Layoffs in January at Ogilvy now DDB. Sort of an open-ended question but what going on at holding companies right now? Are we finally going to see one go under and split up this year? Anyone worried?

likehelpful
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at
Highlighted IconHIGHLIGHTED

This is the year we see some big changes at HoldCo’s. Maybe they merge with one another? Maybe they divest? But the current structure with top people making millions and layers and layers of bureaucracy is not sustainable.

like

Yeah I was told the CFO’s refused to negotiate who would have the lead role and they torpedoed the deal. Which, in hindsight was a blessing in disguise for Omnicom.

Recent IconRecent

Holdcos deserve to go under. What purpose do they serve aside from creating IT/infrastructure synergies and preventing conflicts of interest? No agency ever got more creative when a holdco snaps them up.

Publicis is spending billions on data and useless tech (Epsilon acquisition, Marcel). WPP leaders have come out and said creativity isn’t there strong suit at the moment. Omnicom’s We Are Unlimited data/programmatic approach to creativity was an unequivocal dud. A couple more bad investments and/or decisions might be enough to sink one of the smaller networks like MDC, whose creative agencies are already trying to buy themselves out.

like

I think more than likely the bigger agencies within holdcos would find a way to pool money together and buy themselves out or mass resign and pull a Sterling Cooper

like

Always worried, never feel safe in advertising 😒

likesmart

Never feeling safe in advertising is a perfectly appropriate response.

like

The heyday of the holding company is gone. It’s now all about the numbers. Clients are fickle, CMOs changing every two years or less, economic pressures, changing retail landscape, etc. DDB just lost two large accounts so OMC will require a reckoning—i.e. you can’t keep “X” number of people that aren’t paid for by client business. They are not in the business of investing in people—you must hit the bottom line. I am a product of holding company “downsizing”—even though my accounts, numbers, margins, etc were some of the best in the biz. But I made too much money and therefore had a target on my back. I will absolutely not go back to work in Advertising for a holding company. An independent, perhaps. But I think my talents can be best applied elsewhere.

likesmart

Independents aren't any better. The last place I worked assured me they didn't do layoffs cause of the way they were structured, but had 2 rounds of layoffs in 2019.

likesmart

Time to come to the dark (consulting) side.

like

In DDB's case, they're just cutting out dead wood.

like

There you go DDB1.... DDB2 I'm so sorry to hear and sending hugs your way.

What's happened at DDB? NY?

like

They have lost State Farm, McDonald’s and now capital one in less than a years time. Not lookin good

likehelpful

I guess my other question is: do holding companies have the power to close all the agencies in their network? Literally just turn the lights off if they declare bankruptcy.

like

I guess I’m just imagining a scenario where either the holding company would sell of the most valuable agencies then shut the rest down they’d have trouble offloading

Or, clients get nervous about continuity of service so they take their projects/accounts elsewhere. Sort of a run on the bank, but with agencies. The holding company just shuts the entire operation down.

like

My guess is SOWs are finally being signed off for the year’s deliverables and some aren’t as what was expected?

like

Do we know yet where Capital One is moving to?

Their HQ is Virginia @AD2. So probably doesn’t matter for Cap One which city. SXSW vs Lolapalooza. 😀

like

Related Posts

Does anybody else get frustrated when recruiters care about those who were effected by layoffs more than other job seekers? Like yea I am sorry about their layoffs but I have been seeking a job before their them, I feel like it’s unfair. When someone losses a job they become a job seeker like the rest of us.

likeupliftingfunny

Anybody here at Carvana Co.? Is it looking like another round of layoffs?

like

How do you manage layoff at high ctc. I have been laid off effective from today. How do you manage the situation.

My last drawn is 37L per annum. What would be my career projections from now?

like

Hi Folks. Switching from product base to service base at level 9 in accenture in SAP Domain .
Can some1 explain how the journey starts from day 1.
Heard Noise abt client interviews , bench process,layoffs etc etc.
Need Serious Comforting advise.

like

So I've had 2 hiring managers and several recruiters from Amazon reach out to me about applying for some open positions with the company (android). I completed the coding assessment and now they want me to go through a round of 5 hour interviews next week. Is there a good chance I'll be hired if engineering managers are reaching out to me? I'm really not sure how badly I want to work for them and I don't want to be laid off months after being hired on. Anyone know what Amazon hiring is like?

like

What are everyone's thoughts on resume services/coaching? I am a leader/exec that was laid off (first time) and have spent over 15 years in various roles such SVP Operations, Senior Director Product, VP Solutions, etc. at different companies.

I am struggling with putting my experience/qualifications on paper...

like

Thoughts on Veteran status and the ongoing corporate layoffs?

like

So with all the layoff talk on the BL bowl, how’s Texas M&A market doing? Anyone expect an uptick in Q4?

like

Should I be alarmed that I haven’t had a conversation with my director in a week +? (Any tips for coming to terms with being laid off for the first time?)

like

EY fish - when you are laid off, is it immediate the day you're told or do you get a little warning?

like

What’s the most diabolical exit you or a colleague has had from a company? For context, I’m not talking necessarily on bad terms - just a savage exit that’s all

likefunnyhelpfulupliftingsmart

I hear Grant Thornton has been doing more layoffs? We need staff (associates, seniors, managers) in forensics / disputes and investigations in SF if anyone is looking to make a move! Message me

like

Hi everyone...

My role was impacted as part of the layoffs in my last Org.. bitter truth to digest. So I am looking for a new role and I would appreciate your help and support.

Can anyone share Hyderabad or Remote based PM/ Sr. PM jobs.

