Rise Achieves Recognition in Media Management Services
Rise, a full-service omnichannel media agency under Quad (NYSE: QUAD), has been highlighted as a key player in
Forrester's Wave™ Media Management Services Q4 2026 evaluation. This accolade recognizes Rise among the top vendors in the media management sector, marking a significant milestone for the agency. In a marketplace where brands face increasingly complex marketing challenges, Rise stands out by focusing on tailored solutions that go beyond traditional performance metrics.
The Importance of Forrester's Evaluation
The Forrester Wave report, crafted by esteemed analyst Jay Pattisall, evaluates media management service providers based on several strict criteria. For Rise, the distinction emphasizes its strategy of seeking growth through incremental improvements rather than mere optimization for national averages. As noted in the report, Rise is pushing the boundaries by transitioning from basic performance optimization to what they term
marketing intelligence optimization. This shift is particularly beneficial for North American marketers who require specialized approaches to navigate their brand-to-local needs effectively.
Positive Client Feedback
Clients interviewed for the report praised Rise for its buying execution and an impressive understanding of local markets, search expertise, and collaborative data use. Joshua Lowcock, the Chief Media Innovation and Data Officer at Quad, expressed that this recognition serves as a testament to the successful model Rise has built over the past several years, merging profound media knowledge with data-driven strategies, transparent pricing, and performance-focused metrics. Lowcock emphasized that this acknowledgment inspires the team to continue expanding their capabilities and deliver enhanced value to their clients.
Building Momentum in 2026
As an affirmation of its growing impact, earlier in 2026, Rise was a recipient of a Bronze Effie Award and was recognized as a finalist in the AdExchanger Awards. Furthermore, the agency earned a Jay Chiat Silver Award and was listed in Forrester's Media Management Services Landscape, a precursor to the Wave evaluation. These accolades reflect Rise's commitment to excellence and its capability to help marketers pinpoint growth opportunities amid the complexities of today's advertising landscape.
Meeting Challenges Head-On
In a marketing ecosystem where practitioners are expected to juggle multiple channels with more data and less margin for error, Rise is positioned as a crucial partner. As stated by Cari Bucci-Hulings, President of Quad's agencies, marketers need partners capable of transforming complex challenges into actionable insights and measurable outcomes. The recognition from Forrester not only highlights Rise's achievements but also enhances the collective value of Quad's affiliated agencies. Bucci-Hulings emphasized that as Rise grows, so too does the opportunity for collaborative success, and Quad is dedicated to investing in technology and talent to amplify this synergy for their clients in the future.
About Quad
Quad is more than just a marketing company; it is a marketing experience leader that provides a comprehensive suite of marketing services. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology and data-driven insights, Quad connects brands directly to consumers, whether through in-store, online, or household approaches. With a workforce of about 10,000 employees across 10 countries, Quad serves a diverse client base of approximately 2,100, including major companies in retail, consumer packaged goods, financial services, and health sectors. The integration of its creative and production capabilities with media solutions makes Quad a formidable player in the market, particularly through its Rise agency, which focuses on simplifying marketing complexities and enhancing efficiency for clients.
For additional insights and to access a complimentary copy of the comprehensive Forrester Wave report, please visit
Forrester's website.