Latest news with #Havas
Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Times
‘Young staff have the ability to lead — let them prove themselves'
Kate Robertson is the co-founder and chief executive of One Young World, a global forum connecting and supporting young leaders. A former global president of Havas, an advertising group, she's passionate about the power of youth to drive change. Here is her advice: 1. Dream big, start practical. Don't listen to people who tell you to scale down ideas. Ambitious energy is contagious on a team if it's accompanied by a roadmap and plan. 2. Create teams of equals. No one is too senior to get their hands dirty or too junior to come up with a game-changing idea. Young staff have the ability to lead — let them prove themselves and help them learn from mistakes. 3. Honesty is the only policy and simplicity the best rule. Clear, frank, simple communication ensures everyone knows where they stand. Admit when you're in the wrong and give a heartfelt apology. I am often wrong and have to accept very young people correcting me — but it's worth it even if sometimes hard! 4. Avoid preaching to the choir. Allies can come from unlikely places: particularly when it comes to social change and international co-operation. Seek out people and organisations who have a different perspective. 5. Focus on what's real. Impact must be measurable and provable. It's easy to spend energy on the people who are shouting the loudest instead of the people doing the work that really matters. 6. Stay true to your vision. In a volatile world, do not get thrown off course. Keeping teams inspired with your mission is the best way to foster resilience and camaraderie.
Associated Press
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Meet the Buddig Grandma: A New Kind of Influencer
A bold, timely campaign reminding you that it's time to Eat Your Buddig TINLEY PARK, Ill., June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At a time when grocery bills are rising, wellness culture is protein-obsessed and conventional mealtime yields to time-strapped consumers, the next generation needs an ally in breaking the 'rules' to take better care of themselves. Carl Buddig and Company is debuting a new brand campaign that serves up a well-intentioned reminder: Eat Your Buddig. Introducing a new, recognizable yet unforgettable brand icon: The Buddig Grandma. Equal parts no-nonsense caretaker and funny feed-crasher, Grandma is here to make sure you take care of yourself – especially when it comes to eating. The Buddig Grandma arrives to social media starting today with a simple reminder: affordable, quality lunchmeat is still within reach. And she's not asking politely. She's barging into your algorithms, including the most unexpected ones, with a plate or package of Buddig and the conviction that it's time to take care of yourself. 'This is more than a campaign. Grandma is a distinctive brand-building asset and our best weapon for steady recognition for Carl Buddig – which is already growing as a popular and affordable option,' said Matt Barlow, Vice President of Brand and Commerce Marketing at Buddig. 'Grandma embodies our heritage and mission – reminding people that caring for yourself doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.' 'Eat Your Buddig', created in partnership with Havas Chicago and Havas Media as the agency's debut campaign, runs through October 2025 and will be delivered across social media, digital platforms, and targeted media placements. Built around today's content trends, launch assets feature Grandma interrupting popular social formats – #GRWM routines, budget advice, dress hauls, pranking videos, even ghost hunting – with timely and hilarious nudges to 'Eat Your Buddig.' The Buddig Grandma: A New Kind of Influencer With a signature red cardigan, red lipstick, and a raised eyebrow that says it all, the Buddig Grandma is not just a character – she's a campaign weapon designed to cut through clutter with heart and humor. Like the Buddig deli meats she proudly serves, Grandma is reliable, no-nonsense, and rooted in tradition. Today's Buddig Since 1943, Buddig has been helping families stretch their grocery budgets without sacrificing taste – offering thin-sliced, deli-style meats like turkey, ham, beef, chicken, and more. Packed with protein, conveniently portioned, and ready for everything from meal prep to on the go snacking, Buddig deli meats are a staple in millions of households. In today's world of rising prices and endless distractions, the Buddig Grandma arrives as a nostalgic-yet-fresh reminder to eat well, spend smart, and always take care of yourself. Buddig products are available in a range of sizes to meet every family's needs – from 2oz single-serve packs perfect for post-workouts or late night snacks to larger mega-packs that make meal prep simple and affordable. Available at major grocery retailers nationwide, Buddig lunchmeats continue to offer dependable, everyday convenience backed by over 80 years of family tradition. 'With the Buddig Grandma, we're investing in a long-term brand platform that taps into who we've always been while speaking directly to today's consumer,' said Barlow. 'She's a modern reminder of what's always made Buddig special: care, consistency, and bringing people back to the table – even if she has to interrupt to do it.' About Carl Buddig and Company Carl Buddig and Company, based in Tinley Park, Illinois, has been feeding family traditions for over 80 years with the very best in taste, variety and convenience. Owned and operated by the third generation, the company is proud to have welcomed fourth-generation Buddig family members to the business in recent years. Carl Buddig and Company is the parent company of great-tasting Buddig lunchmeat, Old Wisconsin hardwood-smoked sausage and snack products, and pre-cooked ribs and barbecue entrees under the Kingsford brand. To learn more, please visit and View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Carl Buddig and Company
