DEPT® vs Havas

DEPT® named media & SEO partner for American Family Care

DEPT® has added new insights and news, including being named a Leader in the 2026 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Global Digital Marketing Agencies and expanding Google Marketing Platform capabilities to the US.

DEPT® publishes two new insights: decision systems personalization and Amazon GEO strategy

The page now includes two new insights: 'How decision systems personalize the right content for every customer at scale' and 'Your Amazon strategy needs to change in the age of GEO'.

Meik Vogler named CEO of VRM agency Ryze Digital

Meik Vogler, 48, will become CEO of Ryze Digital, the agency of German publishing group Verlagsgruppe VRM, effective October 1. He succeeds founder Philipp Mann, who is stepping down. Vogler previously served as Chief Client Officer at Havas Germany until nearly a year ago. In addition, Oliver Walz, who has been CFO since 2019, will be promoted to an expanded role, likely as co-CEO or managing director. The agency employs around 350 staff. This leadership change aims to strengthen Ryze Digital's market position in digital marketing and technology.

• Meik Vogler will become CEO of Ryze Digital on October 1.
• Vogler previously was Chief Client Officer at Havas Germany.
• Founder Philipp Mann is stepping down as CEO.

AI's Dual Impact on Agency Staff: Efficiency and Pressure

The article examines how AI is reshaping agency operations, highlighting increased efficiency alongside heightened pressure on staff. WPP plans to cut 1,000 more jobs by end of 2026, adding to 11,000 cuts since early 2025, as part of a strategic shift toward a leaner, AI-enabled business. Other holding companies like Havas have automated processes, with CEO Yannick Bolloré noting they've automated everything possible. A Basis report reveals 70% of agency professionals find their jobs harder than two years ago, and 54% report strained client relationships due to higher expectations and compressed timelines. Anonymous senior agency sources confirm the pressure to 'do more with less' but note morale varies. While AI saves time, especially with agentic AI for client queries, concerns remain about job security, tool proliferation, and the risk of over-reliance on AI for tasks like email writing. The article suggests agencies are adapting, but not without friction.

• WPP plans to cut an additional 1,000 jobs by the end of 2026, after cutting 11,000 since early 2025.
• Havas has automated 'everything we can automate', according to CEO Yannick Bolloré.
• A Basis report found 70% of agency professionals say their jobs are more difficult than two years ago.

LiveRamp Shareholders Approve $2.2B Publicis Deal

LiveRamp shareholders overwhelmingly approved Publicis Groupe’s proposed $2.2 billion acquisition in a vote on Aug. 17, with 92% of represented shares in favor and under 1% against. The transaction, if closed, will make LiveRamp a wholly owned subsidiary of Publicis, raising concerns about LiveRamp’s neutrality and prompting at least one major rival (Omnicom) to begin transitioning away from the platform. Separately, shareholders voted down a proposed $82.6 million “golden parachute” payout for LiveRamp executives, though the article notes that rejection of that provision may not prevent large executive payouts under other terms.

• LiveRamp shareholders approved Publicis Groupe’s $2.2 billion acquisition with 92% of represented shares voting in favor.
• Less than 1% of represented shares voted against the transaction.
• If the deal closes, LiveRamp will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Publicis Groupe.