Omnicom Names Novo Nordisk US Agency of Record

Novo Nordisk has named Omnicom its agency of record for its US media account. 

The company, which is known for manufacturing GLP-1 medications Ozempic and Wegovy, has brought its long-standing partnership with WPP to an end – after first naming WPP its agency of record for US media buying in 2020. 

Liz Skrbkova, Head of US Media and Stakeholder Relations for Novo Nordisk, shared with Fierce Pharma Marketing that the company looks forward “to working with the Omnicom team as we continue to scale consumer-focused strategies and connect with patients through emerging channels and technologies, helping bring even greater awareness of our medicines to people living with chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes”.

Promoting GLP-1 medications

Novo Nordisk’s marketing as of late has focused primarily on its GLP-1 medications.

According to data from Reuters, the company spent close to US$500m on advertising for Wegovy and Ozempic in the first nine months of 2025 – more than double the media spend of competitor Eli Lilly. 

It has followed a similar trend in 2026, launching its first-ever Superbowl ad, which featured celebrities such as enan Thompson, DJ Khaled, Danielle Brooks, Ana Gasteyer, John C. Reilly and Danny Trejo, and was created to promote the Wegovy pill. 

“Millions of people may be curious about trying a medicine to help manage their weight, but are sitting on the sidelines, waiting for an option that works for them. That's why we're proud to feature Wegovy pill in the ad,” Ed Cinca, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Patient Solutions at Novo Nordisk, said of the campaign.

“It's the only oral GLP-1 on the market built on our patented delivery technology, bringing a once-daily, clinically proven option people can trust.

“We're focused on expanding access to real, affordable FDA-approved medicine backed by science. We chose to show up at the big game because it gives us a rare chance to speak to so many people at once – cut through clutter and start honest conversations about weight for people who want to take a step toward better health.”

The appointment of Omnicom comes as Novo Nordisk likely plans to ramp up its marketing efforts for a seasonal spike – with Jamey Millar, Executive Vice President of US Operations for Novo Nordisk, sharing that there is “behavioural motivation that waxes and wanes through the year,” with interest heightening “concurrent with New Year’s resolutions”.  

Growth at Omnicom

Omnicom’s winning of the Novo Nordisk account is the latest step in a strong year of growth for the organisation. 

In November 2025, the company acquired Interpublic Group (IPG) in an all-stock transaction, valued at around US$9bn – creating the world’s largest advertising and marketing holding company. 

Over the past twelve months, the company has generated US$22.37bn in revenue, with sales for its second quarter of 2026 reaching US$6.56bn – rising 63.4% year on year. 

“We are built for an era where speed, integration, and scale matter most,” says John Wren, CEO of Omnicom. “Our wins this quarter demonstrate that. Clients are consolidating more work with us because they see the competitive advantage our connected capabilities deliver. 

“Looking ahead, we will strengthen our position as an integrated growth partner by focusing on three key areas: leading in agentic marketing transformation, expanding and deepening our partnerships with existing and new clients and helping clients win across the new consumer engagement models in sports & entertainment, social & creator, connected commerce and AI-driven discovery.”