Publicis Groupe-owned communications agency MSL has been appointed as the official public relations partner for BSH Home Appliances Group in India, effective immediately.As part of the new mandate, MSL will manage all media relations, press communications, and brand updates for BSH and its premium portfolio, which includes globally recognized brands such as Bosch, Siemens, and Gaggenau.BSH Home Appliances Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Germany-based BSH Hausgeräte GmbH, is one of the world’s leading companies in the home appliances sector, known for its focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability.With this partnership, MSL aims to drive compelling storytelling, share key brand developments, and facilitate expert commentary for BSH in the Indian market.

Anushree Chandran has announced her departure from Publicis Groupe South Asia, where she served as Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications, South Asia. She shared the news of her exit on LinkedIn, marking the end of her 10-year tenure with the company.Chandran joined Publicis Groupe as Director, Communications & Practice Lead and played a key role in shaping the company’s communications strategy. Before her stint at Publicis, she had an extensive career in journalism, working as Assistant Editor at The Financial Express (India), Staff Writer at HT Mint, and Correspondent at Diligent Media Corporation Ltd, Mumbai.Her next move remains undisclosed.

French communications giant Publicis Groupe has acquired Atomic 212, Australia's largest independent media agency. This move by ANZ boss Mike Rebelo bucks the trend of many rivals steering clear of media agency acquisitions due to significant shifts and challenges within the broader media sector.The acquisition of Atomic 212, announced to staff, includes a four-year earnout for the agency's leadership team, who will retain equity and maintain operational independence within the Publicis Media unit. This unit houses other prominent agencies such as Spark Foundry, Zenith, and Starcom.The Publicis deal concludes months of speculation surrounding a potential acquisition by Accenture, who were reportedly eager to accelerate their media buying and planning ambitions across the Asia-Pacific region.Atomic 212 executive chairman Barry O'Brien acknowledged that while he could not confirm specific discussions with Accenture, the agency had received interest from various parties. "Yeah, from time to time people were knocking on our door," O'Brien stated. "This was a particularly well-conducted process. Publicis was very thorough, and their M&A team is world-class."Accenture has since indicated its intention to build its media capabilities organically. However, Matt Michael, the new ANZ head of Accenture's Droga5 (formerly The Monkeys), did not rule out future media agency acquisitions. Accenture is reportedly still in contention for the Optus media review, currently held by IPG Mediabrands' UM.This acquisition marks O'Brien's third media agency venture in the Australian market. He previously sold Total Media to Clemenger 20 years ago, which later became the foundation for Omnicom Media Group's global agency brand, PHD, in 2007.While the acquisition price remains undisclosed, industry estimates place it between $35 million and $50 million, based on Atomic 212's annual media billings of $265 million and revenues of approximately $35 million.5Publicis ANZ Group CEO Mike Rebelo revealed that discussions with O'Brien commenced in January 2024, and by mid-year, he had presented the acquisition proposal to global leadership. "We've been working on our strategic plan since then," Rebelo stated.Despite being a local independent without the resources of a global conglomerate, Atomic 212 has successfully secured several high-profile media contracts, outperforming Publicis Media units in competitive pitches. The agency boasts a prestigious client roster, including BMW, Bluescope, Salesforce, Bupa, Origin Energy, Chinese automaker GWM, and Tourism NT. O'Brien assured clients that they had been briefed on the acquisition and were "delighted" by the prospect.Rebelo emphasized that Atomic 212 will retain its brand and operational autonomy. "The last thing I'm going to do is acquire Australia's fastest-growing media agency and dictate its operations. They have complete empowerment from the group to continue their current trajectory."Diversification StrategyThe Atomic 212 acquisition aligns with Publicis' ongoing strategy of diversifying its portfolio through strategic acquisitions. Over the past decade, the company has acquired several agencies, including media agency Match (now part of Spark Foundry), for an estimated $60 million. Other acquisitions, such as Mercerbell, Balance Internet, MBM Media, and Affinity ID, have expanded the holding company's service offerings with specialized capabilities in digital, CRM, and e-commerce.1According to Rebelo, unifying these specialized capabilities across client brands is the "formula for growth." "We want them to be the weapons in the market—through product, through people, through culture."

