The Publicis Groupe Supervisory Board has named Arthur Sadoun to succeed Maurice Lévy as Chairman and CEO of Publicis Groupe. He will assume charges from 1st June 2017 onwards and, Sadoun will become Chairman and CEO, presiding over the management board.
The board has added on Steve King, currently CEO of Publicis Media and currently consists of members such as Jean- Michel Etienne, executive vice president–CFO, and Anne-Gabrielle Heilbronner, secretary general.
“This management team will be able to count on the world-class leaders and the full range of the Groupe’s expertise in transformation including, Alan Wexler and Chip Register of Publicis.Sapient, Nick Colucci of Publicis Health, Jarek Ziebinski of Publicis One, and Rishad Tobaccowala for strategy and our client-centric approach,” read a Publicis press release.
Elisabeth Badinter said, “The highly respected professional qualities of Arthur Sadoun, his unique understanding of clients and their needs, his accomplishments both during his time at Publicis Groupe and before, and his human qualities, all make him the prime candidate.”
She added that the Supervisory Board would like to particularly note the exceptional work accomplished under the stewardship and thanks to the personal commitment of Maurice Lévy over the last 30 years. Badinter added that under Levy’s leadership the group has profoundly transformed itself.Under his leadership, the overall groups headcount went from 3,000 to 80,000 and revenues “multiplied by nearly 50 and our market capitalization by close to 100.”
“It is ranked today not only as the 3rd group globally but above all as the 1st when it comes to the engine of the future: digital. It would be too long to list all of the accomplishments achieved under his direction,” she added.
Lévy added: ” I have known Arthur for many years. We have worked very closely together. He is a seasoned professional with an inspiring vision of our industry and of our clients’ needs. He knows them well, he understands them well and he knows how to deliver the solutions and services they need to grow, develop and transform by selecting the best talent. He has the intelligence, the energy and the passion necessary to master our trade in a connected world that is changing and evolving constantly. “
Sadoun (pictured) said: “First, I’d like to deeply thank Elisabeth Badinter, Maurice Lévy and the Supervisory Board for their trust. I’m also extremely grateful to Publicis Groupe’s clients and teams around the world, with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working for the past 10 years. Leading the company founded by visionary Marcel Bleustein-Blanchet and made into a global communications leader by Maurice Lévy is an immense honor and an incredible challenge. A challenge that I’ll meet with open arms, thanks to the continued contribution of Maurice’s wisdom and experience, and the support of Steve King, the Management Board and the talented individuals who make up Publicis Groupe.”
