Stagwell unveils new global media agency

The launch builds on Assembly’s performance marketing heritage and its experience across the media ecosystem.

Stagwell has launched Stagwell Media, a global media agency built around its Assembly business, combining performance marketing expertise with integrated services and agentic artificial intelligence technology to help brands improve business outcomes.

Operating across more than 50 markets, the agency will use Stagwell’s Machine OS and connected media capabilities to help advertisers reach priority audiences and influence how consumers discover and engage with brands across digital platforms. Its clients include Lenovo, DP World, Mastercard and P&G.

Stagwell Media combines media expertise and AI

Stagwell Media introduces an integrated operating model designed to connect media planning, activation, data, commerce and technology, while enabling teams to respond more quickly to changes in consumer behaviour and the media landscape.

Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO of Stagwell: "The traditional media agency model wasn’t built for the future of media. Stagwell Media is. We saw a gap in the market for a different model and a new way to do media. By combining superior technology, deep media expertise and agility, we help brands to adapt faster, reach audiences more effectively and unlock growth."

Stagwell targets integrated media performance

The agency’s model centres on four principles: multidisciplinary teams with senior leadership involvement, technology designed for media specialists, the integration of creativity and innovation with media expertise, and commercial structures aligned with clients’ business ambitions.

Slavi Samardzija, Global Chair of Media & Commerce, Stagwell: "Stagwell Media is built for a new era of marketing, one where brands need the agility to move faster, the integration to connect every touchpoint, and the technology to turn complexity into stronger performance. As Stagwell looks to disrupt the media landscape, Stagwell Media offers a superior combination of deep expertise, connected capabilities and technology built by media experts, for media experts."

The agency will draw on Stagwell’s wider technology ecosystem, including The Marketing Cloud, Stagwell Media Platform, The Media Machine, Stagwell Search+ and Stagwell Curate. These offerings will support its work across media, search, data and commerce.

Liz Rutgersson leads global media agency

Liz Rutgersson, the recently appointed CEO of Stagwell Media, will continue to lead the business with responsibility across global and US operations. She will work with a regional leadership team comprising Connie Chan, CEO for APAC; Bridget Hopkins, CEO for Europe; Alap Ghosh, CEO for India; Ravi Rao, CEO for MENA; and Kacper Klos, Global CEO of Digital Commerce in Poland.

Liz Rutgersson, CEO, Stagwell Media: "The proposition of Stagwell Media reflects our belief that clients deserve a media partner built around their ambitions. By bringing together exceptional talent, integrated capabilities and a modern media model, Stagwell Media is designed to help brands navigate change with confidence and turn opportunity into stronger performance. I’m excited to lead the agency’s next chapter and deliver even greater value for our clients."

Stagwell connects media and commerce capabilities

Stagwell Media will also collaborate with businesses across the group’s Media & Commerce segment, including Crispin, GALE, Goodstuff, Locaria and Stagwell Owned Media. The partnerships are intended to connect specialist expertise across creative, media, commerce and technology.

The launch forms part of Stagwell’s broader strategy to use AI and integrated marketing capabilities to support advertisers as media consumption and brand discovery evolve. By bringing these services together under Stagwell Media, the group aims to provide clients with a more connected approach to media investment and performance.

www.stagwellmedia.com

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