AKQA vs mediasense

AKQA Creates Google Pixel Garden Theory Campaign with Musiala

Google has launched a new social-first campaign titled 'Garden Theory' for its Pixel 11 Pro smartphone, featuring Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala. The campaign was created by digital agency group AKQA and showcases the phone's AI assistant Gemini and the 'HiLight' LED feature, which alerts users to important calls. The conceptual theme suggests that, like a garden, the phone provides a serene environment allowing users to focus amid digital noise. The campaign will run on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and other digital platforms like Highsnobiety. It was produced by the production company Zero, directed by Rogelio González, with set design by Nina Oswald and floral artist Valentina Teinitzer De Pasquale. The campaign highlights how the Pixel 11 Pro helps users concentrate on what matters, aligning with Google's messaging that the device is designed to help users stay present.

• Google launched a product campaign for the Pixel 11 Pro called 'Garden Theory'.
• The campaign features footballer Jamal Musiala from FC Bayern Munich.
• The campaign was created by AKQA, a digital agency group.

HubSpot gives high performers the edge in new global campaign with AKQA

AKQA has launched a new global campaign with HubSpot, titled 'HubSpot gives high performers the edge', marking a new client partnership and campaign launch.

Ad Industry Lacks Strategic Thinkers, Misaligned Incentives Blamed

A report from the WFA and marketing advisory Mediasense reveals that strategic thinking is becoming increasingly crucial as AI automates routine tasks, yet the industry faces a shortage of such talent. The study, based on a survey of marketers, found that strategic thinking topped the list of talent shortages, cited by 72% of respondents. While the quality of marketing talent is generally rated positively, accessing the right skills is difficult. The report emphasizes that developing internal talent is key, but current incentive structures often discourage strategic development, favoring execution and efficiency over impact. Agencies are still evaluated on executional delivery, even as AI commodifies that layer. To close the capability gap, advertisers and agencies must adapt their incentive structures and take a long-term view on talent development.

• WFA and Mediasense published a report on the growing importance of strategic thinking in advertising amid AI adoption.
• 72% of marketers surveyed identified strategic thinking as one of their top three talent shortages.
• 46% of marketers rated the quality of marketing talent as strong or very strong.

ISBA and mediasense report establishes first capability baseline for UK digital retail media networks

New research assesses campaign, reporting and measurement capabilities across five leading UK retail media networks.

Mediasense's Jack Shearring: Governance Beats Gadgets in Marketing

Jack Shearring, vice president of strategy at Mediasense and Drum Awards Festival juror, emphasizes that governance, not technology, is the key to successful marketing transformation. He argues that many organizations have sophisticated tech but unclear data ownership and fragmented agency relationships. For 2026, he would invest in measurement infrastructure over flashy tools, noting that better inputs matter more than better tools in a world of platform automation. He advocates for managing brand and performance as complementary, and for a shift toward probabilistic, modelled, and judgement-driven measurement. Leadership, he says, will favor those who ask good questions and create clarity, not necessarily those with the most knowledge.

• Jack Shearring is vice president of strategy at Mediasense.
• Shearring is a juror at the 2026 Drum Awards Festival.
• He advocates investing in measurement infrastructure for 2026.