Havas vs WFA

Havas Grows in North America, Lags in Other Regions

Havas reported Q3 2026 net revenue of $782 million (€703 million), up 7.2% year over year, with organic growth of 2.4%, down from 3.8% in Q3 2025. North America was the strongest region with 7.5% organic growth, while other regions lagged. The company has completed eight acquisitions since the start of 2026 and CFO François Laroze indicated more are forthcoming. Total net revenue for the first nine months of 2026 reached $2.3 billion (€2.07 billion). Havas forecasts organic revenue growth of 2% to 3% for the full year 2026. The results highlight a contrast with rivals struggling in North America, positioning Havas as a notable performer in that market.

• Havas Q3 2026 net revenue: $782 million (€703 million), up 7.2% year over year.
• Q3 organic growth: 2.4%, down from 3.8% in Q3 2025.
• North America organic growth: 7.5%, strongest region in Q3 2026.

Geely Germany Marketing Chief Departs; Alpine Role

Geely Auto Germany's marketing chief, Roman Franke, has left the company shortly after joining in spring 2026, prompting the need to revise its marketing plans. Franke has since taken a new position as Director of Alpine Brand Germany, effective October 1, 2026. The departure follows Geely's official market launch in Germany this year and the appointment of Havas as its full-service agency for a launch campaign. The reasons for Franke's exit remain undisclosed. Meanwhile, the Berlin PR agency Kruger has announced it will handle Geely's press relations following a pitch. Geely's marketing leadership vacancy and Havas's current role remain unclear, as inquiries went unanswered.

• Roman Franke left Geely Auto Germany and became Director of Alpine Brand Germany on October 1, 2026.
• Geely Auto Germany had launched officially in 2026, with Havas hired for a full-service launch campaign.
• The Berlin PR agency Kruger won a pitch to handle Geely's press relations.

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 Exposes Campaign Flaws, Not New Friction

In this opinion piece, Matthew Hill of Spark argues that AI is not the cause of operational friction in global marketing campaigns but rather exposes long-standing structural flaws. He cites that up to 80% of campaign friction stems from upstream issues like unclear briefs and shifting guidelines. Despite 88% of marketers using AI tools daily, only 24.2% of marketing workloads involve AI, indicating a gap between adoption and strategic integration. The article highlights the risk of generic creative output, with 51% of senior marketers fearing AI produces generic replicas, and cites System1 data showing AI-heavy campaigns score only 2.1 out of 5 stars. Hill introduces 'Bucket C' as the key to unlocking AI's value: using AI to connect workflows, data, and systems, rather than just speeding up tasks. He emphasizes AI governance, token cost management, and human oversight as essential. The piece is based on a closed-door Spark Conversations session and includes no breaking news but offers strategic insights.

• Up to 80% of campaign friction starts upstream in unclear artwork rules and incomplete briefs.
• 88% of marketers use AI tools daily, but AI is involved in only 24.2% of actual marketing workloads, per Duke University CMO Survey.
• 51% of senior marketers managing $141bn in ad spend fear AI produces generic creative replicas, per WFA and Cannes Lions survey.

X expands Gametime sports hub beyond NFL with MLB

X has announced the expansion of its 'Gametime' feature, a sports hub previously focused on the NFL, to include Major League Baseball (MLB). The new MLB experience, launching this month, will offer baseball fans postseason coverage, scores, stats, and real-time discussions. This move is part of X's strategy to attract advertisers by capitalizing on engaged sports audiences. The company plans to add more leagues, including the NBA, to make Gametime a year-round destination. The announcement comes after X's settlement with the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) over an alleged boycott, as X seeks to rebuild relationships with brands.

• X expands its 'Gametime' sports hub to include Major League Baseball (MLB), starting this month.
• The MLB experience on X will offer postseason coverage, scores, stats, and real-time discussions.
• X plans to add more leagues, including the NBA, to make Gametime a year-round destination.

96% of major brands now use AI in marketing, WFA research finds

State of AI in Marketing 2026 shows AI moving beyond content into insights, media and strategy, with scaling and skills now the biggest challenges.