Forbes
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Neurodivergent Talent Isn't A Trend, It's The Future Of Creativity
The creative industry benefits not just from neurodivergent minds. It needs them to survive what's ... More next. On Neurodiversity Pride Day, Havas didn't just join the conversation around inclusion; they reframed it. Their new global campaign, Beyond the Brief, launched live at the 2025 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, was designed not to spotlight neurodivergent talent as a token effort, but to reposition it as essential to the future of the creative industry. Helmed by Donna Murphy, Global CEO of Havas Creative and Health Networks, the campaign builds on the foundation of Neuroverse: Powered by Havas, aiming to shift how the industry identifies and cultivates creative potential radically. "We're at a pivotal point of transformation in the creative industry, driven by the rise of AI and the welcoming of new tools and ideas, " Murphy explained. "Yet there remains a clear gap. It's one that Havas believes has a clear resolve by tapping into the immense potential of neurodivergent creative talent. " The message is simple: the creative industry benefits not just from neurodivergent minds. It needs them to survive what's next. Breaking the Mold, Not Fitting Into It The campaign's anchor panel, "Neurodivergent Minds: They Don't Need Advertising. Advertising Needs Them," was held on June 16 at the Palais Lumière Theatre. Moderated by The Daily's Michael Barbaro, the panel featured Murphy, Renee Connolly of Merck KGaA, and British singer-songwriter Lola Young, who brought raw honesty and authenticity to the discussion. Young didn't mince words when describing her place in the creative world. "I'm not here to fit into anyone's idea of what 'creative' should look like," she said. "I'm here because the way my mind works is exactly why my art connects." Diagnosed with ADHD, she added that her diagnosis wasn't a limitation, but a strength. "ADHD isn't a barrier, it's the engine." That ethos echoed throughout the campaign's presence at Cannes. Days before the launch, unbranded digital teaser displays appeared along the Croisette, posing provocative questions like, 'What if the future of creativity doesn't look like the past, and never did?' Each display featured a QR code that led to a dedicated microsite with a full agenda of neurodiversity-focused programming, including featured panels, downloadable insights, and events hosted beyond Havas. The entire rollout sent a clear signal: this is a movement, not a moment. Data Meets Lived Experience It's not just anecdotes driving the need for change. A 2025 study from and the Ad Council reveals that 69% of neurodivergent professionals believe their thinking style gives them a creative advantage, yet only 19% feel supported at work. That gap between potential and understanding is precisely what Beyond the Brief seeks to close. A 2025 study from and the Ad Council reveals that 69% of neurodivergent professionals ... More believe their thinking style gives them a creative advantage, yet only 19% feel supported at work. The campaign also highlighted that neurodivergent people are more than just creative contributors; they're also a critical consumer demographic. A session at the Havas Café titled "The New Creative Alchemy: Neurodivergent Minds & AI as Industry Catalysts" offered a roadmap for how brands and agencies can better support neurodivergent talent and create products and campaigns that resonate with their experiences. "With Beyond the Brief, we're looking to amplify these voices and challenge the industry to rethink the systems in place," Murphy emphasized. By debuting the initiative at the largest creative festival in the world, she made it clear that this wasn't about corporate social responsibility; it was about redesigning the very ecosystem of creativity. Rewriting the Rules, Not Just the Résumés Too often, neurodivergent candidates are excluded not because they lack ideas, but because the hiring systems weren't designed for them. Job descriptions use vague buzzwords. Interviewers prize eye contact and neurotypical social norms. Creative briefs lack clarity or accessibility. Havas' campaign challenges these defaults. The microsite offers a downloadable insights report along with recommendations on everything from more inclusive hiring practices to designing sensory-friendly work environments. It's about removing the friction that has long kept brilliant, divergent thinkers outside the door. "The campaign calls on everyone in the industry to help shape a future of creativity that's more dynamic and powerful than ever before," Murphy noted. That future requires intentional, actionable change, not just applause from the audience. Neurodivergent Minds Aren't Optional. They're Original For years, the advertising industry has praised the value of thinking outside the box. But as Young and others made clear, neurodivergent creatives never saw the box in the first place. Their brains operate with different rhythms, connections, and cues, and that difference is their edge. To ignore that is to ignore the direction innovation is already headed. Panels like the one at Cannes Lions weren't confined to back corners or check-the-box sessions. They were mainstage moments. They asked the industry to rethink not just who gets hired but what creativity means in an era shaped by AI, global crises, and shifting audience values. Building a Future That Reflects Every Mind We are finally at the precipice of building a world where neurodivergent minds are not just ... More welcomed, but embraced. We are finally at the precipice of building a world where neurodivergent minds are not just welcomed, but embraced. It's not enough to be inspired by their talent. We must adapt our systems to include them from the start. Murphy, Young, Connolly, and the Havas team are showing what that future could look like: one where the industry stops viewing those who are neurodivergent as a challenge to manage and starts recognizing it as a competitive advantage. Because the future of creativity doesn't resemble the past, it never has.