- Publicis Canada and BCP now to be 100% owned by Publicis Worldwide, both will operate as two distinct legal entities
- Andrew Bruce appointed new CEO of Publicis Canada
- Alain Bergeron remains President of BCP
MONTREAL, March 5, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Yves Gougoux today announced his decision to redefine his role and position within Publicis Canada and as well as in the agency BCP Inc. Accompanying the news is Yves Gougoux's decision to sell his 30% ownership in Publicis Canada and his 100% ownership in BCP to Publicis Worldwide.
Effective immediately, Publicis Canada and BCP are 100% owned by Publicis Worldwide and both will operate as two distinct legal entities.
Yves Gougoux will maintain his position as Chairman of both Publicis Canada and BCP boards.
Moving forward, Yves Gougoux is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Bruce as new CEO of Publicis Canada. He will be responsible for all the activities and divisions of Publicis Canada, nationally.
As for BCP, it will continue to be presided over by Alain Bergeron, who joined the agency as president in 2010.
Jean-Yves Naouri, Executive Chairman of Publicis Worldwide, COO and member of the Management Board of Publicis Groupe declared: "Under the leadership of Yves, Publicis Canada has flourished. It is a model agency and operation within the Canadian communications industry and a reference for our Groupe. Likewise, BCP stands as a shining example of creativity. We're proud to welcome this storied agency into our global family. Yves has been at the helm of Publicis Canada now for 17 years. With a top-tier team at his side, he has accelerated our growth dramatically in Canada. Yves' decision to distance himself from the day-to-day operations of the agency will allows us to tap into his knowledge and leverage the respect he has garnered across our worldwide network for specific international mandates."
Maurice Lévy, Publicis Groupe Chairman and CEO added: "When I met Yves in 1996, his mandate was clear: build and establish Publicis Canada as a respected and formidable, national brand. Today I can say with full confidence and great respect - mission accomplished. On a personal note, Yves is and will always be a highly regarded and respected member of the Publicis family."
Mr. Gougoux shared: "After 38 incredible years in communications and a thorough and thoughtful process, I have arrived at the conclusion that it is time to distance myself from the day-to-day duties that accompany the role of CEO of Publicis Canada and active and sole owner of BCP. This new role affords me the extra time to pursue other areas of interest and spend more time with my family while remaining in contact with the executive management of the agency on key strategic issues. I also intend to tackle select mandates for the Publicis network on the international front." Yves Gougoux continues: "The timing could not be better. Two highly talented and determined management teams surround me, both at Publicis Canada and BCP. They are ready to embark on the next chapter of their already impressive journey."
Publicis Canada
Publicis Canada's strong and steady growth in the market has been closely followed as the agency has expanded its expertise and resource base in lock step with the ever-evolving needs of the clients' they serve. Today Publicis stands as a leader in the Canadian communications industry with more than 450 employees working across its network of offices in Montreal, Toronto, Windsor and Calgary.
As for the appointment of Andrew Bruce as President and CEO of Publicis Canada, Yves Gougoux declared: "Andrew joined me in 1999 and has been instrumental in the construction of our Canadian operation. His contribution and leadership in helping us establish ourselves in Toronto, and also nationally, has been invaluable. His current position as President and COO of Publicis Canada has readied Andrew for this expanded mandate by allowing him to work more closely with our people and our clients across Canada. I have full confidence in Andrew and his leadership team."
Andrew Bruce said: "We're in an enviable position; entrusted by some of Canada's greatest business and brands, packed with talented and passionate people, armed with extensive resources, and as determined as the day we all signed on. Our vision is clear and our culture is strong. It is a real privilege to step into the role of CEO. And I thank Yves for it."
BCP
BCP was founded in 1963 by the late Jacques Bouchard and was the first truly francophone advertising agency in Canada. Its courageous and innovative approach has been at the root of the creation of the advertising industry in Québec and of so many Québec advertising institutions: the Publicité Club de Montréal and its famous award event, La relève publicitaire and Le Mondial de la publicité to name a few.
It was purchased by Yves Gougoux in 1984 and has enjoyed since an incredible success and growth. While the agency has deep roots in the Québec market many of its client mandates are national.
"BCP is a full-service agency fulfilling a critical role, as we aim to establish a second pan-Canadian agency to extend our services to clients. Under the leadership of its current President, Alain Bergeron, who joined in 2010, BCP will continue to pursue its ambitions, now with the full support of Publicis Worldwide," declared Jean-Yves Naouri.
Yves Gougoux concluded: "I have been at the helm of BCP now for 29 years. Founded in 1963 and turning 50 this year, its history is rich in accomplishments. The news we share today marks a new day and ensures a bright future for this incredible agency. Under Alain's vision, BCP is in good hands with exciting ambitions moving forward".
About Publicis
Publicis Canada is one of the largest and leading communications group in the country, employing more than 450 people. Publicis Worldwide is one of the three worldwide advertising networks within Publicis Groupe SA.
About BCP
BCP, a standalone separate entity, is a fully integrated service communications agency located in Montréal and employs more than 70 people. BCP is now part of Publicis Worldwide, one of the three worldwide advertising networks within Publicis Groupe SA.
About Publicis Groupe
Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris FR0000130577, part of the CAC 40 index] is the third largest communications group in the world, offering the full range of services and skills: digital (Digitas, Razorfish, Rosetta, VivaKi, LBi), traditional advertising (BBH, Leo Burnett, Publicis Worldwide, Saatchi & Saatchi), public affairs, corporate communications and events (MSLGROUP), media buying and strategy (Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia) and specialized communications with PHCG (Publicis Healthcare Communications Group). Present in 104 countries, the Groupe employs 58,000 professionals.
www.publicisgroupe.com | Twitter:@PublicisGroupe | Facebook: www.facebook.com/publicisgroupe
Viva la Difference !
SOURCE: BCP
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