WPP has faced another significant setback in 2025. After already losing Coca-Cola’s $700 million North American media account and witnessing the end of its two-decade-long relationship with Paramount, the British advertising giant has now lost the $1.7 billion global media account of Mars to its French competitor, Publicis.

This development arrived just a day after WPP’s chief executive Mark Read announced his retirement, adding to the challenges the company is currently navigating.

As reported by marketing publication The Drum, Mars has appointed Publicis to handle its global media, production, paid social, influencer, and connected commerce operations. In addition, IPG’s Weber Shandwick will take charge of brand PR, with a renewed focus on integrating cultural relevance and meaningful brand conversations across Mars’ diverse product portfolio.

WPP had secured the Mars account in 2018, overseeing its media planning and buying through its GroupM division, now rebranded as WPP Media.

With Publicis now taking over one of WPP’s largest global clients, the shift signals a major shakeup in the global media landscape, and a strong statement about the growing competition among holding companies in managing some of the world’s most iconic consumer brands.

 

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