J. Walter Thompson

Historically one of the world's largest and oldest full-service advertising agencies, operating as part of WPP before being merged into Wunderman Thompson and ultimately VML

Founded in 1864, J. Walter Thompson (JWT) was one of the oldest and largest advertising agencies in the world, with a legacy spanning over 150 years of brand-building, creative campaigns, and marketing innovation. JWT was responsible for some of the most iconic advertising work in history, serving major global clients across consumer goods, automotive, financial services, and technology sectors. At its peak, the agency operated in dozens of countries with thousands of employees, making it a cornerstone of the WPP global advertising network. JWT was renowned for its creative excellence, strategic planning capabilities, and deep expertise in brand storytelling. The agency pioneered many modern advertising practices, including the use of consumer research to inform creative strategy and the development of long-running brand identities for clients such as Ford, Unilever, and Nestlé. Its global footprint and integrated service offerings made it a go-to partner for multinational brands seeking consistent messaging across diverse markets. In November 2018, JWT merged with Wunderman — WPP's data and digital marketing arm — to form Wunderman Thompson, combining JWT's creative heritage with Wunderman's data-driven digital capabilities. The JWT brand was effectively retired at that point. Wunderman Thompson itself underwent further consolidation when WPP merged it with VMLY&R in January 2024 to create VML, a new combined entity. The JWT name thus no longer exists as an operating brand, though its legacy lives on through the lineage of VML.