You’ve probably heard the name Omnicom Public Relations Group (OPRG) if you spend any time near a marketing boardroom or a high-stakes corporate crisis. But honestly, most people don’t realize just how massive this entity became over the last few months. In late 2025, Omnicom pulled off one of the biggest power moves in the history of the "Big Six" holding companies.
They acquired Interpublic Group (IPG).
This wasn’t just a tiny addition. It was a seismic shift that basically turned the "Big Six" into a "Big Five." If you're wondering why this matters to you or your brand, it's because the PR landscape just got a lot more crowded at the top.
What Really Happened With Omnicom Public Relations Group
For a long time, OPRG was the umbrella for heavy hitters like FleishmanHillard, Ketchum, and Porter Novelli. These are the agencies that handle everything from tech launches to government relations. But since the merger was finalized in November 2025, the roster has expanded to include giants like Weber Shandwick and Golin.
Managing all those competing cultures is a headache.
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Chris Foster, the CEO of Omnicom Public Relations, is the guy tasked with making sure these agencies don't just trip over each other. He’s been vocal about "service leadership." Basically, that’s his way of saying he lets the agency CEOs run their own shops while providing the massive data backbone that only a holding company can afford.
It’s a weird tension. You have these legendary, independent agency brands that now have to share the same "Omni" data platform.
The Real Powerhouse Agencies Under the Hood
The sheer scale is sort of hard to wrap your head around. We're talking about more than 6,000 employees globally—and that was before the IPG teams fully integrated. Here is the current lineup that defines the group’s influence:
- FleishmanHillard: Known for being the "grown-up" in the room, specializing in corporate reputation and crisis.
- Weber Shandwick: Now part of the family, they bring a massive creative edge and digital-first strategy.
- Ketchum: If you’ve seen a viral food or consumer goods campaign, there’s a good chance Ketchum was behind it.
- Porter Novelli: They lean heavily into "purpose-driven" work, helping brands figure out how to talk about social issues without sounding fake.
- Golin: Famous for their "G4" model, which moves away from traditional PR silos.
Why the "Omni" Platform is the Secret Sauce
Data is boring until it wins you a Cannes Lion.
In 2025, Omnicom’s agencies took home over 170 Lions. That doesn't happen by accident. The group uses a proprietary platform called Omni. It’s essentially a giant brain that connects consumer data, media habits, and behavioral insights.
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Most PR firms guess. OPRG tries to prove it.
They use this data to predict how a story might break or which influencer actually moves the needle versus just having a high follower count. It’s the difference between "we think people like this" and "we know they’ll click this."
The Struggles No One Mentions
It isn't all trophies and record revenue. The PR division actually saw some organic declines in mid-2025—around 7.5% in the third quarter—even as the media and advertising sides were booming.
Why?
Because big companies are getting cautious. When the economy feels shaky, "reputation management" sometimes feels like a luxury compared to direct-response ads that drive immediate sales. Also, the cost of integrating IPG has been a massive drain. Omnicom spent over $60 million just on acquisition-related costs in a single quarter.
That means layoffs.
"Repositioning costs" is the corporate speak they use for severance. It’s a tough reality of these mega-mergers. You end up with three people doing the job of one, and eventually, the math has to work.
Leadership in the New Era
John Wren, the long-standing Chairman and CEO of the parent company, has kept the ship steady since 1997. That’s an eternity in this business. But the new structure for 2026 sees a bit of a "Co-President" situation with Philippe Krakowsky (from the IPG side) and Daryl Simm.
It’s an attempt to blend the best of both worlds.
Actionable Insights for Your Brand
If you’re looking at OPRG as a potential partner or just trying to compete with them, here’s what you need to know:
- Demand Data, Not Just Clips: If you’re hiring an agency of this caliber, don't settle for a "reach" report. Ask how they are using the Omni platform to map your audience's actual journey.
- Watch the Conflict List: With so many agencies under one roof, "client conflict" is a real thing. If Agency A handles Coca-Cola and Agency B handles Pepsi, things get awkward. Always check who else is in the stable.
- Boutique vs. Behemoth: The trend in 2026 is moving toward "connected capabilities." If you need a global reach, a group like OPRG is unbeatable. But if you need a nimble, 24-hour response team, make sure you aren't getting lost in the hierarchy of a 6,000-person firm.
- Focus on AI Integration: OPRG is unveiling the "next generation" of its AI tools at CES 2026. If your current PR strategy doesn't involve predictive analytics, you're already behind.
The merger has fundamentally changed the game. Whether it’s for the better depends on if you value massive scale or individual agency "soul." For now, Omnicom Public Relations Group is the undisputed heavyweight champion, but staying on top requires more than just buying the competition—it requires keeping the talent from walking out the door.
To stay ahead of these shifts, audit your current agency’s data capabilities against the "Omni" standard. Determine if you are receiving predictive insights or merely retroactive reports. If your current partner lacks a clear AI roadmap for 2026, it is time to request a formal capability presentation that matches the new industry benchmark.