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Brief
Wavemaker

Wavemaker

Media AgencyAgencywavemakerglobal.com

Wavemaker delivers 'Positive Provocation' — challenging conventional media thinking to unlock growth for clients through integrated media planning, buying, content, and performance marketing at global scale.

Last updated Jul 22, 2026 by the ATDb Editorial Team

Founded
2018
HQ
London, United Kingdom
Network
Parent
WPP plc
Connections
24

At a glance

Employees
5001-10000
Revenue
$1B+
7integrations14competitors1corporate family

About

One of the world's largest media agency networks, operating across 90+ markets with 8,500+ employees, competing at the top tier of global media buying and planning.

Wavemaker is a leading global media agency with over 8,500 people operating in more than 90 markets. The agency offers a full suite of media services including planning, buying, content, and performance marketing, helping some of the world's largest brands navigate an increasingly complex media landscape. Wavemaker is known for its 'Positive Provocation' philosophy, challenging conventional thinking to drive better outcomes for clients. Wavemaker was formed in 2018 through the merger of MEC and Maxus, two established media agency networks. Since its formation, it has grown into one of the most significant media agency networks globally, working with major clients across sectors including technology, FMCG, automotive, and financial services. The agency leverages proprietary tools and data capabilities to deliver audience-first media strategies. In the AdTech and media agency ecosystem, Wavemaker competes directly with other large global networks such as Mindshare, EssenceMediacom, Publicis Media, Dentsu, and Havas Media. Its scale, global footprint, and integration of data-driven planning tools give it a strong competitive position, particularly for multinational clients seeking consistent cross-market media execution.

Business model

Agency

Target market

Enterprise

What they offer

  • Provocative Planning

    Wavemaker's proprietary media planning methodology that challenges conventional approaches to drive better consumer outcomes.

  • Content+

    Content marketing and branded content creation service integrated with media planning and distribution.

  • Performance Marketing

    Data-driven performance media services including paid search, paid social, and programmatic buying.

  • Wavemaker Momentum

    Proprietary consumer purchase journey research and planning tool that maps how consumers move from awareness to purchase.

  • Data & Analytics

    Advanced audience analytics, measurement, and attribution capabilities to optimize media investment.

Key features

Global media planning and buying across 90+ marketsProprietary purchase journey mapping (Momentum)Integrated content and performance marketingData-driven audience targeting and analyticsCross-channel campaign measurement and attributionProgrammatic media buying capabilitiesBranded content and partnerships

Use cases

Global media planning and buying for multinational brandsPerformance marketing and digital media optimizationBranded content creation and distributionAudience research and consumer journey mappingCross-market media strategy and executionProgrammatic advertising management

Customer segments

Global enterprise brandsFMCG / CPG companiesTechnology companiesAutomotive brandsFinancial services firmsRetail and e-commerce brandsPharmaceutical and healthcare companies

Tech & specs

Technology stack

Programmatic DSPsData management platforms (DMPs)Customer data platforms (CDPs)Advanced analytics and attribution toolsProprietary Momentum planning platformAI and machine learning for media optimization

Security & compliance

GDPRCCPA

Deployment

Cloud

API

Limited

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