Omnicom pulls Russian shops as agency exodus grows

Omnicom has finally decided to ditch its Russian agencies – including Rapp Moscow – over the country’s invasion of Ukraine and has confirmed it is working with local partners to pull out of its investments.

Omnicom, which just yesterday said it was still “assessing the most appropriate course of action” has released a statement, which reads: “We have been planning an orderly process to ensure continuity of services for clients and to provide a future for our Russian colleagues some who have been with Omnicom for decades. We expect to finalise details shortly.”

Like most agency groups, Omnicom also has operations in Ukraine. It has its “number one priority” is the safety and well-being of its 200 Ukraine staff and their families.

The statement continued: “We are in constant contact with our Ukrainian agency leaders and supporting our people with much needed humanitarian assistance, including transportation, accommodations, visa and working papers, translation services, relocation support, supplies and medical support.

“We continue to keep our affected colleagues in our thoughts and hope for peace.”

The move follows Dentsu, Publicis Groupe, WPP, IPG and Accenture which have all pulled the plug on Russian operations. Havas has an affiliate relationship but no staff in Russia.