In a year filled with fluctuations for many brands and agencies, McCann Worldgroup served as a steady partner to major clients such as Microsoft, Nestle and L’Oreal. By gaining 1,000 assignments from existing clients along with new names including Cigna and Pernod Ricard, the agency grew in revenue by 10% following a 5% decline in 2020.

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The IPG-owned shop’s efforts last year went beyond work for clients. McCann debuted a global sustainability department, working to become a net zero emissions company by 2040. McCann’s Truth Central, a recognized intelligence leader, helped provide brands with a road map on issues including COVID-19, sustainability and wellness.

Such work is resonating with clients including General Motors, which is pushing its own sustainable agenda with electric vehicles, planning to invest $27 billion toward such adoptions by 2025. McCann positioned the automaker as an “innovator,” edging around rivals in the EV space such as Tesla. The agency’s “Everybody In” rallying cry included a 2021 Super Bowl spot starring Will Ferrell vs. Norway and brand work starring author Malcolm Gladwell.

McCann helped Ulta Beauty realize its diversity ambitions—the company committed $25 million to training, support and marketing for Black-owned brands, guests and employees—with a campaign focused on Black women. Ulta Chief Marketing Officer Shelley Haus called McCann’s 60-second spot an “ode to Black women and culture.” McCann first began working with Ulta in 2017, airing work a year later.

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Work for Microsoft, which has long held McCann as a partner, continued with a push for Halo Infinite, the Xbox sci-fi action game that used three films to show untold stories of heroism for the popular franchise.