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Thriving through change: What Cannes Lions 2025 reveals about the future of advertising
I first went to the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity since 2013. Since then , things have changed. The essence has remained the same. It's bigger , better, more tech infused and buzzier than ever. As the global marketing elite descended upon the French Riviera this June, a powerful narrative emerged not just about innovation and awards, but about the very soul and survival of advertising in an age of disruption. There is a lot that goes on at Cannes and assimilating it all takes time. Dozens of awards, talk sessions, seminars, showcases, demos etc coexist with a swirl of parties. With insights drawn from this year's sessions, winners, and backstage conversations, a clear picture forms of an industry being fundamentally reshaped by technology and new modes of storytelling. The creative industry is at an AI crossroads. Few developments have shaken advertising as profoundly as artificial intelligence. Its attraction is compelling. Its repercussions are increasingly clear. What was once a novelty has now become a cornerstone of operations for many agencies. From creative conception to campaign automation, AI has woven itself into the DNA of modern advertising. Qualcomm's in-house 'Writer' AI, which reportedly saves over 2,400 hours a month, exemplifies this transformation. Similarly, Meta's new self-service AI ad tools have opened the door for small businesses to punch above their weight in the digital marketplace. Havas, one of the largest global agencies, made headlines at Cannes by reaffirming its commitment of €400 million to 'AI teammate' development while explicitly choosing not to cut human jobs. The message is clear that while AI is here to stay, but it must exist in harmony with human talent, not in opposition to it. Nonetheless , this bright enthusiasm was offset by a darker undertone. Junior and mid-level staff are increasingly vocal about the threat to job security. The sudden economic strain raises questions about long-term sustainability, especially for smaller agencies. Still, amid the automation and acceleration, Cannes Lions echoed a recurring truth that emotion, empathy, and cultural insight matter. They are the vital but often elusive ingredients of great storytelling. And here human advantage is going to be enduring. The most impactful campaigns of the year proved that creativity powered by lived experience cannot be outsourced to a machine. One of the festival's strongest undercurrents was a renewed commitment to purpose. The Grand Prix and Gold Lion winners made a resounding case that advertising is more than mere awareness and persuasion. it is activism, awareness, and accountability. Building IP is the first stone in the foundation of building culture. BBDO India's 'Share The Load' campaign for Ariel , which took home a Silver Lion in the Sustainable Development Goals category, reignited conversations around domestic gender roles. AXA won the Titanium Grand Prix at the 2025 Cannes Lions for its "Three Words" campaign, which integrated domestic violence support into its French home insurance policies. This involved adding the clause "and domestic violence" to its policy, enabling victims to access emergency relocation and support services, Dove's perennial 'Real Beauty' campaign, a familiar face at Cannes, once again earned recognition for championing body positivity and mental wellness. However, not all brands are comfortable swimming in these waters. In the United States, where culture wars dominate headlines, some brands are retreating from overt stances. Brand Risk is a big horizontal concern. There is a point and counterpoint about how woke had woke become . Bud Light and Carl's Jr., once vocal about diversity and equity, have now scaled back such efforts amid organized backlash. Advertiser boycotts on X (formerly Twitter) and fears of violating viewpoint neutrality laws have further added to creative hesitancy. This tension between purpose and pragmatism was palpable throughout Cannes. The question is no longer should brands take a stand, but rather how and when to do so authentically. There is deeper implication and more visceral reaction on both sides of the conservative-liberal divide. This will not abate anytime soon. Brands will stick to the knitting and focus on tightly defined creative plots. Another evolution visible at Cannes was the formal embrace of the creator economy as a legitimate, professionalized pillar of advertising. With billions of smart phones enabling billions of content creators, curators and consumers, much has changed. So much so that the 'Social & Influencer Lions' were officially renamed the 'Social & Creator Lions,' reflecting a broader shift in mindset. No longer seen as side-channel influencers or novelty spokespeople, creators are now