Publicis Groupe’s EMEA division has unveiled Publicis Pro, a new advanced B2B offering designed to cater to clients across the region. The launch of Publicis Pro, replacing the Octopus Group name, is led by Jon Lonsdale as Chief Executive and Pete Hendrick as Managing Director, both co-founders of Octopus Group.
Combining the expertise of Octopus Group with the expansive resources of Publicis Groupe, Publicis Pro will provide a comprehensive range of services including strategy, creative, influence, and commerce. With a core team of 60 professionals in the UK and access to 400 B2B specialists globally, Publicis Pro aims to serve clients particularly in the UK, Germany, and France.
The evolving B2B market, characterized by increased globalization and connectivity, prompted the launch of Publicis Pro to offer international business audiences new data and marketing services. By leveraging this expertise, Publicis Groupe seeks to drive growth for its global B2B and B2B2C clients and establish itself as a center of excellence in the EMEA region.
Since Publicis Groupe’s acquisition of Octopus Group in 2021, the agency has expanded its B2B successes across various sectors including tech, telecoms, financial services, logistics, and manufacturing. Notable clients include Sharp Europe, Smartsheet, Rolls Royce, and Twilio.
Demet Ikiler, CEO of Publicis Groupe EMEA, expressed the company’s ambition to become a hub for B2B excellence, serving both existing B2C clients requiring B2B expertise and new opportunities for growth in the region.
He said: aid, “We want to make Publicis Groupe a centre of excellence for B2B clients, and to better serve our existing B2C clients who require B2B expertise. By building out Publicis Pro across our key markets in the region, we are already uncovering exciting new growth opportunities.”
The acquisition of Octopus Group marked a significant move for Publicis Groupe in the UK creative space, signaling a renewed focus on acquisitions following the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic. With a client roster boasting technology, financial, and professional services brands, Octopus Group’s integration into Publicis Groupe enhances the company’s capabilities in creative, content, digital experience, and public relations.
