WPP

Dept launches Deptify orchestration AI assistant

Dept has launched Deptify, an AI system surfaced through a persistent assistant called D that orchestrates existing partner tools rather than replacing them. Dept positions Deptify as an orchestration layer that pulls context from clients' workflow tools (for example Adobe Workfront and Asana) and routes people to the right systems, and it will not charge clients for the tech layer itself — instead billing for input (augmented human), output (asset-based) and outcome (growth-linked bonuses). Dept says Deptify is already deployed across clients that represent about 20% of its global revenue and expects to exceed 80% by Q1 2027. Early commercial interest includes three unnamed clients ready to use it and another agreed after a pitch; Cannes Lions attendees will be able to test it. Dept uses a third‑party tool called Optimal for output effectiveness checks and says it will not pass token costs to clients.

AB InBev Wins 183 Cannes Lions in Five Years

AB InBev’s global CMO Marcel Marcondes opened Cannes Lions 2026 and highlighted the brewer’s decade-long marketing transformation that produced 183 Cannes Lions trophies between 2021 and 2025. The company — the first brand to win Cannes’ Creative Marketer of the Year three times — rebuilt its marketing culture beginning with a 2018 marketing culture and capabilities function and the introduction of the Creative X framework. AB InBev trained roughly 2,400 marketers, established an external creative council, and shifted investment toward global “megabrands” (Budweiser, Corona, Stella Artois, Michelob Ultra), which represent about 57% of revenue. The company reported $59.3 billion in net revenue in 2025, has a multi-year Netflix integration deal, extended its FIFA World Cup sponsorship through 2030, and uses AI via its in-house agency DraftLine while retaining human oversight in creative workflows.

Monks Appoints Gila Wilensky Head of Data & Media

Monks, the digital arm of S4Capital, has hired Gila Wilensky as EVP and Head of Data & Media for North America. Wilensky joins from WPP, where she spent six years focused on business growth and most recently served as chief solutions officer for North America. At Monks she will oversee the agency’s media and data practice, develop go-to-market strategy and scale integrated, data-driven media and creative solutions. The article highlights Monks’ AI operating system Monks.Flow and the agency’s partner relationships with major algorithmic ad platforms such as Meta, Google and Amazon as differentiators in delivering AI-enabled, client-owned integrations and faster insights for brands.