treated as strategic collaborators in campaign planning and storytelling. Panels and masterclasses discussed pricing models, revenue equity, and IP ownership for creators. Meanwhile, brands shared how they were moving from influencer marketing to co-creation—developing entire narratives with creators who bring both reach and authenticity. It's not about casting a creator to say a few lines but about building campaigns around their lived experiences, fan base, and native tone. In this new model, creators aren't just amplifiers. They are the media. This approach has proved particularly potent in sports marketing, another dominant theme at Cannes. With linear TV viewership dwindling and cord-cutting on the rise, advertisers are chasing attention wherever it lives. News and sports have an enduring relationship with TV. I spoke at the CNN conclave organised in association with Stagwell and the world media group. Increasingly, it's in sports, especially live events like Formula 1 and women's leagues that brands see value. Uber's F1 activation 'La Mer' brought immersive experience-based branding to the grid, while Cannes itself hosted activations like the Women's Sports Yacht Club to celebrate the 139% rise in women's sports sponsorship in 2024 alone. The trend suggests that the future of mass engagement lies not in platforms but in passion. Then there was the ongoing theme of Platforms, their power, and the templates of prescriptive creativity. As much as Cannes celebrates creativity, it is also a reflection of power and few wield more of it than the digital behemoths. Tech giants like Google, Amazon, Meta, and Spotify were everywhere this year, not just as partners and sponsors, but as industry architects. Their growing dominance has reshaped everything from media buying to content delivery, and even agency structures. Interestingly, traditional non-media brands like United Airlines are also entering the ad game, launching their own networks and monetizing customer attention. United Airlines made a significant presence at the 2024 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity with the launch of their new media network, Kinective Media and that The line between advertiser and publisher has blurred entirely, and Cannes is where these fused pathways become the new mainstream . But with power comes oversight. European regulators are stepping up. Under the Digital Services Act (DSA), platforms must now disclose how ads are targeted and explicitly prohibit profiling of minors or sensitive groups. There's growing momentum around 'explainable AI' tools like SODA i.e. Systemic Observation of Digital Advertising, that aim to audit and visualize how AI influences user exposure to ads. While compliance adds complexity, it also provides a competitive edge for agencies who build trust through transparency. Sustainability took a front-row seat in 2025, not just in message but curiously in media execution. At IAB Europe's sessions, heated discussions emerged around the environmental cost of AI infrastructure and digital advertising. The industry is now measuring carbon footprints not just in supply chains or creative production but in server usage, streaming bandwidth, and digital asset storage. The Global Media Sustainability Framework, which gained traction throughout the year, pushes for carbon tracking at every stage of campaign delivery. Low-carbon ad formats, energy-efficient production tools, and climate-conscious media buying are fast becoming standard client requests. Brands realize that a truly purpose-driven message rings hollow if the medium contradicts the mission. But many may brush it aside as much ado about a small contributor saying 'we didn't start the fire '. Most crucially , there was talk across the buzzing corridors on adapting the agency model. Earlier in the year , mergers like Outbrain and Teads created multi-capability giants with in-house AI tools, targeting systems, and measurement frameworks. But agility and trust remain the currencies of success, and that creates opportunity for independent shops and boutique consultancies. Clients are looking not for one-stop shops, but for nimble partners who can navigate culture, data, and technology fluidly. Talent, therefore, becomes the differentiator. Agencies are investing not just in tech stacks but in re-skilling with training of teams to excel in strategy, ethics, digital design, and storytelling. The most forward-thinking shops are building hybrid teams of humans and AI, leaning into the strengths of each. Have stories agencies become casualties in a move to consolidate. And are those that survive with their name at the front door merely delivery windows on a cloud kitchen ? If Cannes Lions 2025 revealed anything, it's that advertising is not dying—it's transforming. To survive and thrive, the industry must embrace six clear imperatives: 1. Treat AI as a transparent collaborator, not a cost-saving shortcut. 2. Center campaigns around authentic human values and social purpose. 3. Work with creators and passion communities, especially in sports and live events. 4. Comply with emerging regulations, and go beyond them to earn trust. 5. Bake sustainability into every layer of the media process. 6. Invest in people—strategists, ethicists, data interpreters—who can steer brands with insight and integrity. Ultimately, Cannes 2025 wasn't just a showcase of creativity—it was a manifesto for survival. In a fragmented, polarized, and hyper-automated world, the brands that thrive will be those that hold fast to humanity while boldly embracing change. The path ahead isn't easy, but it is full of possibility. And for an industry built on ideas, that's the most promising sign of all.
