Yves Gougoux redefines his role - Sells his stake in both Publicis Canada and BCP

Yves Gougoux redefines his role - Sells his stake in both Publicis Canada and BCP

    --  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 !

or to arrange an interview, please contact: Jean-Louis Dufresne Cell : 
514-298-9667

SOURCE: BCP

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CO: Publicis Groupe
ST: Quebec
NI: ADV MNA 2575 WNEWS 

-0- Mar/05/2013 13:15 GMT