Publicis Groupe Announces Chief Revenue Officer Laura Desmond’s Resignation Appoints Rishad Tobaccowala as Strategy & Growth Officer

“I am very grateful to Maurice Levy and everyone at Publicis Groupe for their support during my leave. The family health issue is significantly better,” says Desmond. “This sabbatical allowed me to consider where my greatest entrepreneurial and leadership opportunity existed. After thoughtful reflection and discussions with Maurice, I have concluded this is the right step for me. I leave the Groupe with nothing but thanks and appreciation for the opportunities and support I’ve received throughout my career and during my leave.”

“We are all very grateful to Laura for her many important contributions to Publicis Groupe and are sorry to see her go,” says Maurice Levy, Chairman & CEO, Publicis Groupe. “I know that Laura will continue to be as incredibly successful in the future as she has been with us. With my colleagues of the Management Board we wish her only the very best.”

During Desmond’s leave, her responsibilities as Chief Revenue Officer, have been coordinated by Rishad Tobaccowala, who will continue in this role as Strategy and Growth Officer, Publicis Groupe.

Appointed Chief Revenue Officer in December 2015, Desmond was responsible for developing strategies that catalyze Groupe transformation and business transformation through the alchemy of creativity and technology. In addition, she led the Groupe’s Global Client Leaders, simplifying and accelerating the way clients access communications and marketing technology solutions across Publicis Groupe. Prior to her current role, Desmond served as Global CEO of Starcom Mediavest Group, more than doubling its size and nurturing relationships with the world’s biggest marketers including Samsung, Bank of America, Visa, Coca-Cola, as well as new establishment brands such as Airbnb and Twitter.