Omnicom plans to lose 5% of global workforce
Reports out of the US this afternoon say that Omnicom is to lay off 5% of its staff globally, with BBDO the most vulnerable network. The report from Advertising Age, based on conversations with “executives close to the situation”, says that the holding company is planning to axe around 3,500 jobs around the world.
In Australia, Omnicom has affiliations with ad agencies including Clemenger BBDO, DDB; media agencies OMD and PHD; and PR agency Mango. However, because Clemenger Communications Limited is the majority local owner of Clemenger BBDO, the impact may well be less harsh than in other parts of the world. Last week the agency got rid of five staff.
One agency in Australia now more under the direct control of the Omnicom group locally is media shop PHD, which has just rebadged from Total. However a senior source told Mumbrella this afternoon that as yet there have been no reverberations of the US moves in Australia. The agency has been linked with both the current Vodafone and Fairfax pitches.
Update: Omnicom has just emailed this comment out of the US:
“Given current economic conditions, our companies have reviewed their staffing levels as they relate to their current business requirements. Some, but not all, will have to make adjustments. We will end 2008 as we began it with a well balanced mix of business by discipline and geography, outstanding teams and talent across all of our agencies, and an outstanding client roster. Economic challenges are faced by all businesses today but we believe that our well diversified portfolio of businesses positions Omnicom well to withstand the current economic turmoil.”
Tim Burrowes founded Mumbrella in 2008. He worked on Mumbrella until 2021. At various points he was editor, content director and editor-at-large. He returned to Mumbrella as Publisher in January 2025
Linkedin
It’s getting chilly here, but we’re a lot better off than being in the Uk or US right now. We’ll get through
User ID not verified.
It’s getting chilly here, but we’re a lot better off than being in the Uk or US right now. We’ll get through
User ID not verified.
It’s getting chilly here, but we’re a lot better off than being in the Uk or US right now. We’ll get through
User ID not verified.
It’s getting chilly here, but we’re a lot better off than being in the Uk or US right now. We’ll get through
User ID not verified.