Interpublic chairman urges rivals to do more good, as WPP boss says tobacco work is a personal choice
The chairman of holding company Interpublic Group used his platform at Advertising Week Europe to call on his peers to do more good in the world, minutes before the boss of rival group WPP was asked on the same stage to defend working for tobacco companies.
Michael Roth, chairman of Interpublic, and Mark Read, CEO of WPP, were among the opening speakers at the London conference. Although they did not appear on stage together, both were asked about the issue of brand purpose, and the advertising industry’s wider responsibilities to society.
Roth brought over from the US client Anne Finucane, vice chairman of Bank of America, to speak about projects including efforts to provide clean water in the third world.
He said: “When you think of purpose-driven advertising, it’s pretty clear that companies that participate on particular issues, and part of their communications and advertising have component of that, perform better.
Agencies without purpose (beyond profit) advising clients in how to advertise with purpose is about as laughable as we get.
You don’t market a purpose unless you don’t have one, and if you do have one you should certainly never dream of advertising it. Classic Catch 22.
As for investors caring much beyond dividends and returns? Please spare me. The only potentially honest person cited here is the brilliantly named Ed Commander from 2011.
Also, can’t wait to hear Marian’s spin. It will make Torvill and Dean look like stiff-legged, straight-line hacks. (Crosses fingers) please let it be about lifestyle.