Any layoffs in Luxoft , will there be any difficulty for bench employees

like

Is there mass layoffs happening in the industry right now? Is the rumour true? Are we back in a recession?

like

Deloitte US just announced layoffs. Any other B4 started layoffs too ?

like

Do layoffs actually benefit Indians who remain in the gc line because people who would be ahead in line are being laid off and can’t continue their gc application?

like

I’ve been on the bench with J1 for about 3 months. I was worried that because I couldn’t find another project, I would get laid off so I found J2, which pays more, is very meeting heavy, but I really like. I’ve kept J1 because I’m still on the bench doing absolutely nothing and getting paid. Thinking about looking for a role on a project with J1 that’s not along my career path but will allow for me to do work with no calls so that I can manage both jobs. Does anyone have experience or advice?

like

Got laid off today at deloitte. Is anyone hiring

like

More Posts

What is the salary bracket for Amazon L5 Non tech Program Manager role in India (Base + JB + RSUs).Amazon Amazon India

like

Finally starting to get cool in Nashville. Perfect running weather.

Anyone work for Arcesium? Curious about the culture of their New York office. Reviews on Glassdoor seem to be split equally between “great work life balance” to “working late hours is standard”. Arcesium

like

Hello Fishes,

Got an email today to close Tata Mutual Funds as it's restricted entity. Basically I am from Advisory team and not from Audit or Tax department.

Do i really need to close the Tata Mutual fund?

like

I don’t actually work for the IRS...but ok.

Post Photo
likefunny

Is being a journalist a financially stable career?

likehelpful

Question for anyone who’s done VC and PE: how does diligence rigor compare for a $20mm venture investment (revenue generating, but early stage) vs buyout? I know VC doesnt have the resources or expectationto go as deep, but any color on number of hours?

like

I’m a first-year MBB analyst. My dream role is helping energy / climate tech companies grow (more interested in ops/strategic work than in cutting checks). Are there funds that might be a good fit?

like

When do Associates typically hear about senior associate / 3rd year offers? Is it almost guaranteed to get third year offers?

like

I think I’d love a job working at Stetson in student affairs but even the JD required positions pay $50k or less. 🤯😥

like

How is the variable paid in pwc? Is it given straightway from joining?

like

What’s a fair signing bonus to ask for if I’m countering an offer at 125k base? Is 20k signing bonus for a tech strategy (not FAANG) sr. Analyst role too much to ask?

like

Is Leo still the best agency in Chicago?

If not, what are the best?

Thanks

likefunny

UK fish - 1) Level 2) Salary 👇GO!

like

Can H1B employer be changed when person is in india. ?

Filed for H1B extension cap-exempt. Extension got approved. Not stamped yet. Now I am moving to jpmorgan. JPMC ready to send USA after one year if H1B can be utilised. Wanted to know if H1B employer can be changed in india (unstamped visa). ?

like
likehelpful

Please anyone refer me for this position in CGI..I am left with my last 30 days..

TIA!!CGI

Post Photo

Hey all! Any openings in your company for copywriting/copy strategist role?

like

Looking for job

8 YOE into Android.

Skills: Java, Kotlin, Android

Thank you.

Additional Posts in Advertising

What’s your go to work stress eating food? Mine’s tortilla chips spread on a plate, with shredded cheddar cheese on top, microwaved for 20 sec.

likeupliftingfunny

What should you do if they don’t put your name on the credits of work that is yours? Anybody’s had this experience?

like

Any great resume-writer recos? I need help!

like

Books on human psychology that have affected you. I'll start: influence, sales Bible, on killing.

like

Burnetters, what’s the story behind Britt Nolan leaving?

like

Has anyone ever worked at an agency in which the project management department was properly utilized? I traditionally was brought up in my career where PM type tasks were handled by lower level AMs. I have observed separating AM and PM tasks into two separate departments just causes communication issues and lazy account people. Account people should have a good understanding of how much effort and time goes into a project. Project Managers are missing a lot of context so blind leading blind.

likeuplifting

Do the Shorty awards matter?

like

May be a stupid q but can anyone give me insight into the structure of digitas? I see all these copywriting and creative roles and media planner roles. Are their strategists? Planning and creative....

like

Who has left the ad world completely and come back? What did you do and how did you do it?

like

Hey strategists, what’s something you would love an intern to provide you with or something they have done that made your life a little easier? (Cont.)

like

I’m a strategist interested in branding shops like interbrand. But I hear they aren’t doing well these days since everyone claims to be a brand consultant. Also I’m curious about the work

like

Brands closing for climate change? Wouldn’t that lost income be more effective/useful if they donated it to clean energy alternatives instead? Do a spot about it to promote it & it’s content. Win. Win

like

What was your most amazing day in advertising?

likeuplifting

Anyone else feel like your junior creatives don't want to be creative?? Ex: "I'd love to see some new options. Anything you'd like, no restrictions" response "Do we have to? They'll never buy it"😳

like

What in the world is this old spice YouTube thing ?

like

Junior designer here looking to connect with some Philly-area shops— I’m from the area and have recently been trying to learn more about the local agency scene. Would love it if people could drop some names or even some recruiter info. Thanks!!

like

Weakening + Kennedy

likeupliftingfunny

Has anyone received a job offer after being initially ghosted by recruiter? How long did you not hear from them? Feeling down after not hearing anything for 2 weeks after a round of seemingly promising interviews.

like

With the way this week has been going, Friday 13th with a harvest moon seems downright dangerous 🌚 halp

likefunny

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal