Publicis Groupe Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Publicis Groupe has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational scaling, and digital transformation.

Focused on delivering unified client-focused solutions, Publicis Groupe drives global marketing and digital business transformation through a modular structure that enables seamless access to specialized expertise across media, data, and technology.

Leadership Roles at Publicis Groupe

  • Chief Executive Officer - Bassel Kakish
  • Group Chief Information Officer & Chief Executive Officer, Publicis Resources - Umasankar Nistala
  • Chief Executive Officer, Connected Media - Dave Penski
  • Chief Financial Officer - Kenneth Huang
  • Chief Financial Officer, Cone LATAM (South) - Diego Aguirre
  • Chief Financial Officer, Publicis Groupe Production Services (USA) - Ingrid Kavaliauskas
  • Group Chief Financial Officer - Tsahi Shriki
  • Chief Operating Officer - Vivian Zhu
  • Global Chief Operating Officer, Publicis Media - Kerry Bianchi
  • Chief Operating Officer (US) - Tim Jones
  • Bassel Kakish - Chief Executive Officer

    Bassel Kakish, the Chief Executive Officer at Publicis Groupe, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational execution for the organization. By aligning diverse service lines with the core mission of digital business transformation, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that client-focused solutions remain at the forefront of market competition. Bassel Kakish manages high-level stakeholder relationships while fostering a culture of innovation across the global network. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends to maintain the competitive edge of the group. Through the integration of data and technology, the Chief Executive Officer optimizes internal processes to support sustainable growth. By prioritizing agility and client impact, the executive maintains the firm's position as a leader in the communications industry. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer drives the long-term success of the entire enterprise through disciplined management and forward-thinking strategic planning.

    Umasankar Nistala - Group Chief Information Officer & Chief Executive Officer, Publicis Resources

    Umasankar Nistala, the Group Chief Information Officer & Chief Executive Officer, Publicis Resources at Publicis Groupe, architects the technological infrastructure and resource management systems that power the organization. Overseeing the digital backbone of the company, the Group Chief Information Officer & Chief Executive Officer, Publicis Resources ensures that data and technology platforms support seamless business transformation. Umasankar Nistala manages the integration of advanced tools to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. This leadership role involves aligning IT strategy with the broader goals of the group to maintain a competitive advantage in the digital space. By optimizing resource utilization, the Group Chief Information Officer & Chief Executive Officer, Publicis Resources drives innovation across all service lines. The executive leads the development of scalable solutions that enable teams to deliver personalized client experiences. Through the strategic deployment of technology, the Group Chief Information Officer & Chief Executive Officer, Publicis Resources secures the digital future of the enterprise.

    Dave Penski - Chief Executive Officer, Connected Media

    Dave Penski, the Chief Executive Officer, Connected Media at Publicis Groupe, directs the strategic vision and growth of the connected media business. Overseeing the convergence of media, data, and technology, the Chief Executive Officer, Connected Media ensures that the organization provides innovative and personalized solutions for clients. Dave Penski manages the development of advanced media strategies that leverage the full capabilities of the group. This leadership role involves driving market expansion and maintaining a competitive edge in the digital advertising space. By fostering a culture of innovation, the Chief Executive Officer, Connected Media enables teams to deliver impactful transformations for global brands. The executive collaborates with other C-suite leaders to ensure that media strategies align with the broader goals of the company. Through the strategic integration of connected media services, the Chief Executive Officer, Connected Media drives significant revenue growth and strengthens the market position of the group.
    Dave Penski

    Kenneth Huang - Chief Financial Officer

    Kenneth Huang, the Chief Financial Officer at Publicis Groupe, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the organization. Overseeing global financial reporting and budgetary discipline, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that resources align with the broader goals of digital business transformation. Kenneth Huang monitors economic performance across various regions to mitigate risk and identify new investment opportunities. This leadership role requires close collaboration with the executive board to maintain transparency and drive shareholder value. By implementing robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer supports the operational needs of the diverse service lines within the group. The executive analyzes complex market data to provide actionable insights that guide corporate decision-making. Through meticulous oversight of the balance sheet, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial stability necessary for the company to continue delivering innovative marketing and communication solutions on a global scale.

    Diego Aguirre - Chief Financial Officer, Cone LATAM (South)

    Diego Aguirre, the Chief Financial Officer, Cone LATAM (South) at Publicis Groupe, directs the financial strategy and fiscal operations within the South American market. Overseeing regional budgetary compliance and revenue management, the Chief Financial Officer, Cone LATAM (South) ensures that local operations align with the global mission of digital business transformation. Diego Aguirre monitors economic indicators across the region to provide accurate forecasting and risk assessment for the leadership team. This leadership role involves managing complex financial reporting requirements while supporting the growth of marketing and communication services. By optimizing regional cost structures, the Chief Financial Officer, Cone LATAM (South) improves the profitability of local business units. The executive collaborates with regional heads to ensure that financial resources support the delivery of innovative client solutions. Through disciplined fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer, Cone LATAM (South) strengthens the market position of the group within the competitive Latin American landscape.

