Thomas-Copeland on repositioning 4As

+ Campaigns from Leo, Uncommon, VaynerMedia Created for gjagjeet610.worldwin@blogger.com | Web Version   April 16, 2026 CONNECT WITH 4As  CONNECT WITH 4As    News for the advertising, media, and marcom industries SIGN UP ⋅   SHARE Top Story Leo asks "What Else?" with Nespresso   (Nespresso/YouTube) Leo asks "What Else?" with Nespresso Leo Constellation's global Nespresso campaign introduces the Vertuo Up coffee machine and features pop star Dua Lipa plus a fresh brand identity that blends heritage with modern cues. The push, which includes George Clooney, emphasizes coffee as both a routine and a discovery, and puts a twist on the brand's "What Else?" tagline. Full Story: DesignRush (4/15), Campaign US (tiered subscription model) (4/15), Muse by Clio (4/14) Creative VaynerMedia shows Duracell power up Lionel Messi   (Duracell/YouTube) VaynerMedia shows Duracell power up Lionel Messi Duracell's campaign from VaynerMedia features soccer star Lionel Messi ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a 30-second spot showing Messi powered by Duracell batteries. Other campaign elements include a sweepstakes, social media activations, retail partnerships and ads running across linear and streaming TV, digital and audio. Full Story: Ad Age (4/15), MediaPost Communications (free registration) (4/15) Uncommon uses over 10K balloons to craft Clash Royale ad   (Clash Royale/YouTube) Uncommon uses over 10K balloons to craft Clash Royale ad Uncommon Stockholm has unveiled the "Hero Balloon" character in a Clash Royale film that uses 10,487 balloons. The film, directed by Sam Gainsborough, features practical effects, puppetry and a soundtrack that includes "99 Luftballoons." Uncommon Chief Creative Officer Björn Ståhl says, "At a time when everything can be faked with digital shortcuts and AI, we wanted this film to feel unmistakably human. The craft wasn't just how we made it. It was the idea itself." Full Story: Muse by Clio (4/14), Shots (UK) (4/15) ICYMI: Most-Clicked From Previous Issue Rethink, Keegan-Michael Key say it's "Ore-Ida or Nothing" MediaPost Communications (free registration) (4/14), Ad Age (4/14), Campaign US (tiered subscription model) (4/14) Featured Content Sponsored Content from Netline 15 AI Mistakes CEOs Make and How to Avoid Them: A Guide to Human-Centered Technology Implementation Create Your Dream Work All Things Innovation Releases AI-Driven Innovation & Insights Solutions Showcase Management Series: What do All Great Managers Have in Common Stay Interviews: Why And How To Use Them Successfully Agency Insider Thomas-Copeland on repositioning the 4As   Thomas-Copeland (4As) Thomas-Copeland on repositioning the 4As 4As CEO Justin Thomas-Copeland talks how the 4As is transforming from a traditional trade body into a service platform and product engine to better support agencies, with notable changes including a new growth team and a self-serve AI research tool, aiming to provide immediate access to sector intelligence and salary benchmarking. Thomas-Copeland also talks about the focus on creative and talent. "I absolutely believe that this industry is here to stay. It has a great future. It's just going to be a different shape, a different pace," Thomas-Copeland. Full Story: The Drum (free registration) (4/15) On the ad industry's impact "I always quote the 20% of US GDP driven from our industry. That's a big economic multiplier and contributor. We should be proud of that." -- Justin Thomas-Copeland, 4As CEO Agentic AI to reshape upfronts with automation, efficiency The integration of agentic AI is set to transform this year's TV upfronts, moving from testing to real products that can automate media buying and selling. Publishers like Amazon Ads and NBCUniversal are introducing AI agents to streamline campaign management, though media buyers are concerned about managing multiple walled gardens and the need for standardized frameworks to ensure seamless integration. "The conversations may focus more on how we better co-create what an upfront looks like versus just buying spots and dots. Instead, how are we thinking about collaborating together on new technology and opportunities?" says PMG's Carly Carson. Full Story: Ad Age (4/15) Agency News Dentsu Creative restructures leadership with Americas CEO Dentsu Creative has restructured its leadership, appointing Phil Gaughran as CEO of the Americas following the departure of US CEO Abbey Klaassen. The move aligns with the recent appointment of Beth Ann Kaminkow as Americas CEO for Dentsu, aiming to unify leadership across the region and enhance service to clients. Full Story: Ad Age (4/15) FCB Health N.Y. becomes Olixir N.Y. after Omnicom rebrand   (Olixir New York/Instagram) FCB Health N.Y. becomes Olixir N.Y. after Omnicom rebrand Omnicom Health has rebranded FCB Health New York as Olixir New York, as part of the integration following Omnicom's acquisition of Interpublic Group. The new name was created by merging the word "elixir" -- symbolizing a medicinal and health-related solution -- with Omnicom's "O." The visual identity preserves key elements from FCB Health New York legacy, most notably the rainbow gradient. Linda Bennett and Kathleen Nanda remain to lead Olixir New York as president and chief creative officer, respectively. Full Story: MM&M (4/15) Anomaly promotes Kira Montgomery to lead North American strategy MediaPost Communications (free registration) (4/15) Science x Story launches to bridge brand-business gap Adweek (4/15) Media & Technology Trends Google launches AI Max to replace Dynamic Search Ads MediaPost Communications (free registration) (4/15) Snap to lay off 16% of workforce, citing AI advances TechCrunch (tiered subscription model) (4/15) Meta Pixel, Conversions API updates to aid SMBs Social Media Today (4/15) 4As News NEW guidance: Re-Evaluating Internship Programs in Media, Advertising and Tech Internships deliver the highest ROI as a recruiting strategy. This 4As guidance paper will show you how to move from risk exposure to competitive advantage. Implement structured, paid programs targeting a +50% intern-to-hire conversion to lower costs, build a future-proof workforce and meet equity goals. Download the report now. Agency Compensation and the Transparency Trap: Where to Draw the Line Agency compensation continues to be a pressure point in client-agency relationships. A new 4As study reveals a notable shift in thinking. More than half of agency search consultants now say it’s time to move away from hourly billing models and overly granular financial disclosures like salaries, overhead and profit margins. Too much focus on inputs can derail partnerships that should be centered on value, outcomes and growth, beyond just cost breakdowns. Get the study. LEARN MORE ABOUT 4As: Homepage | Training Programs | All Upcoming Events Got this from a friend? Subscribe now and stay in the loop! Sign Up If you feel strange, strange things will happen to you. Rita Dove, poet, essayist, Pulitzer Prize for Poetry recipient, US poet laureate   Follow SmartBrief Contact Us: Feedback | Advertise Sign Up | Update Profile | Advertise with SmartBrief Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy Copyright © 2026 SmartBrief. 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