The Ad Holding Company Age is Waning

Martin Sorrell is a household name in the advertising industry, having created the world’s biggest advertising company, WPP. Now, as he steps down from his post, Newhouse advertising associate professor Brian Sheehan questions how much longer holding companies like WPP may last in the industry.

“Holding companies have a place, but their future isn’t as bright,” Sheehan told CNBC in an interview. “If I were Sir Martin Sorrell, I would want to get out right now.”