S4 Capital vs Serviceplan Group

Agencies Rethink Ownership of Agentic AI and Data

At Programmatic IO in New York, agency leaders debated the future of data and AI tool ownership. Executives from S4 Capital, Horizon Media, Dentsu, and WPP agreed that agencies should avoid owning client data and AI models to maintain neutrality and avoid conflicts of interest. They highlighted a shift from FTE-based compensation to outcome-based pricing and licensing AI tools to clients. The panel also discussed AI's impact on DSPs, with WPP's McAndrew noting a move toward agent-to-agent interactions and increased supply-chain compression. Sorrell warned of Big Tech platforms like Meta becoming end-to-end threats, pushing agencies to become validators. The discussion reflects a broader industry trend away from data ownership, contrasting with Publicis's acquisition of LiveRamp.

• Agency leaders at Programmatic IO agreed agencies should not own client data or AI models.
• Dentsu predicts algorithms will drive 75% of global ad spend by 2028.
• Sir Martin Sorrell criticized Publicis's acquisition of LiveRamp, questioning its neutrality.

WPP and S4 Capital Show Turnaround Signs, Stock Surges

After years of quarterly declines, WPP and S4 Capital are showing early signs that their turnaround efforts are gaining traction. Despite revenue declines at the end of Q2, both companies saw their stock prices surge 26% following earnings calls, as investors interpreted the slowing revenue declines as positive signals. Publicis continues to outperform, posting 4.8% growth, but the perceived stabilization at WPP and S4 could potentially shift the competitive balance among holding companies. The monthly ADWEEK Advantage column analyzes these developments and their implications for the advertising industry.

• WPP and S4 Capital stock prices surged 26% following earnings calls.
• Both companies reported revenue declines at the end of Q2.
• Investors viewed slowing revenue declines as progress in turnaround efforts.

S4 Capital publishes H1 2026 Interim Results

S4 Capital has released its H1 2026 interim results, including RNS, presentation, and webcast.

Serviceplan Boosting Health appoints Christian Necker as co-CEO

Serviceplan Boosting Health, the healthcare agency of the Serviceplan Group, is expanding its leadership with a dual leadership structure. Christian Necker is joining Dörthe Besse as co-managing director. Necker, who previously worked as a freelance marketing and communications consultant for the past six months, will be responsible for driving artificial intelligence initiatives within the agency. The appointment is part of Serviceplan's strategy to strengthen its healthcare offering with AI expertise. Necker is a familiar face, having previously worked at Serviceplan.

• Christian Necker appointed co-Managing Director at Serviceplan Boosting Health.
• Necker joins Dörthe Besse to form new dual leadership.
• Necker was a freelance marketing and communications consultant for the past six months.

ING Germany Appoints Saint Elmo's as Creative Agency

ING Germany has appointed Saint Elmo's, a subsidiary of the Serviceplan Group, as its new creative agency following a competitive pitch against several participants. The decision comes as part of ING's ongoing efforts to refresh its brand communications and creative strategy. Saint Elmo's will be responsible for developing and executing creative campaigns for the financial services provider, with the first project already in progress. The pitch win marks a significant addition to Saint Elmo's client portfolio and reinforces the agency's position in the German market. The move is seen as part of broader trends in the banking sector to modernize their marketing approaches and engage with customers through more compelling creative content.

• Saint Elmo's, a subsidiary of the Serviceplan Group, has won the creative pitch for ING Germany.
• The pitch involved multiple unnamed participants competing for the account.
• The first creative work from Saint Elmo's is already underway for ING Germany.

Julian Uhlhaas named Vaude Head of Marketing

Julian Uhlhaas took over as Head of Marketing at Vaude on August 1, 2026, succeeding long-serving marketing chief Manfred Meindl. The Tettnang-based outdoor outfitter appointed the 40-year-old after about 15 years in brand management and communications, most recently serving as General Manager at Serviceplan Group’s agency model The Marcom Engine, where he led campaigns for BMW and Mini across 24 markets. Vaude owner and CEO Antje von Dewitz said Uhlhaas brings the strategic and creative experience needed to develop the brand for existing and new audiences. He joins to strengthen Vaude’s positioning in core and growth markets. Jonas Hirscheider will take over Uhlhaas’s markets and campaign responsibilities at The Marcom Engine. The appointment was reported by HORIZONT on August 4, 2026.

• Julian Uhlhaas assumed the Head of Marketing role at Vaude on 2026-08-01.
• He succeeds Manfred Meindl, who shaped Vaude's brand over the past 15 years.
• Uhlhaas previously served as General Manager at Serviceplan Group’s The Marcom Engine, leading BMW and Mini campaigns across 24 markets and has about 15 years' experience in brand management and communications.