MSLGROUP Appoints Renee Wilson and Bob Bejan to Global Management Board

PARIS, Jan. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MSLGROUP, the Publicis Groupe's flagship strategic communications and events company, today announced the appointments of Renee Wilson and Bob Bejan to its global management board. Effective February 1st, Renee Wilson will take on the new role of Chief Client Officer, while Bob Bejan will become the network's Chief Development Officer.

Since its inception in 2009, the MSLGROUP network has grown significantly to include more than 88 global offices and 3,100 employees serving global companies and brands that include P&G, Microsoft, Huawei, Nestle and PayPal. The new appointments reflect the firm's commitment to best-in-class service and continued growth. 

"Over the last two years we've created a new type of network through significant organic growth and acquisitions of innovative agencies. We have expanded deeply into fast-growing markets, and won some of the industry's best assignments. Both Renee and Bob will bring a unique perspective, amazing dedication, creativity and energy to our global team," commented Olivier Fleurot, CEO, MSLGROUP.

Renee Wilson, who is currently Managing Director of the company's flagship New York office, and runs the P&G business worldwide for MSLGROUP, will be responsible for global client account planning, migration, quality assurance, tool and process development and relationship management.  She will remain based in New York, reporting to MSLGROUP's Fleurot, and will work closely with MSLGROUP's global and regional account managers to develop innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the network's clients.  Wilson, who has significantly expanded the network's P&G business, will continue to manage that account -- leveraging her experience to further develop MSLGROUP's large portfolio of global accounts.  She will work with MSLGROUP Americas President, Jim Tsokanos to transition the day-to-day management and operations of the New York office to a new Managing Director to be named.  "I'm really excited about taking on this new global role," said Wilson. "It combines my passions for unmatched client-service and breakthrough creativity across multiple industries around the globe."

Bob Bejan, industry thought leader, creative force and co-founder of PBJS, MSLGROUP America's next-generation creative studio, live events and experiential marketing firm, will be taking on the role of Chief Development Officer. He will be responsible for driving global new business and opportunities, by leveraging the firm's scale, network and new product offerings "unbound by channel." Bejan will relocate to Paris with his family and will work with existing MSLGROUP regional and national new business directors. He will also report directly to Olivier Fleurot.  "My new role will allow me to build upon MSLGROUP's strong vision of being our clients' most trusted advisor during an unprecedented time of change and opportunity," said Bejan. "I look forward to evangelizing our story to new clients around the world."

Effective February 1st  PBJS executive Jenny Pigott will assume the role of CEO and Ian Saunders will become the President and Chief Creative officer of PBJS' Seattle, Chicago and New York operations.  Both will report to MSLGROUP Americas President, Jim Tsokanos.

About Renee Wilson
A 20+ year veteran and global citizen, Renee has been responsible for the MSLGROUP's work across P&G's diverse portfolio, including global brand building programs, multiple industry award winning campaigns such as the Cannes Lion Award for "Protecting Futures." Her other deep experience includes:  Kellogg's, Tiffany & Co., Citi, PUMA, GM, Heineken and Evian. With a passion for international marketing, Renee spent four years based in London managing pan-European programs for Kellogg's and J&J, sitting on the management team of another international PR consultancy. 

About Bob Bejan
Bob is a communications architect, collaborator and master storyteller who has anticipated trends and pushed the limits of media and technology throughout his career.  From his founding of Interfilm, an interactive motion picture studio, to his role at Microsoft running MSN and transforming it into one of the top ad-driving web portals, Bob remains an industry leader who is helping define the next generation of communications.  As Chief Executive Officer of MSLGROUP's 'PBJS', Bob has worked closely with the agency's clients to ensure absolute satisfaction and to deliver creative content and experience that move metrics.

About MSLGROUP
MSLGROUP is Publicis Groupe's strategic communications and engagement group, advisors in all aspects of communication strategy: from consumer PR to employee communications, from public affairs to reputation management and from crisis communications to event management. With more than 3,100 people, its offices span 22 countries. Adding affiliates and partners into the equation, MSLGROUP's reach increases to 4,000 employees in 83 countries. Today the largest PR network in Greater China and India, the group offers strategic planning and counsel, insight-guided thinking and big, compelling ideas -- followed by thorough execution. Learn more about us at: www.mslgroup.com  + http://blog.mslgroup.com  + Twitter + YouTube.

About 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 through three global advertising networks, Leo Burnett, Publicis, Saatchi & Saatchi, and numerous agencies including Fallon, 49%-owned Bartle Bogle Hegarty, and Kaplan Thaler Group. VivaKi combines digital and media expertise, allowing to connect with consumers in a holistic way, with Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia worldwide media networks; and interactive and digital marketing led by Digitas and Razorfish networks. VivaKi develops new services, tools, and next generation digital platforms. Publicis Groupe's specialized agencies and marketing services offer healthcare communications with Publicis Healthcare Communications Group (PHCG, the first network in healthcare communications), sustainability communications and multicultural communications. With MSLGROUP, one of the world's top five PR and Events networks, expertise ranges from corporate and financial communications to public relations and public affairs, branding, social media marketing and events.  www.publicisgroupe.com

Contact: Michael Echter -  [email protected] (646) 500-7914
Trudi Harris – [email protected] +33 (0)6 13 73 83 03

SOURCE MSLGROUP