Initiative

Proud to have partnered with Wieden + Kennedy on another ADWEEK Media Plan of the Year win, this time for Jordan Brand. To mark the Air Jordan 1’s 40th anniversary, “You Can’t Ban Greatness” imagined a world without the sneaker that started it all—banning cleats, paint jobs, even muting the Jumpman23 handle across social. It all led to the Unbannable Anthem debuting at the Grammys, reminding everyone the AJ1 was never just a shoe. The results: over 6 billion paid impressions, brand conversation doubled, and positive sentiment up 56%. https://bit.ly/3HijNtf

Nike’s “Winning Isn’t For Everyone” campaign took home ADWEEK's Media Plan of the Year Award, and we are so proud to have partnered with Nike, Wieden + Kennedy, and PMG to make it happen. This was media that didn’t just show up—it showed off. We helped turn an athlete-first idea into a cultural moment, with real-time out-of-home celebrating gold medal wins, an anthem film voiced by Willem Dafoe, and placements that punched through the noise. The campaign dominated social and delivered results where it matters most—in the real world. Read more about it here: http://bit.ly/3HijNtf

This was a joy to bring to life. Thank you to GetYourGuide and Travel + Leisure Co. for your partnership on this inspiring campaign. From solo trips to bucket-list escapes, these stories capture the magic of exploring the world on your own terms. Check it out below 🙌🌍

Reddit, Inc. isn’t just another platform—it’s where brand growth gets real. What drives performance here? Hint: it’s not paid reach. It’s learning, openness, and humanity. From ruthless honesty to high-intent AMAs, MAGNA Global’s latest study with Reddit reveals how smart brands earn attention—and trust.

What an incredible week of thought-provoking panels for our leaders at the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. ✨ Jonathan Rigby joined Malcolm Gladwell and iHeartMedia alongside B2B leaders from Amazon Ads, Intuit, and E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley for a Business Unusual discussion. ✨ Kandace B. and Sean Muzzy took the stage with Intuit and Salesforce to challenge clean room thinking. ✨ Stacy McCarthy DeRiso joined other women executives for conversations about the agency-client relationship and the future of women in leadership. ✨ Kandace B. also moderated the Interpublic Group (IPG) (IPG) Inclusion Breakfast, spotlighting MAGNA Global’s Media Trials’ Study “Positivity Performs.” ✨ Jonathan Rigby closed strong at ADWEEK House on how breaking down silos unlocks brand growth (photo courtesy Sean T. Smith) Thanks to iHeartMedia, The Female Quotient, and ADWEEK—and to our clients for making Cannes 2025 one to remember. 

Congratulations Initiative UK for taking home a Silver Cannes Lions for your extraordinary "Health Is" campaign for Bupa!

We’re excited to share that Stacy McCarthy DeRiso has been appointed Global Brand President of Initiative!   "We are so happy for Stacy and we are confident that her leadership and strategic vision, combined with her deep understanding of Initiative's brand and culture, will ensure continued success for our clients, our people and the agency,” – Eileen Kiernan, Global CEO of IPG Mediabrands   Stacy has been key to Initiative's vision and strategy, particularly through the "Fame & Flow" framework, and we can’t wait for what’s in store for Initiative under her leadership.   Congratulations Stacy! Read more here: https://bit.ly/44o6zDO

Congratulations to our United Kingdom team for being recognized with 3 Shortlisted Media entries in the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Their campaign “HEALTH IS” for the health insurer Bupa was recognized in these categories: Channels – Use of Outdoor; Culture & Context – Corporate Purpose & Social Responsibility; and Excellence in Media Craft – Media Insights & Strategy. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for some Lions! See the full shortlist here. https://bit.ly/3G0SSkU Initiative UK

A big shout out to our teams around the world who took home 6 trophies at the 2025 Festival of Media Global Awards. Winners include our United Kingdom team that took home 3 trophies for their campaign "BUPA, HEALTH IS." These awards celebrate the world’s best media campaigns. 🥇 Gold | Best Campan Led by Cause – BUPA, HEALTH IS - Bupa | United Kingdom 🥇 Gold | Inclusive Campaign of the Year – See You There - Black & Abroad | Canada   🥈 Silver | Best Use of Out of Home – BUPA, HEALTH IS – Bupa | United Kingdom 🥈 Silver | Inclusive Campaign of the Year– BUPA, HEALTH IS – Bupa | United Kingdom 🥉 Bronze | Inclusive Campaign of the Year– Let's Face the Irritation - Dove | Argentina 🥉 Bronze | Best Use of Audio – Frequency of Peace - Babyshop | MENA (United Arab Emirates) Read the full list of winners here: https://bit.ly/4e6HjFK

The evidence is clear for why brands need to adopt a unified framework that connects media, content, retail operations, and technology into a single, coordinated system. When all parts work together, they can execute more effectively, adapt quickly, and drive stronger results across every channel. IPG Mediabrands Chief Commerce Officer Amie Owen takes a deep dive into the value of synchronized commerce.