WPP, largest communications group with $19 billion+ in revenues and units that include Burson-Marsteller and Hill+Knowlton Strategies, has been deemed to provide the “best results” for clients by the World Advertising Research Center.

WPP has taken first place in the WARC ranking for the third straight year. Measured was the performance of its agencies in their campaigns in more than 80 effectiveness and marketing excellence competitions worldwide.

Sir Martin SorrellSir Martin Sorrell, CEO of WPP

The competitions require the winners to show the business impact of their work.

Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of WPP, said, “At a time when questions are being raised about the effectiveness of certain marketing channels, it is more important than ever that we focus on the power of creativity and ideas to deliver tangible business results for our clients. The WARC 100 ranking shows we are doing exactly that. My thanks and congratulations to everyone in the Group who contributed to this success.”

WPP Has Three Major Awards Titles

WPP now holds the title of  “holding company of the year” at three of the industry’s major awards competitions—Cannes Lions, the Effies, and WARC.

WARC chairman and CEO Mike Waterson said, “To be named top holding company for the third consecutive year is an outstanding achievement. WARC 100 tracks campaigns that deliver real business value for clients. WPP’s third in a row top ranking reflects consistent commitment to generating financial return for clients from superbly executed advertising and media investment, not as an exceptional event, but as a normal outcome.”

Founded in 1985 with offices in the U.K., U.S., and Singapore, WARC is an online service tracking advertising best practices, evidence and insights from the world's leading brands. It “helps clients grow their businesses by using proven approaches to maximize advertising effectiveness.”

Major Industry Entities Are in WARC

WARC clients include the world's largest advertising and media agencies, research companies, universities and advertisers.

It publishes journals including Admap, Market Leader, the Journal of Advertising Research and the International Journal of Market Research.

In addition to its own content, WARC features advertising case studies and best practices from more than 50 respected industry sources, including: The Advertising Research Foundation, Cannes Lions, Effie Worldwide, Association of National Advertisers, ESOMAR, 4A's, IPA and DMA.

WARC hosts annual case study competitions including the WARC Awards and the WARC Media Awards.