Publicis Groupe has secured Mars’ media business, winning the account from WPP after a nearly six-month review. The brand has also appointed IPG’s Weber Shandwick to handle its PR efforts, expanding their existing partnership.

The French network will now manage the CPG’s media, production, commerce, paid social and influencer marketing under a bespoke team called “OneMars.” Publicis Groupe CEO Arthur Sadoun said the collaboration aims to deliver innovative solutions for the brand by combining cutting-edge technology with expert human analysis. The new agency setup will launch in January 2026, covering over 70 markets across six continents, including Canada.

EssenceMediacom previously held Mars’ $1.7 billion USD media account, according to COMvergence, and retained it in 2022 after 10-month review.

Mars kicked off its agency review in the wake of its acquisition of Kellanova, a deal that will expand its snacking portfolio with brands like Pringles, Cheez-Its, Pop-Tarts and Rice Krispies Treats. The brand already has an existing partnership with Publicis through Mars United Commerce (formerly The Mars Agency), a commerce marketing firm acquired by Publicis in 2024.

The move also comes at a time when WPP navigates significant changes, including the loss of the Paramount media business to Publicis. The agency holding company has also announced that CEO Mark Read will retire from his role and step down from the board by the end of the year. This development comes on the heels of WPP’s restructuring efforts, which saw the consolidation of its media investment operations under the new brand, WPP Media, marking the end of the GroupM name.