COMvergence vs Net Conversion

COMvergence H1 2026 Global New Business Results: Publicis Media Takes Top Spot

Publicis Media led the global Total New Business ranking among the Big 5 media agency groups, generating $3.24 billion in total new business value. Omnicom Media followed in second place at $3.15 billion and WPP Media ranked third at $2.98 billion.

Agency-Client Relationship Under Review in Germany

German advertisers are fundamentally questioning their collaboration models with media agencies, considering which tasks to handle in-house. This shift puts pressure on agencies to reassess their value propositions and revenue streams. The trend towards in-housing is accelerating, as seen in recent developments like IKEA's mega-pitch, which signals a broader industry move towards more flexible, integrated agency-client relationships. Agencies must adapt by offering more strategic, data-driven services and demonstrating clear ROI to retain clients.

• Advertisers in Germany are increasingly questioning their collaboration with media agencies.
• The trend towards in-housing is growing, with advertisers taking over tasks previously handled by agencies.
• Agencies need to redefine their revenue models to stay relevant.

BetMGM Names Cape Creative Agency of Record

BetMGM has officially appointed independent creative agency Cape as its creative agency of record (AOR), formalizing a collaborative relationship that has spanned two years. Cape's expanded responsibilities will encompass brand and creative strategy, working closely alongside BetMGM's wider agency network to maintain a cohesive brand presence. The transition occurred without a formal pitch process, following successful joint projects like the brand's 'Mullet Over' campaign. BetMGM, which features actor Jon Hamm in its latest campaign, has an estimated annual net media spend of $160 million according to COMvergence data.

• Independent creative agency Cape has been named BetMGM's agency of record (AOR).
• The appointment formalizes a two-year working relationship and occurred without a formal pitch process.
• BetMGM's net media spend is estimated at $160 million according to data from COMvergence.

Net Conversion Releases 2026 MORE Intelligence Study

Net Conversion's new 2026 MORE Intelligence Study, based on a survey of 1,500 U.S. adults, reveals fundamental shifts in consumer agency, brand loyalty, and demand for creative authenticity, with five strategic takeaways for marketers.

Net Conversion Promotes Joshuah Rodery to CFO

Net Conversion has promoted Joshuah Rodery to chief financial officer after seven months as vice president of finance. Rodery reports to co-founder and CEO Ryan Fitzgerald and is credited with overhauling the agency's planning, reporting, and cash management to support accelerated growth. The independent agency has added three media AOR clients (Winn-Dixie, Evermore Orlando Resorts, HealthyPaws) and opened its first Midwest office in Chicago. Rodery previously worked at Commonwealth Fusion Systems, where he led management accounting, three clean audits with PwC and the U.S. Department of Energy, and identified over $300 million in tax credit value.

• Net Conversion promoted Joshuah Rodery to chief financial officer.
• Rodery joined Net Conversion seven months earlier as vice president of finance.
• Rodery reports to Net Conversion co-founder and CEO Ryan Fitzgerald.