Jean-Philippe Maheu Named Worldwide CEO at Publicis Modem

Publicis Groupe has lured Jean-Philippe Maheu away from Ogilvy & Mather, where he was chief digital officer of North America, to lead Publicis Modem as its new Worldwide CEO.

Maheu replaces Publicis Modem president and CEO Martin Reidy, who left in September of last year. He will report to Publicis Worldwide COO Richard Pinder.

In 2007, Publicis Modem became the digital arm of Publicis. It had been known as Modem Media when it was part of Digitas, which Publicis acquired for $1.3 billion in 2006.

“We have made a commitment to derive 30 percent of revenue from digital communications by 2012,” said Pinder in a written statement, referring to a promise made by Publicis CEO Maurice Levy in a conference call with reporters this month. Last year, Publicis derived 22.4 percent of its revenues from digital.

Maheu “is a world class digital leader and innovator who will drive our digital expansion still further with flair and creativity,” he added. “With his Latin roots and U.S. experience he will be a very valuable addition to our leadership.”

Maheu is a former CEO of Razorfish and adjunct professor at Columbia University Graduate School of Business.

Ogilvy had created the role of North American chief digital officer for Maheu. It was not immediately clear whether he would be replaced.