News of the U.K.’s decision to leave the European Union has sparked a range of reactions. We accumulated some of the top agency leaders’, marketers’, analysts’, and brands’ initial responses to the voting result. Find them below:
Agencies
Maurice Lévy, Chairman & CEO of Publicis Groupe
In an interview with DMN sister brand Campaign, Lévy said that he felt “extremely sad” about the voting results. “Having the UK leaving is like when a member of the family is leaving,” he told the publication during the Cannes Lions festival.
He also told Campaign that he expects the decision to have “serious consequences in the future” particularly for the UK—such as addressing Scotland, which voted to remain part of the EU. “I don’t know if United Kingdom will still be united,” he added.
However, the Publicis Groupe chairman and CEO reassured Campaign that he will continue to support his U.K. agencies.
“The only thing I will do is support our people and stand by them. Clearly I will show that we are there and we are there for the long term and they have not to worry,” he told the publication.
Read more from the interview here.
Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of WPP
Sorrell sent the following statement to Business Insider after hearing the results of the EU referendum.
“Very disappointed, but the electorate has spoken. The resulting uncertainty, which will be considerable, will obviously slow decision-making and deter activity. This is not good news, to say the least. However, we must deploy that stiff upper lip and make the best of it.”
WCRS
The London-based integrated marketing and advertising agency acknowledged the uncertainty of how the U.K.’s decision will play out but focused on celebrating London’s upcoming Pride weekend.
As we head into unchartered waters at least the immediate future has something for us to look forward to #nofilter https://t.co/6nW6kPo211
— WCRS (@WCRS_LDN) June 24, 2016
Marketers and analysts
Dela Quist, CEO Alchemy Worx
The CEO of the London-based email marketing agency took to Twitter to share his initial thoughts.
Lovely sunny day today: Can’t get the song “I can see clearly now the rain has gone” out of my head Very apt metaphor. Optimism reqd in UK
— Dela Quist (@DelaQuist) June 24, 2016
Jan Rezab, founder and chairman of Socialbakers
The head of Socialbakers, a social analytics provider with more than 2,500 clients in 100 countries, shared his sentiments via Twitter, as well.
Isolated tendencies overtaking the world. Today, Brexit, Tomorrow Trump, populism gaining power. Wake up, world. Please. Dangerous!
— Jan Rezab (@janrezab) June 24, 2016
On the bright side, cheaper holidays in UK… coming in the next few hours. #brexit #buyGold #shittyUpsidesMoreDownsides #stuffTrumpWouldSay
— Jan Rezab (@janrezab) June 24, 2016
Gartner
The research firm shared a blog post explaining how #Brexit will affect CIOs and IT organizations. Read the full article here.
Gartner’s @jloveloc on how #Brexit will impact #ITspending in the UK https://t.co/ItAIBzQkxB pic.twitter.com/y7qOxO3hXm
— Gartner (@Gartner_inc) June 24, 2016
Brands
Goldman Sachs, Barclays, and Virgin also shared statements via social media.
We respect the decision of the British electorate & have a long history of adapting to change. Full GS statement: https://t.co/TbxNRuW3TX
— Goldman Sachs (@GoldmanSachs) June 24, 2016
Statement from #Barclays CEO Jes Staley on EU Referendum https://t.co/uMHbEpfIFj
— Barclays Bank (@Barclays) June 24, 2016
.@RichardBranson: “It’s the time to come together as a nation” https://t.co/S9Pir1evgY pic.twitter.com/kISKMr44qv
— Virgin (@Virgin) June 24, 2016
