GroupM Australia has once again claimed the top spot in RECMA's Qualitative Domestic Report, leading the pack with a total of 51 points. The independent research company, RECMA, evaluates and rates media agency rankings on a global scale.

RECMA's Qualitative Domestic Report assesses agencies based on two key areas: vitality and structure, across nineteen criteria including new business and client growth, capability and specialised resources, leadership stability, and award wins.

GroupM rose to the number one position in 2023 and has since extended its lead to 14 points above its nearest competitor. The agency said its achievement is testament to its consistent performance and growth, despite the challenging market conditions.

In the Vitality ranking, Wavemaker co-leads the Australian market, with Essence Mediaco and Mindshare also featuring within the top ten agencies, in third and seventh position respectively. All three agencies also fall within the top ten agencies in Australia across Structure. GroupM has also received strong results on RECMA’s New Business Balance, with Essence Mediaco, Wavemaker and Mindshare leading the ranks in the top three positions.

GroupM has recently welcomed new clients including Specsavers, Allianz, Open Mind’s Nestlé and Open Door’s Amazon, and retained longstanding partnerships with clients including Queensland Government, Adelaide University and Ikea. In 2021, GroupM was positioned in fourth place with a total 19 points, improving its position by 32 points over this period to its current score of 51 points.

The agency has expanded its capabilities in line with client needs, including the formation of Nexus, the Group’s performance and advanced digital specialist arm, the launch of Acceleration, the Group’s data and technology consulting business, the introduction of a commerce arm with the appointment of Marc Lomas and Motion Entertainment led by Lisa Squillace.

"I am thrilled that GroupM has maintained its number one ranking in the latest RECMA Qualitative Domestic Report. Each of our agencies has gone from strength to strength and delivered outstanding results in a tough year. I could not be prouder of what we have collectively achieved, and I look forward to rolling out the next phase of our plan. This ranking is a reflection of the wonderful clients and publishers we work with and their ongoing contribution to partnering with us to shape the next era of media." said Aimee Buchanan, GroupM Australia and New Zealand CEO.