Eularie Saldanha has been appointed as Director – Corporate Communications at Publicis Groupe India, bringing extensive expertise in corporate communications and media. Prior to this role, she was Senior Manager – Corporate Communications at FCB Kinnect, where she played a key role in shaping communication strategies.Sharing the news on LinkedIn, Eularie reflected on her professional journey, which spans prominent organizations such as The Advertising Standards Council of India and leading media firms.Her multifaceted experience includes Journalism, Feature Writing, News Anchoring, Content Strategy, and Video Production. A postgraduate in Journalism, Broadcast, and Print Media from St Pauls Institute of Communication Education, Eularie’s strong academic foundation further underscores her credentials in the communications field.

Publicis Groupe Middle East, a global leader in marketing, communications, and business transformation, has announced a strategic partnership with the Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC) to host a series of workshops designed to elevate female-founded micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). This collaboration aims to equip women entrepreneurs with essential marketing and communications knowledge to drive growth and success for their businesses.The workshops, which will be open to DBWC members, are tailored to address the unique challenges faced by small business owners in today’s competitive marketplace. These sessions will provide actionable insights that are typically available only to large, global brands, enabling female entrepreneurs to apply cutting-edge strategies to their own businesses.Bassel Kakish, CEO of Publicis Groupe Middle East & Turkey, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “Effective marketing and communication have the power to transform businesses, but access to these resources is often limited for small business owners. By working with the Dubai Business Women Council, we aim to democratize these insights and break down barriers for women entrepreneurs. This initiative is a vital step toward creating a more inclusive business environment, empowering women to succeed and grow their brands.”The workshops will cover a wide range of topics, including public relations, brand communication, digital marketing, social media strategies, and growth-driven innovation. Publicis Academy, the company’s internal wing focused on upskilling and knowledge-sharing, will provide ongoing support for the initiative, ensuring the content is relevant and impactful. Insights gathered from a survey identifying key pain points of MSMEs will guide the structure of the sessions.Nadine Halabi, Head of Business Development and Operations at DBWC, shared her perspective: “Empowering female entrepreneurs with the tools to elevate their brands is crucial to driving innovation and economic growth in Dubai. Our collaboration with Publicis Groupe Middle East gives our members access to strategic marketing and communication expertise that’s usually reserved for larger corporations. These workshops will help women-led MSMEs make informed, impactful decisions, contributing to both personal and professional growth. Together, we are fostering a more dynamic and inclusive economy.”The first workshop, titled "The Power of Founder-Led Brands", took place on 14th November 2024. It was led by Andira Raslan, Business Director, and Sophia Boudjemaa, Business Director, Strategy & Insights, from MSL Group Middle East. The session highlighted the significance of personal branding for female founders and explored how they can leverage their stories to build stronger brand identities. Participants were introduced to strategies for cultivating trust with customers and creating lasting impact by integrating authenticity into their brands.This collaboration reflects both Publicis Groupe Middle East and DBWC's commitment to supporting women’s professional and personal growth. By providing female entrepreneurs with the necessary resources, the initiative will help strengthen their businesses and drive economic growth within Dubai.

Publicis Groupe, South Asia, announced today the elevation of Anushree Chandran to the position of Senior Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications. In her new role, Chandran will continue to lead the corporate communications function for the group's agencies in the region.With over two decades of experience in marketing communications, content, and journalism, Chandran brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. Prior to her promotion, she served as Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications at Publicis Groupe, South Asia.Sharing about her new role on her LinkedIn handle, Anushree said: “I am happy to share that I’ve been elevated to the position of Senior Vice-President and Head Of Corporate Communications, South Asia at Publicis Groupe.”

MSL India, the strategic communications arm of Publicis Groupe, recently launched an exclusive report Make Way for Bharat Z that decodes the lives of India’s Gen Z from tier 3 and 4 cities. A one-of-a-kind report, Make Way for Bharat Z decodes the power of India’s small-town Gen Z. The report has found that 83% of respondents selected print media as their top source of daily media consumption for information while 86% chose television as their main source of daily media consumption for entertainment. MSL roped in the consumer pulse platform LocalCircles to reach 16,000 Gen Z respondents from 191 tier 3 and 4 cities across India. The report offers valuable insights into the consumer and spending behaviour of Bharat Z that make them stand out from their metro counterparts. Such as This report showcases the diverse nature of India’s Gen Z and how they cannot be put in one box. To tap into this evolving consumer pulse, MSL has also launched MSL Mojo, an offering that empowers brands to create assets that inspire and explore partnerships that evoke a sense of community to further accelerate brand voice. Offering innovative solutions like influencer marketing, branded content, and community engagement, MSL Mojo’s comprehensive suite of services promises to drive unparalleled engagement and growth for brands.Amit Misra, Chief Executive Officer of MSL South Asia, shared his thoughts on the occasion of the launch of MSL Mojo: “Culture is the driving force shaping our future and Gen Z, with their vibrant energy, diverse perspectives, and digital fluency, are at the forefront of this cultural revolution. We at MSL wanted to create a culture engine that would shape opinions, emotions, and consumption. That’s how we came up with MSL Mojo, our culture engagement platform that will help brands navigate through these changing times.”

