifting client budgets have forced holding companies to streamline operations. WPP is expected to undertake similar restructuring under its new leadership, while Interpublic itself cut 3,200 jobs earlier this year before the acquisition closed.

With agency brands disappearing, thousands of roles being rationalised and new global teams taking shape, Omnicom now faces the challenge of maintaining client continuity while reshaping its operating model for an era defined by automation, compressed margins and fast-changing creative workflows.