Comvergence Q1 2026 global new business rankings: WPP Media tops with $1.5 bn in billings

WPP Media emerged as the top-performing media agency group globally in Q1 2026, generating $1.5 billion in total new business billings, according to the latest Global New Business Barometer released by COMvergence.

The report ranked WPP Media first across both total and net new business rankings, driven by major account wins including Jaguar Land Rover and Estée Lauder globally, along with SC Johnson in North America.

Prasanth Kumar, CEO WPP Media South Asia, said: "Being recognised as the leading media group for new business in India is a reflection of the trust our clients place in us and the strength of our integrated proposition. In an increasingly dynamic marketplace, brands are looking for partners who can connect creativity, media, data and technology to drive tangible business outcomes. What is particularly encouraging is that our growth story is being powered not only by new client partnerships, but also by the confidence of existing clients who continue to grow with us. As the industry evolves, our focus remains on building future-ready capabilities, investing in talent, and creating solutions that help brands unlock sustainable growth at scale."

Omnicom Media Group secured the second position, combining nearly $1 billion in new business wins with another $1 billion in retention. The performance was aided by accounts such as Delta Air Lines and Dyson. The newly consolidated Omnicom Media Group now combines six agency networks — Initiative, Hearts & Science, Mediahub, OMD, PHD and UM.

Publicis Media ranked third, although COMvergence noted that its new business momentum remained comparatively modest against WPP Media and Omnicom Media in the quarter.

According to Olivier Gauthier, Founder and CEO of COMvergence, one of the most notable shifts during the quarter was the growing dominance of bespoke, group-led media solutions. “Of the $7 billion in total reviewed media spend, 25% — representing $1.8 billion — was awarded to bespoke solutions operated directly by one of the Big 3 holding groups,” Gauthier said. WPP Media accounted for $1.2 billion of this spend, followed by Omnicom Media with $520 million and Publicis Media with $80 million.

At the agency network level, Wavemaker ranked first globally with $382 million in total new business value, supported by the retention of Huawei in China and Reckitt in India. EssenceMediacom secured the second position, while Hearts & Science ranked third, aided by the retention of Cox Automotive in the US and the win of Xiaomi in China.

In terms of net new business excluding retention, Local Planet topped the rankings with $146 million in incremental billings, driven largely by German agency Pilot.

COMvergence assessed 600 media account moves and retention across 49 countries during Q1 2026, involving 390 advertisers and a total reviewed spend of $7 billion, up 6% year-on-year. The US accounted for 33% of total spend reviewed globally, followed by China at 23%.

The report also noted that the overall retention rate touched 38%, among the highest in recent years. Publicis Media recorded the strongest client retention rate among the Big Five holding groups, followed by Omnicom Media at 70% and WPP Media at 62%.