Interpublic today reported a $1.8M first-quarter loss, an improvement from the $20.9M year ago deficit, on a 2.4 percent rise in revenues to $1.7B. Organic growth advanced 5.7 percent.
CEO Michael Roth said the ad/PR combine posted "strong" organic growth of 5.7 percent during the period, which is well ahead of its three to four percent target for the full-year.
He believes IPG's "commitment to embedding digital capabilities and expertise throughout its portfolio" is "consistent with the changing dynamics of media usage and consumer behavior."
IPG's constituency management group, which includes Weber Shandwick, Golin and DeVries, recorded a 1.6 percent rise in organic growth. Foreign currency translations delivered an $11.5M hit to the operation.
Weber CEO Andy Polansky said IPG's PR operations posted "high single digit growth both organically and as reported."
He said Weber benefitted from robust demand in healthcare, technology, consumer marketing, PA and corporate reputation.
IPG's flagship enjoyed a "good balance" in geographic growth and solid performances in its New York, Chicago, Boston, China and European operations.
Abandon traditional content plans focused on a linear buyer progression and instead embrace a consumer journey where no matter which direction they travel, they get what they need, stressed marketing pro Ashley Faus during O'Dwyer's webinar Apr. 2.
Freelance marketers and the companies that hire them are both satisfied with the current work arrangements they have and anticipate the volume of freelance opportunities to increase in the future, according to new data on the growing freelance marketing economy.
Home Depot's new attempt to occupy two market positions at once will require careful positioning strategy and execution to make it work.
Verizon snags Peloton Interactive chief marketing officer Leslie Berland as its new CMO, effective Jan. 9. Berland succeeds Diego Scotti, who left Verizon earlier this year. 
Norm de Greve, who has been CMO at CVS Health since 2015, is taking the top marketing job at General Motors, effective July 31.
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