Publicis Groupe has unveiled an ambitious centenary film developed by Publicis Conseil, blending live-action storytelling with the holding company’s proprietary AI technology. The project reflects a century of reinvention from its founding in 1926 as a Montmartre creative shop to becoming the world’s largest communications group while signalling Publicis’ next era anchored in AI-led transformation.The film showcases a hybrid production approach that merges historical creative craft with modern computational artistry, symbolizing Publicis’ core belief: creativity evolves, but resilience endures.
Why This Matters
As agency holding companies face structural change driven by AI, data, platform competition, and in-housing pressures, Publicis is using its centenary to reassert its identity not just as a survivor, but as a constant reinventer.
The initiative speaks to three strategic priorities:
- integrating proprietary AI tools across creative workflows,
- positioning the Groupe as a future-ready innovation partner, and
- reinforcing cultural narrative around endurance and transformation.
This is not nostalgia It’s a branding signal for Publicis’ next 100 years.
Leadership Perspective
Arthur Sadoun, Chairman & CEO, frames the centenary not as a look back, but as a declaration of forward intent:
“2026 will be a very special year for us, as we end our first century. A century where we have turned a small hot shop from Montmartre into the industry’s largest holding company over the last two years. A century that has seen the Groupe rise from the ashes sometimes literally three times and reinvent itself many more. It is this spirit of resilience that has defined us for 100 years, and that is captured in our Wishes: a lion never gives up.”
Sadoun’s message signals Publicis’ cultural anchor: creativity, toughness, reinvention, and AI-native ambition.
The Strategic Context
Publicis’ motion into AI tools like Marcel and its data-driven Power of One model are evolving into:
- full-stack AI production ecosystems,
- insight-accelerated campaign development,
- and platform-ready content models for global brands.
The centenary film is more than a celebratory asset it’s a brand narrative piece that announces a strategic direction to clients, investors, and talent.Publicis Groupe isn’t just marking 100 years; it’s codifying its identity for the next century. By combining proprietary AI and cinematic storytelling, Publicis is reinforcing a core lesson of its own history: creative empires endure when they adapt faster than the industry.A lion never gives up and Publicis is entering its second century ready to prove it in an AI-first world.