MSL Group Middle East, a best-in-class public relations agency integrated within Publicis Groupe, has unveiled a new line up of local and regional talent to grow its consumer practice division. The newly formed Brand Communications team comprises experts across consumer communications, social media influence, creativity, and delivery excellence to provide a holistic end-to-end solution for clients.Maclean Brodie, Chief Executive Officer for MSL Group Middle East said, “We have to lead with talent, and we have to lead with what the market requires. For us at MSL that means integrated mindsets, brand-first creative thinking, and a little fun. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to bring together such a high-performing team so seamlessly, and look forward to seeing the results with current and future clients.”The new Brand Communications team is built with an eye to the changing nature of the public relations industry, linking earned creativity, media, and influence together for higher impact in service of MSL clients. Sitting within the Publicis “Power of One” ecosystem, the team will also draw on the Groupe’s creative, content, performance media, and digital ecosystem.Mary Smiddy, Business Lead, MSL Group said: “While earned media remains the MSL superpower, having the full force of Publicis Groupe behind us allows us to face creative challenges with a wholly different mindset. Brands and clients today aren’t looking for PR per se. They’re looking for the ability to cut through the noise and make an impact on their audience in a lasting way. The team that we’re bringing together allows us to do just that, and they’re a joy to work with!”The Brand Communications team brings together a diverse pool of talent with industry experience with regional and international clients spanning hospitality, automotive, health & wellness, food & beverage, luxury & fashion, travel & tourism, arts & culture, and sport sectors.The team lineup includes:* Mary Smiddy, Business Lead* Jemma Chalcroft, Business Director* Fatina Al-Arda, Business Director* Natasha George, Associate Business Director* Mohammad Almail, Senior Communications Manager* Nourhan Khalifa, Influencer Manager* Deema Kabrawi, Senior Communications Executive* Sakshi Sreewani, Communications Executive* Rim Haddad, Influencer Executive

Publicis Groupe has appointed Nannette LaFond-Dufour as Chief Impact Officer. In this newly created global role, Nannette will be responsible for driving immediate impact across the Groupe’s long-term ESG commitments. These include Publicis’ ambitious SBTI-approved climate goals, its concrete diversity, equity and inclusion action plans, as well as its flagship initiatives like the Working with Cancer pledge and the Women’s Forum for the Economy & Society. A leading industry figure over the course of her 30-year career, Nannette joins Publicis from McCann Worldgroup where she was Chief Client Officer and McCann’s inaugural Chief Sustainability Officer, responsible for driving sustainability goals across its global environmental footprint. Nannette will head a centralized team in cultivating and partnering with the Groupe’s ESG community around the world. Together, they will design and deploy a consistent strategy on impact, with clear and measurable KPIs, to enhance and expand Publicis’ existing initiatives and implement new ones, at the service of its teams and its clients. Her appointment underscores Publicis’ ongoing commitment to creating positive change through environmental and societal impact. Consistently ranked first in the industry by leading ESG rating agencies, in the past year Publicis was the only holding company in the sector to appear in the S&P Yearbook, which evaluates the sustainability efforts of global businesses. Through the Working with Cancer Pledge, over the last 18 months the Groupe has also rallied more than 1500 of the world’s most iconic companies to commit to erasing the stigma of cancer in the workplace. Nannette will join the Groupe’s Management Committee and report directly to Arthur Sadoun, Chairman & CEO. She will work hand in hand with Agathe Bousquet, President of Publicis France and Directoire+ sponsor for ESG. “With the Directoire+ we are delighted to welcome Nannette to the Groupe” said Arthur Sadoun. “Thanks to our transformation, we have been outperforming the industry on every business and financial KPI for the past four years. But we know that for our growth to be truly sustainable, on every front, it also needs to be responsible. That’s why we have also worked to lead the way through our best-in-class ESG initiatives. With Nannette on board and her proven expertise in delivering impactful change with some of the world’s biggest companies, we are confident we can take our ESG agenda even further, faster, for the good of our people, our clients, and our planet. “ "I deeply admire the work that Publicis has done to transform itself, demonstrating both the ability to anticipate the future, and do the hard work required to prepare for it through tangible environmental and societal commitments. At this moment when evolution is the mandate on every front, I look forward to joining such a visionary, courageous and agile team" added Nannette LaFond-Dufour.

