Former 72andSunny APAC CEO and partner Chris Kay joins Publicis Groupe UK as new CEO

Publicis Groupe UK has appointed former BMF managing partner and 72andSunny APAC CEO and partner Chris Kay as the new CEO of the creative practice, overseeing Saatchi & Saatchi, Digitas, Leo Burnett, Publicis•Poke, Octopus, PGOne and Turner Duckworth. Kay will focus on continuing to drive creativity for clients, working closely with Publicis Groupe UK CCO Ben Mooge.

Kay takes on the increased responsibilities and remains CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi. He joined Publicis Groupe from 72andSunny in October 2021. He was there for nine years as a global partner, spending five years in LA where he was managing director before setting up its Asia Pacific offices as CEO for the region based out of Sydney and Singapore.

During his time in LA, 72andSunny doubled its revenue with global account wins including Google, adidas, Instagram, Starbucks, Miller Coors and Samsung, growing to an agency of more than 450 people and named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies for two consecutive years.

Kay joined 72andSunny from BMF in Sydney where he was managing partner. He was previously head of marketing at Manchester City FC joining after eight years at Fallon when Sony ‘Balls’, Cadbury ‘Gorilla’, and ‘It’s a Skoda Honest’ were made. Kay started his career in advertising at TBWA in 2000 working on PlayStation Europe.

Says Annette King, CEO of Publicis Groupe UK: “In the space of just a few months leading Saatchi & Saatchi, Chris has set out a clear vision for the agency, creating a new ‘squad’ structure and leading a number of new business wins including Churchill and Siemens. Working with the talented line-up of agency leaders, I know he’ll do a fantastic job in leading the practice as well as the agency.”

Says Kay: “Having this increased responsibility and opportunity to partner with, and learn from, this extended crew of creative entrepreneurs is pretty inspiring. I look forward to helping play a broader role in pushing the creative identity of Publicis Groupe UK alongside this team and with these great agency brands.”

Kay reports to King. The move is effective immediately. The role was previously held by Magnus Djaba.