WPP acquires New Commercial Arts, to be folded into Ogilvy as part of UK expansion

Founded just four years ago, NCA will join the WPP portfolio under the Ogilvy umbrella, a move aimed at strengthening the agency’s position in the UK market.

WPP leadership signified its optimism about the buy. “NCA is one of the UK’s most exciting new agencies with a great team, an impressive roster of clients and a track record of elevating beloved British brands,” said Mark Read, WPP’s chief executive officer.

This acquisition comes just a day after Havas announced its purchase of London-based data agency DMPG, suggesting a broader trend of strategic expansions across the agency sector.

NCA was co-founded by James Murphy, Ogilvy’s UK group CEO, and David Golding, NCA’s chief strategy officer (both of whom also founded the creative agency Adam&Eve, which has since been folded into DDB). NCA has rapidly gained prominence thanks to its work with major clients like Sainsbury’s, Nationwide, Vodafone, Nando’s and Paramount+. The company employs around 90 people, with offices in London and Glasgow, the latter in collaboration with the Glasgow School of Art.

Under the new deal, Murphy will serve as CEO of both Ogilvy UK and NCA, marking his return to Ogilvy, where he began his career. He called the merger “a game-changer” for both the agency and its clients. Joining Ogilvy, he said, will give NCA access to more advanced tools and capabilities, enabling further growth and innovation.

As part of the arrangement, Ogilvy UK CEO Fiona Gordon will be promoted to global CEO of advertising at Ogilvy. “I’m invigorated every day by the boundless potential of creativity to not only propel businesses forward but to leave an indelible mark on culture,” Gordon said about her new role.

This acquisition strengthens WPP’s portfolio, which includes other major agencies like AKQA, BCW and Mindshare.

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