MUMBAI: Paris-based research agency RECMA (Research Company Evaluating the Media Agency Industry) has named Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG) the number one ranked global media network in its 2013 Global Billings Rankings Report for the fourth consecutive year. This report evaluates the overall activity—including buying billings and specialised services—of all global media agencies across 62 countries. 

In 2013, SMG increased its billings by 18.3 per cent, with an industry share of 12.5 per cent. RECMA also named the network number one in the ‘Top 14 Countries’ ranking, which is a key chart in the overall report that accounts for 81 per cent,  of the media agency industry.  In addition, SMG retained its position in the overall regional evaluations, including its top rank in north America and was named the number two agency in Asia Pacific, Middle East and North Africa and Latin America.

“Leading RECMA’s Global Rankings report is both an honor and a validation of our work at SMG. Everything we do, in partnership with the greatest brands in the world, is with an eye toward innovation. And RECMA’s report confirms that our ‘MakeNextNow’ approach is successful in both engaging consumers and helping steer our industry toward ‘what’s next,” said SMG Global CEO Laura Desmond.

SMG had its most celebrated year on record in 2013, with 525 product award recognitions. Award highlights included 15 agency and network of the year awards, 24 Cannes Lions, 35 Festival of Media awards (across all galas) and two Effie Grand Prix. Through July 2014, SMG has already been awarded media network of the year at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, along with being named the most effective agency and most effective agency network by the Effie Index at the North American Effie Awards Gala in New York, where Publicis Group also took top honors as Most Effective Holding Company.