Publicis Groupe has officially stepped into its milestone 100th year and is commemorating the occasion with a powerful message rooted in its history: perseverance. To celebrate the start of its next century, the Groupe has released a unique film titled A Lion That Never Gives Up – a symbolic representation of its legacy, values, and future ambitions.
The film, created by Publicis Conseil the agency originally founded by Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet merges live action, real actors and state-of-the-art AI production techniques. Leveraging the Groupe’s proprietary technology platforms and creative tools, the film acts as a storytelling bridge between its heritage and its future-forward approach.
From its beginnings as a small creative hot shop in Montmartre in 1926, Publicis has undergone continuous transformation. Its journey has included global expansion, the integration of data and technology, and strategic evolution that has positioned it today as the leading global communications holding company. Through wars, fires, economic downturns, disruptive technologies and even a global pandemic, the Groupe has demonstrated its defining strength: resilience.
Yet one tradition has remained unchanged throughout Publicis’ evolution its annual New Year Wishes. This year, with the celebration marking a century, the message holds even deeper meaning.
Arthur Sadoun, Chairman and CEO of Publicis Groupe, reflected on the milestone, stating:
“2026 will be a very special year for us, as we close our first century a century in which we transformed a small Montmartre agency into the industry’s largest holding company over the past two years. It is a century that has seen the Groupe rise from the ashes sometimes literally and reinvent itself time and time again. That spirit of resilience is what defines us, and this year’s Wishes express that: a lion never gives up.”
Sadoun also highlighted the next chapter for Publicis, noting the profound role artificial intelligence will play:
“As we enter our second century, we do so at a time when AI is reshaping not only our industry, but creativity itself. This film is a human, historical and technological journey crafted by our brightest creative minds and powered by our unmatched AI capabilities. It embodies our conviction that the future of AI belongs to our people.”
As Publicis Groupe steps confidently into its next era, the centenary campaign stands as both a tribute to its past and a statement about its future one built on creativity, innovation, technology, and an unwavering belief: no matter the challenge, a lion never gives up.