Mint
21-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
The advertising industry parties in Cannes, with AI as its new plus-one
Tech companies like Spotify annually host parties for clients and business partners at the Cannes Lions advertising festival, where attendees are known for letting loose after dark. After several years of small experiments with AI and big anxieties over its impact, advertising executives got with the program at this week's Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, the ad industry's annual five-day gathering on the French Riviera. Almost every company that took over a swanky beach club, hosted guests in a villa or bought its staff $5,000 festival passes told an enthusiastic story about artificial intelligence. Raging against the machine was firmly out. Any remaining rank-and-file worries about job losses were mostly voiced far from official events. 'We've moved beyond the promise and the fear to the practical application," said Don McGuire, chief marketing officer at chip maker Qualcomm, adding that the company is saving 2,400 hours a month by using an AI agent-building tool called Writer. 'People are talking about using it in different contexts. It's no longer, 'Well, it could do this, or could do that.' " Two years ago, at the first Cannes Lions since the debut of ChatGPT announced AI's new potential, ad agency Monks co-founder Wesley ter Haar set up in a small apartment. Cassandra-like, he told visitors that AI was about to upend ad creation and employment. Executives at other companies in Cannes that year described their trials with the technology but emphasized that only humans can develop the emotional insights that steer ad campaigns. This time the idea of AI-driven industry transformation was mainstream, even if leaders still expressed confidence about humans' continued role. 'Obviously the world of business, and the world at large, is being profoundly disrupted as we speak, and the impact on jobs is already being felt," said Marisa Thalberg, the chief customer and marketing officer at Catalyst Brands, the company formed by the merger of Brooks Brothers-owner SPARC Group and JCPenney. 'My optimism comes from knowing how much creativity is—and will remain—so fundamentally and uniquely human, even if the ways we harness and express it continue to change." Instagram and Facebook owner Meta Platforms used the festival to unveil a host of new AI-based products designed to help advertisers make ads as quickly and simply as possible, feasibly without the need for an agency. Executives at the company repeatedly said the tools weren't designed to replace agencies, however—just to speed up their work and help smaller businesses that can't afford agencies. Marketers in Cannes even put concerns such as President Trump's trade war and tightening consumer budgets on the back burner in favor of talking about AI. 'I didn't have one single conversation about tariffs," said Yannick Bolloré, the chairman and chief executive officer of French advertising holding company Havas. The guest list-only 'cafe" run by Havas on the grounds of the Mondrian Hotel used AI to turn guests into 3-D characters in a movie using only a photo. The company last year said it would invest 400 million euros, or more than $429 million at the time, in AI development over the course of four years, a commitment similar to those made by rival holding companies. Now Bolloré is asking that his staff refer to AI agents as 'teammates." 'Those agents will be fully part of the Havas family," Bolloré said. 'In terms of employees we will find a lot of efficiencies, but our bet is that we will manage more revenue with the same amount of people." But reality isn't always close at hand during Cannes, a 13,000-person conference where $1,355 magnums of Dom Pérignon are regularly ordered to business tables at lunch, and executives' public displays of affection for AI began to wear thin with some. Lower-ranking attendees darkly joked at post-programming parties that they'd be replaced by their artificial counterparts before the next festival. And research published Monday raised some red flags for agencies, most of which have been racing to build up their AI arsenal. Agency trade association the 4As and consulting firm Forrester found that although 75% of agencies are using the technology—up from 61% last year—75% of those using it are also funding it directly without passing on the costs to clients, up from 41% in 2024. 'That is deeply concerning," said Jay Pattisall, principal analyst at Forrester, who wrote in the report that 'agencies are backsliding into antiquated commercial models that led to the commoditization and lack of transparency associated with marketing services." The strongest pushback to the AI overload at Cannes came from the celebrities and social-media content creators who now flood Cannes along with traditional ad players and tech companies. Actors Josh Duhamel, Reese Witherspoon, JB Smoove and others touted their own creative companies but also made a case for the employment of Hollywood talent in the ad industry. Advertising benefits from emotional connections that actors, directors and scriptwriters know how to provide, Smoove said. 'We're talking about mastering the moment," Smoove said. 'You meet somebody that you haven't seen in years and they tell you a funny joke? AI can't do that."
