Publicis Courts CEOs Worried About AI, Sidesteps CMOs in New Business Push

Publicis is reportedly changing its approach to pitching new business, going straight to CEOs rather than working through chief marketing officers. According to Digiday, Publicis boss Arthur Sadoun said the agency group is bypassing traditional CMO-led pitches, focusing instead on selling directly to CEOs who are anxious about the impact of AI on their companies.

This shift appears to be yielding results, as Publicis has added to its roster of new business wins. The strategy reflects growing concerns among top executives about AI’s role in the future of marketing and advertising, with agencies like Publicis positioning themselves as direct advisors to decision makers at the highest corporate level.

The move away from the typical CMO-centered pitch process marks a notable change in how large agency groups are handling the current climate of AI uncertainty in the advertising industry.