Publicis Groupe APAC forms a Japan–South Korea sub-region to drive integrated client growth

Japan – Publicis Groupe Asia-Pacific has established a new Japan–South Korea (JSK) sub-region, consolidating its Japan and South Korea operations under a unified leadership and operating model to strengthen cross-market integration and client delivery.

Under the new structure, Gareth Mulryan, CEO of Publicis Groupe Japan, takes on an expanded role as CEO of Publicis Groupe JSK. He will work closely with Nicole Roe, CEO of Publicis Groupe South Korea. Mulryan also joins the Publicis Groupe Asia-Pacific executive committee and continues to report to Jane Lin-Baden, CEO, Asia-Pacific, Publicis Groupe.

Commenting on the announcement, Mulryan said, “Our clients increasingly operate seamlessly across Japan and South Korea and expect the same from their agency partners. By working more closely as one region, we can combine Japan’s experience in transformation, data and connected media with South Korea’s world-class creativity and cultural influence to drive even stronger outcomes for clients.”

The two markets together account for a combined population of around 175 million and more than US$70 billion in advertising spend, making them one of the largest advertising regions globally. Both are also regarded as influential cultural exporters in Asia and beyond.

The company said the new sub-region responds to increasing demand from multinational clients seeking more integrated and consistent support across Japan and South Korea, while preserving the distinct market strengths of each country. The structure is designed to enhance collaboration and shared capabilities across media, creative, data and technology disciplines, supported by the group’s connected platform and “Power of One” model.

Jane Lin-Baden, CEO, Asia-Pacific at Publicis Groupe, commented, “Japan and South Korea are critically important markets for our global clients and healthcare brands. Both offices are known for strong creative and design capabilities. Both CEOs have achieved very strong business growth in Japan and South Korea in the past few years despite challenging market conditions. By creating the JSK sub-region, we are further strengthening our ability to deliver connected, future-ready solutions at scale.

She added, “Gareth brings deep international experience after working in Europe, Southeast Asia, China and Japan and has a proven track record in partnering with multinational brands. This structure positions us strongly for the next phase of growth in the JSK sub-region.”

With the addition of Japan–South Korea, Publicis Groupe Asia-Pacific now comprises five sub-regions: Greater China, Southeast Asia, Australia & New Zealand, South Asia, and Japan–South Korea.