Publicis Groupe Places Kevin Roberts on Leave Following Gender Equality Comments
Publicis Groupe has placed Kevin Roberts, Saatchi & Saatchi's Executive Chairman, on immediate leave of absence due to comments made in a recent interview.
Paris – Publicis Groupe announced on July 30, 2016, that Kevin Roberts, Executive Chairman of Saatchi & Saatchi and "Head Coach" of Publicis Groupe, has been placed on an immediate leave of absence.
The decision follows comments Roberts made in a recent interview with Business Insider that were perceived as contrary to the group's commitment to diversity and inclusion, encapsulated in their motto "Viva la Difference!"
In an internal statement to employees, Publicis Groupe Chairman and CEO Maurice Lévy reiterated the company's zero-tolerance policy toward behavior or commentary that undermines the spirit of diversity and inclusion. Diversity and inclusion are stated to be business imperatives on which the group will not negotiate.
Roberts' position within the Groupe's Directoire will ultimately be evaluated by the Publicis Groupe Supervisory Board. The company emphasized its dedication to championing diversity and stated that anyone speaking for the organization must value the importance of inclusion.