    Ingrid Kavaliauskas - Chief Financial Officer, Publicis Groupe Production Services (USA)

    Ingrid Kavaliauskas, the Chief Financial Officer, Publicis Groupe Production Services (USA) at Publicis Groupe, manages the financial operations and fiscal strategy for the production division in the United States. Overseeing budgetary planning and cost management for creative and production projects, the Chief Financial Officer, Publicis Groupe Production Services (USA) ensures that financial performance supports the delivery of high-quality marketing assets. Ingrid Kavaliauskas monitors project-level profitability to maintain the financial health of the division. This leadership role involves collaborating with creative teams to align production costs with client budgets and corporate objectives. By implementing rigorous financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer, Publicis Groupe Production Services (USA) optimizes the use of resources in the competitive US market. The executive provides critical financial insights that guide the strategic direction of production services. Through disciplined fiscal oversight, the Chief Financial Officer, Publicis Groupe Production Services (USA) contributes to the overall growth and operational success of the group.

    Tsahi Shriki - Group Chief Financial Officer

    Tsahi Shriki, the Group Chief Financial Officer at Publicis Groupe, directs the global financial strategy and fiscal governance for the entire organization. Overseeing consolidated financial reporting and capital management, the Group Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company maintains the financial strength required to pursue its mission of digital business transformation. Tsahi Shriki manages the budgetary framework that supports the group's diverse service lines and global operations. This leadership role involves providing the executive board with critical financial analysis to inform long-term strategic decisions. By optimizing the capital structure, the Group Chief Financial Officer enhances the overall profitability and shareholder value of the enterprise. The executive monitors global economic trends to ensure that the company remains resilient in a volatile market. Through disciplined fiscal oversight and strategic planning, the Group Chief Financial Officer secures the financial foundation necessary for the group to continue delivering innovative and impactful solutions to clients worldwide.

    Vivian Zhu - Chief Operating Officer

    Vivian Zhu, the Chief Operating Officer at Publicis Groupe, architects the internal operational frameworks that enable seamless service delivery across the organization. Focusing on the efficiency of business processes, the Chief Operating Officer streamlines the integration of media, data, and technology to support client-focused transformations. Vivian Zhu manages the day-to-day execution of corporate initiatives, ensuring that teams operate with maximum agility in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-functional efforts to maintain high standards of service quality. By optimizing resource allocation and operational workflows, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the overall productivity of the group. The executive drives initiatives that improve internal collaboration and project delivery speed. Through the implementation of scalable systems, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization remains responsive to the complex needs of global clients while maintaining operational excellence across all business units.
    Vivian Zhu

    Kerry Bianchi - Global Chief Operating Officer, Publicis Media

    Kerry Bianchi, the Global Chief Operating Officer, Publicis Media at Publicis Groupe, directs the operational strategy and execution for the global media division. Overseeing the integration of media planning and buying services, the Global Chief Operating Officer, Publicis Media ensures that the organization delivers unified, client-focused solutions on a global scale. Kerry Bianchi manages the operational workflows that connect data, technology, and media expertise to drive impactful transformations. This leadership role involves coordinating across international markets to maintain consistency and service quality. By optimizing operational processes, the Global Chief Operating Officer, Publicis Media enhances the efficiency of media campaigns and client engagement. The executive drives initiatives that foster collaboration between media teams and other service lines within the group. Through the implementation of scalable operational models, the Global Chief Operating Officer, Publicis Media supports the continued expansion and market leadership of the media division in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
    Kerry Bianchi

    Tim Jones - Chief Operating Officer (US)

    Tim Jones, the Chief Operating Officer (US) at Publicis Groupe, manages the operational infrastructure and service delivery frameworks within the United States. Overseeing the execution of business strategies across the US market, the Chief Operating Officer (US) ensures that teams maintain high standards of performance and client satisfaction. Tim Jones coordinates the integration of marketing and communication services to support the company's mission of digital business transformation. This leadership role involves optimizing internal processes to improve efficiency and project outcomes. By managing regional operations, the Chief Operating Officer (US) enables the organization to respond effectively to the dynamic needs of the US client base. The executive drives initiatives that enhance collaboration and resource sharing across different business units. Through the implementation of robust operational systems, the Chief Operating Officer (US) supports the growth and market impact of the group within the competitive North American landscape.
    Tim Jones

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Publicis Groupe Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Publicis Groupe?
    Publicis Groupe is led by Bassel Kakish (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Umasankar Nistala (Group Chief Information Officer & Chief Executive Officer, Publicis Resources) and Dave Penski (Chief Executive Officer, Connected Media).
    Who is part of Publicis Groupe’s executive team?
    The executive team of Publicis Groupe includes leaders such as Bassel Kakish (Chief Executive Officer), Umasankar Nistala (Group Chief Information Officer & Chief Executive Officer, Publicis Resources), Dave Penski (Chief Executive Officer, Connected Media) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Publicis Groupe have?
    Publicis Groupe has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Publicis Groupe’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Publicis Groupe includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Group Chief Information Officer & Chief Executive Officer, Publicis Resources, Chief Executive Officer, Connected Media, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Cone LATAM (South).