Publicis Groupe, renowned for its innovative advertising and artificial intelligence strides, has embarked on a new chapter with Marcel, its cutting-edge AI platform. Léoda Esteve, an essential talent cultivated within Marcel, has been appointed as its Managing Director, joining forces with Blandine Mercier and Benjamin Taïeb to steer the agency into its next phase of growth and distinction.

Léoda Esteve’s journey with Marcel has been nothing short of remarkable. Her strategic prowess is evident in campaigns like Intermarché’s “Inglorious Fruits & Vegetables” and Meetic’s “Start Something Real” saga. Esteve’s impact is also palpable in Spotify’s “Listening is Everything” campaigns in France and the adept repositioning of Transavia, Air France’s low-cost airline.

Before her elevation to Managing Director, Esteve helmed significant roles such as Co-Director of Strategic Planning and Head of New Business, bringing major brands like Kiehl’s, Lidl, Betclic, Coach, and Orangina into Marcel’s fold. Her vision and understanding have been instrumental in reinforcing Marcel’s position in the market.

Esteve’s educational journey from Celsa in Paris and her stint at Grey London in 2016 have enriched her professional canvas. But her allegiance to Marcel saw her return in 2018.

Publicis Groupe’s achievements in 2022 further bolster the significance of Esteve’s appointment. Groupe’s media company, Publicis Worldwide, clinched fifth among the most creative agency networks worldwide. Moreover, Publicis Italy was crowned the most creative advertising agency globally. In May 2023, Publicis took a significant leap by acquiring a full stake in Publicis Sapient AI Labs, aiming to accelerate its generative AI capabilities. By June, Publicis had another feather in its cap, becoming the first ad holding to join the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA). The C2PA initiative aims to foster transparency in content origins, especially in the AI-driven content production landscape.

Pascal Nessim, Co-President of Marcel, praised Esteve, emphasizing her unmatched expertise and vision for the industry. Esteve expressed her enthusiasm and reiterated her commitment to Marcel, vowing to shape an agency vision that aligns with its evolving ethos.

The Co-Presidents of Marcel, Youri Guerassimov and Gaëtan du Peloux, lauded Esteve for her unwavering dedication and expertise, encapsulating the essence of Marcel’s brand values.

Marcel, a bespoke AI platform, is designed to connect the 100,000 creative minds of Publicis Groupe, facilitating exploration, learning, sharing, and creating like never before. With Léoda Esteve at the helm and Publicis Groupe’s remarkable achievements as a backdrop, the future of Marcel promises unparalleled innovation and growth.