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.