Discussion on Adweek Podcast: Choosing the Agencies of the Year for 2020
In a surprising turn of events, Wunderman Thompson was crowned the International Agency of the Year, and Noise was named the Breakthrough Agency of the Year. However, the spotlight this year shines brightest on The Martin Agency, which has been named the U.S. Agency of the Year for 2021.
The Martin Agency's impressive feat comes after a year of significant growth, with a whopping 30% increase in revenue. This success is a stark contrast to the struggles many agencies faced in the same period. Despite this, The Martin Agency hasn't won the Agency of the Year title since 2009.
Meanwhile, FCB, which hasn't been an Agency of the Year since 1989, achieved a commendable 10% growth in North America. This growth was largely due to the agency's focus on adapting and strengthening its health practice. In a testament to its global prowess, FCB was named the Global Agency of the Year for 2020.
The selection process for the 2021 Agencies of the Year was discussed in detail in the latest episode of the Adweek podcast 'Yeah, That's Probably an Ad.' This episode, featuring editors David Griner, Minda Smiley, and Doug Zanger, delves into the financials, work, and reorganizations of the shortlisted agencies. The podcast is available for listening and subscription on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other popular platforms.
The Martin Agency's commitment to diversity is evident in its hiring and leadership practices. Based in Richmond, Virginia, the agency won an impressive 90% of its pitches. The new episode of the podcast can be streamed below, offering insights into the agency's journey and the competitive landscape of the advertising industry.
For those interested in revisiting previous winners of the Agency of the Year award, the Adweek website provides a wealth of information. The Martin Agency and FCB's unexpected victories serve as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the industry, where established names like these are breaking new ground.
