Maurice Lévy to leave Publicis Groupe

Maurice Lévy, the chairman and chief executive of the French advertising giant Publicis Groupe, is to step down after 40 years.
Lévy will not seek to renew his contract with Publicis, owner of ad networks including Saatchi & Saatchi, when it expires at the end of next year, MediaGuardian.co.uk can reveal.

"My contract is finishing at the end of 2011 and you can say that I will not be seeking a new term," said Lévy, speaking to MediaGuardian.co.uk. "There are strong candidates [inside Publicis Groupe] but it will be up to the board to make the decision and choose. As far as I'm concerned what I can do is make a recommendation which I will do."

Lévy, 68, joined Publicis Groupe in 1971 and will have worked at the French advertising giant for 40 years when he steps down at the end of his current contract. He has held the role of chairman and chief executive for more than 20 years, being appointed to the top job in 1987.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/apr/22/maurice-levy-leave-publicis-groupe
He added that he had yet to determine whether he would continue to work for Publicis Groupe in some form of advisory or non-executive role.