Stagwell has introduced Stagwell Media, a new global media agency designed to combine Assembly’s performance capabilities with the wider network’s technology, data and ecosystem expertise.
The launch introduces a new integrated and agile model supported by Stagwell’s next-generation agentic technology, Machine OS. The agency aims to help brands respond to a rapidly evolving media environment by connecting audiences, media and business outcomes more effectively.
Stagwell Media is built around the changing ways consumers discover, evaluate and engage with brands. Its approach focuses on helping marketers reach priority audiences while also influencing the agentic systems increasingly shaping discovery, recommendations and activation.
By connecting media capabilities into a more adaptive growth platform, Stagwell Media aims to give brands greater flexibility and intelligence while supporting stronger business performance.
Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO of Stagwell, said, “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.”
Slavi Samardzija, Global Chair of Media and Commerce, Stagwell, added, “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.”
Stagwell Media will continue under the leadership of Liz Rutgersson, who recently took on the role of CEO with responsibility across the US and global operations. She will work alongside a regional leadership team comprising Connie Chan, CEO, APAC; Bridget Hopkins, CEO, Europe; Alap Ghosh, CEO, India; Ravi Rao, CEO, MENA; and Kacper Klos, Global CEO of Digital Commerce, Poland.
The agency currently operates across more than 50 markets and works with clients including Lenovo, DP World, Mastercard and P&G.
Liz Rutgersson, CEO of Stagwell Media, said, “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 Media’s operating model is built around four core principles:
- A team built for ambition: An agile structure bringing together multidisciplinary talent and senior leadership while simplifying the agency model.
- Technology built for ambition: Machine OS provides next-generation agentic technology designed to support media professionals across platforms.
- Innovation built for ambition: Media, creativity and innovation are brought together through global capabilities supported by local expertise.
- Commercial models built for ambition: Flexible commercial structures are designed to align with clients’ evolving business priorities.
The agency will also draw on capabilities from Stagwell’s Marketing Cloud and Stagwell Media Platform. These include The Media Machine, Stagwell Search+, Stagwell Curate, advanced data and commerce solutions, and specialist talent.
Stagwell Media will work closely with sister companies across Stagwell’s Media and Commerce segment, including Crispin, GALE, Goodstuff, Locaria and Stagwell Owned Media. The collaboration is intended to create more connected and technology-enabled media solutions for clients across markets.
