Laura Desmond leaving Publicis, Tobaccowala appointed to strategy and growth role
Publicis Groupe has announced the resignation of Laura Desmond, chief revenue officer. Desmond, according to a release, has been on a leave of absence since July due to a “significant family health matter” and is set to leave the role on December 31st. Rishad Tobaccowala has been in Desmond’s stead and will continue in the role as strategy and growth officer of Publicis Groupe.
“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,” said 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.”
Appointed to the role of chief revenue officer in December 2015, Desmond has been a significant leader and further brought the disciplines of creativity and technology closer together. She also led the company’s global client leaders, further simplifying and enhancing the way clients access the portfolio of Publicis’ communication and marketing technology offerings. Prior to Publicis, Desmond served as global CEO of Starcom Mediavest, more than doubling its size.
“We are all very grateful to Laura for her many important contributions to Publicis Groupe and are sorry to see her go,” said Maurice Lévy, 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.”
France’s Le Figaro speculated that Desmond could have been on the short list as one of the leaders to succeed Lévy as he plans to leave his role in May 2017.