In an era of burnout, layoffs, and agency churn, AMS is doing something radical: putting people first—and thriving because of it.
Active Media Services (AMS), the global media solutions firm known for blending innovation with deep media expertise, has officially been named a Great Place to Work® in the U.S., based entirely on employee feedback. For a media agency, that’s no small feat. While many in the industry scramble to retain talent amid rising expectations and mounting mental health concerns, AMS is doing more than surviving—it’s setting a global standard.
This latest honor adds to a growing international résumé of workplace accolades spanning the UK, Canada, Spain, and Australia. But the real story? AMS is proving that a high-performance, innovation-led business doesn’t have to burn people out to break new ground.
“AMS has always been defined by its people,” said CEO Bill Georges. “That’s what fuels the innovation our clients rely on—from corporate trade to AI-powered platforms like Artii.”
Culture as a Competitive Advantage
While plenty of companies slap values on a wall, AMS is embedding them into its global operations. The U.S. certification was based on a solid 58% participation rate and an average of 75% favorable employee responses across trust, leadership, and engagement metrics—data points that carry extra weight in an industry where employees often feel undervalued and overworked.
AMS’s workplace culture also has global reach:
- In the UK, the company has landed on Campaign Magazine’s Best Places to Work list since the award’s inception.
- Canada recognized AMS among the 2025 Best Workplaces in Advertising & Marketing, and for inclusion, wellness, and millennial support.
- Australia and Spain have similarly recognized AMS as a workplace leader.
- AMS also holds EcoVadis sustainability certifications, tying its culture initiatives to a broader ESG strategy.
The common denominator? A company culture that’s not just performative—it’s systemic, measurable, and global.
Learning, Leading, and Looking Ahead
AMS isn’t just rewarding its people—it’s actively developing them. The firm’s upskilling programs are aligned with the World Economic Forum’s future skills model, focusing on adaptability, creativity, communication, and tech fluency. In 2025 alone, a majority of AMS’s nearly 600 global employees participated in internal sessions on AI, ethical adtech, and inclusive leadership.
Internal platforms like Youniversity, the Aspire mentoring program, and Leadership Labs ensure that career growth isn’t gated behind tenure or title.
“Being a Great Place to Work isn’t about a label—it’s about helping every employee grow and feel part of something meaningful,” said Gemma Atkinson, AMS’s Chief People Officer.
People-Centered Innovation, Not Lip Service
It’s no coincidence that AMS’s award-winning media insights and technology platforms continue to gain traction while it builds a globally inclusive workplace. From AI to trade media optimization, the company’s strategic evolution is rooted in resilience—driven by teams that are empowered, not exhausted.
AMS’s expanding Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)—from ElevateHER to Pride to Balancin’ Bosses—underscore a commitment to culture that’s not just about morale, but representation, accountability, and authenticity.
“We’re not choosing tech over people—we’re investing in both,” added Atkinson.
Implications for the Industry
With media agencies under pressure to prove their value, AMS offers a counter-narrative: you don’t need inflated retainers or toxic work cultures to compete globally. What you do need? A people-first foundation that scales with intention and integrity.
As other firms confront talent gaps and shifting workforce priorities, AMS’s approach could serve as a blueprint for media modernization—one that treats employee experience as a driver of performance, not a cost center.