MSL, Publicis Groupe’s strategic communications, today announced the appointment of Sahil Chopra as Chief Operating Officer for Publicis Consultants Asia (PCA). In his new role, Sahil will be responsible for strategic guidance and oversee delivery of core services to client organizations in the entertainment, consumer and technology sectors. Sahil specialises in driving business impact and has the working experience of leading large teams, providing strategic direction, driving consumer outreach, community engagement and delivering business results. “I am super excited to have Sahil join our team back. This appointment is strategic to our business needs at MSL, aimed at accelerating very specific communication and business needs of our clients,” said Amit Misra, CEO, MSL South Asia. “I am certain that Sahil will drive modern business communication impact and lead Publicis Consultants Asia to newer heights,” he added. “Category leaders operate in high-velocity environments and have a very specific way of working that requires specialists to meet their communication needs as these are tied to business outcomes,” said Viju George, Managing Director, PCA. “I am confident that Sahil has the understanding, the commitment to serve diverse needs of client organizations, and I am pleased to have Sahil a part of our team,” he added. In a more recent role, Sahil held the position of Vice-President for Marketing and Communications at Stanza Living. During his career, both with brands and agencies, Sahil has advised many global corporations on executing effective communication, social media and purchase consideration strategies. He has been instrumental in designing and executing end-to-end consumer and influencer immersion programs for corporations that include General Motors, Ford, Sony Sports, Ola, LaLiga, Red Bull, among others. 

Chris McCafferty, who served as group CEO of MSL London and sustainability consultancy Salterbaxter, is departing the firm. Taking his place is Rebecca Grant, former CEO of BCW London, who will now lead as chief executive of Publicis’ UK Influence practice.In her new role, Grant will helm MSL, Taylor Herring, and Salterbaxter, while also expanding her responsibilities as EMEA chief client officer for Publicis' influence practice within the French-owned holding group.McCafferty, having led for over four years, has chosen to step down to pursue fresh challenges. Reflecting on his tenure, he expressed pride in fostering inclusive growth and prioritizing people-centric decisions. He emphasized the transformative impact on both commercial and personnel fronts, noting the industry's positive reception to their approach.As CEO of Publicis Groupe UK’s influence practice, Grant will drive growth strategies for existing agencies, collaborating with agency leaders and the Publicis Groupe UK executive committee. Her role as chief client officer will concentrate on identifying novel avenues to create value for multi-market clients. Grant will report directly to Demet Ikiler, CEO of Publicis Groupe EMEA.Grant arrives with a wealth of experience, having spent 13 years at BCW, where she held positions including CEO for BCW UK and global chief brand officer. Notably, she spearheaded the merger of Cohn & Wolfe and Burson-Marsteller in the UK before assuming the role of CEO in 2018. Prior to her tenure at BCW, Grant held leadership roles at Cohn & Wolfe and Weber Shandwick, among others.Grant's team will include Jo Grierson, managing director of MSL, James Herring and Cath Taylor, co-founders of Taylor Herring, and Steve Lindsay, managing director of Salterbaxter.Commenting on Grant's appointment, Publicis Groupe EMEA CEO Demet Ikiler commended her leadership prowess and proven track record of driving innovation and growth. Ikiler expressed confidence in Grant's ability to advance the Influence practice in the UK and expand solutions across EMEA, collaborating with agency leaders in the region. Ikiler also extended best wishes to McCafferty in his future endeavors.In response, Grant expressed enthusiasm for joining Publicis Groupe UK during a period of substantial growth and innovation, particularly in AI and data intelligence. She looks forward to building on the foundation laid by the agency portfolio and ushering in a new phase of growth, recognizing the pivotal role of influence in brand and business success.