Adweek April 9, 2018

The board of WPP is currently investigating claims of “personal misconduct” made against CEO Martin Sorrell, a company spokesperson confirmed in a statement. Project Associates—a London-based consultancy that “acts for Sir Martin Sorrell in his personal capacity”—later issued a statement on his behalf. “I reject the allegation unreservedly but recognize that the Company has to investigate it,” the statement read. “I understand that this process will be completed shortly.” Investors are likely starting to consider who should really be at the helm of the world’s largest advertising holding company, which includes Grey Group, Young & Rubicam and GroupM. “It’s a little difficult because we don’t know what the specific allegations are,” Pivotal Research Group senior analyst Brian Wieser said. “What I think investors will focus on is some broader implications…

Longtime executive leader and former CEO Irwin Gotlieb is stepping down as global chairman at WPP media agency GroupM. Gotlieb, who is transitioning to a senior advisory role at WPP, served as GroupM’s CEO from its 2003 founding until 2012, when he became global chairman. “Irwin is a one-of-a-kind visionary, and his mark on our company and the entire media business is indelible,” said Kelly Clark, who has served as global CEO for GroupM since 2016. “We’re glad that he will still be available to us and our clients in his new role.”…

For the first time in two decades, the PGA Tour will be rolling out a comprehensive new advertising campaign. Developed in conjunction with L.A. shop Troika, the creative will make its public debut tomorrow, April 10, on TV as well as social media platforms. Titled “Live Under Par”—which will take the place of the tour’s former tagline, “These guys are good”—the campaign will attempt to show the public that the PGA Tour isn’t just about a handful of famous players, but the experiences of their fans behind the ropes. Indeed, videos shot by ordinary attendees will be among the assets used. While the campaign aims to reinvigorate golf’s existing fan base, its added goal is to help build a younger and more diverse audience. For the full story, head over…

For several months, Scripps Networks Interactive ad sales chief Jon Steinlauf was preparing for his annual upfront tour, while being unsure of exactly when Discovery Communications would officially acquire his company. “So we built our ‘business as usual’ presentation,” he recalled, “but we knew that somewhere along the line, the deal could close, and we could become Discovery overnight.” That finally happened on March 6, leaving Steinlauf—who was named chief U.S. advertising sales officer of the combined company—with just two weeks to pull together the first of seven upfront events around the country for what is now known as Discovery Inc. Now, as buyers assemble on Tuesday for the biggest of those presentations in New York’s Alice Tully Hall, they have some pressing queries of their own; namely, exactly how…

WHO WILL A+E NETWORKS TAP TO REPLACE CEO NANCY DUBUC? WILL CBS AND VIACOM, WHICH DECIDED ONCE AGAIN TO EXPLORE A MERGER IN FEBRUARY, FINALLY MAKE IT TO THE ALTAR? JON STEINLAUF, CHIEF U.S. ADVERTISING SALES OFFICER, DISCOVERY, INC. HOW WILL DISCOVERY AND SCRIPPS INTEGRATE THEIR NETWORKS, AND THEIR AD SALES TEAMS? AT WHAT POINT WILL DISNEY ABSORB MOST OF 21ST CENTURY FOX? WILL COMCAST TRY TO THROW A WRENCH INTO THAT DEAL WITH A FOX BID OF ITS OWN? DONNA SPECIALE, PRESIDENT, TURNER AD SALES WHEN WILL TURNER’S PARENT COMPANY TIME WARNER FINALLY CLOSE ITS DEAL WITH AT&T?…

Casual restaurants are at a critical breaking point. Consumers—hello, millennials and Gen Z—are increasingly fleeing legacy chains, from Applebee’s to Olive Garden, in favor of trendier, tech-savvy, more health-conscious options. Applebee’s announced plans to close between 60 and 80 eateries in 2018, citing a millennial-driven decline in foot traffic as a major factor. Sister brand IHOP announced plans to shutter 30 to 40 locations this year, too. As a result, chains from TGI Fridays to Buffalo Wild Wings are moving away from their old, stale images and adopting an atmosphere that’s more fitting to younger consumers—craft cocktails, an Instagrammable atmosphere with picturesque menu items and broader to-go and mobile ordering services. “Standing still is the detriment to casual restaurant chains who don’t evolve with their consumers,” explained Sara Bamossy, president…