CMORoom Weekly News Roundup (August 30-September 5, 2026)

4 hours ago
2 min read

One news brief. One weekly dose.

Essential news that makes a mark and shapes what’s next.

PepsiCo Hands Global Media to Publicis Without a Pitch

PepsiCo has appointed Publicis Groupe as its exclusive global media partner, ending Omnicom’s more-than-25-year relationship with the CPG giant. The move is notable not only for its scale, but because Publicis won the business without a competitive pitch and will build a new AI- and data-powered model spanning strategy, planning, activation, identity and technology across PepsiCo’s portfolio. Publicis will also withdraw from Coca-Cola’s ongoing global media review as it takes on the PepsiCo account.

(AdWeek)

Chipotle Lets 100 Creators Loose in 50 Kitchens

For his first campaign at Chipotle, new CMO Fernando Machado is putting creators in the driver’s seat, sending 100 creators into 50 restaurant kitchens to experience and document how the brand prepares its food. The campaign builds on Chipotle’s “Behind the Foil” platform while taking a more creator-first approach, giving talent unprecedented access to turn the brand’s food and transparency story into content that feels native to social.

(Marketing Dive)

Former Hyundai CMO Returns to Automotive at Lucid

Former Hyundai Motor America CMO Angela Zepeda has joined Lucid Group as Vice President of Global Marketing, returning to the automotive industry after an 18-month stint leading marketing at X. Zepeda brings more than 25 years of experience across automotive and technology, and will work under newly appointed Chief Customer Officer Billy Hayes as Lucid looks to deepen customer engagement, build brand awareness and drive commercial momentum.

(Media Post)

Domino’s Takes Aim at the Big Mac, Whopper & More

Domino’s is taking aim at fast-food icons like the Big Mac, Whopper and Crunchwrap Supreme with a new campaign for its customizable Detroit-style “Domino” pizza. The campaign uses exaggerated, darkly comedic storytelling to position Domino’s beyond the pizza category, while a $1 million giveaway tied to receipts from rival fast-food chains turns competitive marketing into a real-world acquisition play. CMO Kate Trumbull is using the campaign to give Domino’s a stronger cultural voice—and compete for the entire meal, not just pizza.

(Marketing Dive)

Saks & Neiman Marcus Put a Fresh Foot Forward

Just two months after exiting bankruptcy, Exemplar Luxury Group is giving Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus a fresh marketing direction with new fall campaigns designed to move past recent brand challenges. Saks is pairing its campaign with a new concept shop at its NYC flagship, while Neiman Marcus is spotlighting individuality through its “Signature Style” campaign featuring tastemakers like Cleo Wade and Jessica de Ruiter.