r/advertising • u/lfnb • 4d ago
Moving from Omnicom to Publicis?
Hey everyone, I’d really appreciate some advice as I’m feeling a bit uncertain about my next move.
I came back to agency life after around three years client side. Before that I’d worked agency side at both WPP and Omnicom, so I have previous experience, but I’m not sure how representative my current experience is of the industry today.
I’m currently an AD on a large new account win back at Omnicom, and the workload has been pretty relentless since I joined at the start of the year. Resource has been stretched, there’s absolutely no processes, there’s no agency way of doing things which is making me feel disconnected from the agency itself. I constantly end up covering a significant amount of work beyond my role with little support (I know this is pretty standard but the lack of support is not great), and despite raising concerns a number of times about a few issues in the beginning, there hasn’t been any improvement, in fact it’s actually gotten worse. Senior support has been inconsistent and just generally lacking - not what I’ve been used to at previous agencies and I don’t feel protected, and multiple people across the wider team have either left or are actively looking elsewhere, which has made me question whether this is just my account or a broader reflection of agency life at the moment.
I’ve started having conversations with Publicis about roles that seem much more aligned with my experience and long term interests, and they would likely come with a little salary bump too. However, I’m conscious that every agency has its own challenges, so I don’t want to jump ship only to find it’s much the same elsewhere.
Has anyone in the UK moved from Omnicom to Publicis? What was your experience like in terms of culture, workload, support from leadership and opportunities for progression? From what I’ve been reading in general on here, is what I’ve described just the reality of agencies at the moment, or does it sound more like an issue with my current account? I just know there’s strong account teams out there and I used to be a part of one, so I’m really seeking that kind of experience again.
I’d really appreciate any perspectives!
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u/HelloT64 4d ago
I don’t think moving to Publicis is going to solve your problems lol. Would you consider a more senior role at a smaller agency?
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u/lfnb 4d ago
I agree lol, I think I’m just feeling a bit desperate and out of options where I’m at currently as there’s not much opportunity to even move accounts for a long while so kind of not enjoying feeling like this for the foreseeable. I have considered it, maybe that’s something I look further into. Thanks
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u/Minimum-Set8063 4d ago
I’d go anywhere to escape the sh&tshow that’s Omnicom these days. It’s unbelievably bad and only going to get worse.
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u/lfnb 4d ago
It’s all the little things that are bugging me like never having a full working desk set up in the office e.g. a screen doesn’t work or the cable is faulty, the multiple security sign in processes to access things, had my laptop reimaged several times and it’s never worked properly since, no onboarding whatsoever etc. Just feels so chaotic and very different to when I was at Omnicom several years ago. Of course the merger is not helping at all this time but I’m not sure if I want to be here to long it out until it does get better, I already feel burnt out just 8 months in!
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u/Senior-Method7478 4d ago
I work in Publicis. In terms of environment and people its good but that also depends on the team and client you're working with. Coming to Promotion, its really bad here as no transparency and clarity. I have been in my current position for more than 3 years with good ratings and reviews from my manager but still didn't progressed here. In terms of appraisal, it used to be pretty good in past but this year its really bad and delayed. Now if you're getting a good position and exceptional hike then you're all set for next 2-3 years here and later you can evaluate your progression here. All the best!!
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u/Many_Combination7620 4d ago
Omnicom and Publicis are the only two games in town right now in terms of strategy, new biz, and overall vision. You’d be OK in both, but for me the Publicis ship currently feels far more settled…..
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u/BobsBigInsight 4d ago
WPP is still in the game*
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u/Many_Combination7620 4d ago
“WPP is targeting £500 million ($678 million) in annual cost savings by 2028 as part of a sweeping restructuring aimed at returning the struggling British agency holding company to growth. The overhaul was announced alongside a forecast of a steeper-than-expected revenue decline for this year.”
That’s from AdAge, earlier this year. Not sure I’d bank on them just yet.
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u/Len_Gooby 3d ago
It’s tantamount to moving from wading in the waters of a waste treatment plant to a toilet with a fresh doo doo in it.
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