Klues to lead new Publicis venture

by Andrew McCormick, Media Week 25-Jun-08, 10:55

LONDON - Jack Klues, chairman of Publicis Groupe Media, has been redeployed within the network, at Vivaki, a new Publicis venture aimed at making digital central to all of its operations.

Klues and Digitas chief executive David Kenny are to lead the new initiative, which Publicis Groupe said will be the world’s largest centre for developing digital technologies to aid client growth.

Vivaki will work across Publicis Groupe agencies Starcom MediaVest, ZenithOptimedia Digitas and Denuo, developing technology and training staff to bolster the network’s digital credentials.

Publicis chairman and chief executive Maurice Levy declared the creation of Vivaki a major change to Publicis Groupe’s organisation - a move that will redirect clients’ investments towards digital.

Laura Lang, currently head of Digitas US, has been appointed global chief executive of Digitas, following Kenny’s appointment at Vivaki.

Neither Klues nor Kenny have job titles at Vivaki, in what Publicis Groupe claims is a shift from hierarchical management structures.