Ad Industry Needs to Get Used to Low Growth Being 'the New Normal,' Martin Sorrell Says

Low inflation, disruption are pushing clients to focus on cost

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In a wide-ranging discussion that touched on the macro forces shaping modern advertising, the implications of Britain leaving the European Union and his own compensation, WPP chief executive Sir Martin Sorrell wrapped the end of the first day of Advertising Week Europe on a somber note.

Comparing the high-flying, talent-driven Don Draper era to "the new normal," Sorrell said, "life is difficult, it's a low-growth environment."

Sorrell said the twin forces of low growth and low inflation are forcing clients to train their focus on containing cost, rather than spending more freely on marketing.

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