DigitasLBi Elevates Tony Weisman to North America CEO

NEW YORK, March 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- DigitasLBi, a leading, global digital agency network, announced today that Tony Weisman will take the helm of Digitas North America as its Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Colin Kinsella.

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"The formation of DigitasLBi is an essential landmark," said Maurice Levy, chairman and CEO of Publicis Groupe. "In DigitasLBi's accelerated journey to institutionalize and deliver a global offering across the spectrum of digital innovation and technology platforms, we are taking significant leaps forward to fully realize the potential of the 'most complete' digital agency network in the world. Leaders like Tony will be at the forefront of an exceptional start of this journey. I am grateful to Colin for the great job he did as CEO of Digitas North America, and wish him the best of luck."

Weisman, 53, will continue to be based in Chicago, and will report to Luke Taylor, Global CEO, DigitasLBi.

Taylor states: "Tony blends client business understanding, marketing acumen and instinct. He brings altitude and aptitude to the client-agency relationship that inspires innovation and boldness, and ultimately growth. I am confident that Tony will take the reins of this incredible opportunity with the same infectious energy and foresight that have guided his career."

"Under Colin's leadership, Digitas has been on a business trajectory. We welcomed 20+ new clients. We invested in new product platforms such as BrandLIVE. We have dreamt and delivered digitally-led, integrated brand solutions that have earned us 80+ industry awards including two Cannes Grand Prix's," said Weisman. "As DigitasLBi, I am excited to partner with our clients, our agency leaders and Luke to create the next generation of marketing. I am fired up and ready to go."

About Tony Weisman

In his previous role as President of Digitas North-West (Boston/Chicago/Detroit/San Francisco) Region, Tony was responsible for leading the strategy and execution of Digitas services across the region's client base, and for the growth and development of the office and its people. During his 6-year tenure as President, Digitas Chicago tripled in size, attracting clients such as MillerCoors, Whirlpool and Sprint.  Digitas Boston also expanded its client roster to include Zipcar and Lenovo. The newly opened Digitas San Francisco Office opened in May 2012 with seven staffers and grew to 70+ in eight months.

In 2012, Weisman was one of the chief architects of "Team Sprint," a celebrated cross-Publicis Groupe, client-dedicated unit. 

Tony came to Digitas in 2007 with more than 25 years of advertising industry experience. Prior to Digitas, Tony was chief marketing officer at DraftFCB Chicago. He also held various management positions at Leo Burnett.

Tony is a member of several Boards including Chicago Public Radio, the American Association of Advertising Agencies (Chicago Chapter), Off The Street Club and Chicago TechWeek.

Weisman Facts:

• Chicago born and raised
• Two children; son Michael made it to the 10^th Round of the Glee Project, 2012
• "Tony's Tuesday Reader" is one of the most passed along pieces of e-literature at agency.
• Favorite Quote: "I'm sorry this letter is so long, if I had more time I would have made it shorter".
• Most memorable professional moment: Uniting with Sprint.
• Person Most Admire: My wife Tracy.
• Management Philosophy: "Clients first, second and third. Our people, first, second and third."

About DigitasLBi

DigitasLBi, the leading, "most complete" global digital agency network partners with some of the foremost marketers and brands in the world. Also a top ten global agency, DigitasLBi comprises of 5,700 best-in-class digital and technology experts in 25 countries around the world.

In 2012, Digitas and LBi received a combined total of over 200 awards globally including two Cannes Lions Grand Prix's and SXSW People's Choice Award. Digitas was also recently named OMMA Agency of the Year 2012 and LBi UK Digital Agency of the Year 2012 by Marketing magazine. Digitas USA operates the brand content platform, The Third Act: producers of first and most well renowned event on digital content, The NewFront.

With sister agencies Starcom MediaVest Group, ZenithOptimedia, Denuo and Razorfish, DigitasLBi is a member of Publicis Groupe. Publicis Groupe [listed on the Euronext Paris Exchange - FR0000130577 - and part of the CAC 40 index] is the world's third largest communications group. With activities spanning 104 countries on five continents, Publicis Groupe offers local and international clients a complete range of advertising services. Web site: www.publicisgroupe.com

www.digitas.com | Twitter: @Digitas | Facebook: Digitas Fan Page | Blog: Digitas Distillery

SOURCE DigitasLBi