PARIS — Publicis Groupe has finally named its successor to long-term CEO Maurice Levy, with Arthur Sadoun set to take on leadership of the holding group as chairman and CEO on 1 June.

Sadoun has recently been seen as the most likely executive to succeed Levy, particularly after he took charge of Publicis Groupe's creative agencies under the restructured Publicis Communications banner, which aims to deliver a greater level of integrated services in line with client needs.

Levy, who led Publicis Groupe for 30 years, will join the supervisory board as chairman, subject to shareholder approval. Under his leadership, Publicis Groupe became the world's third-largest marketing services group, notably snapping up a succession of digital agencies in recent years, and also failing in an attempt to merge with Omnicom Group.

In addition, Publicis Media CEO Steve King will join the group's management board, alongside EVP and CFO Jean- Michel Etienne, and secretary-general Anne-Gabrielle Heilbronner.

"I am extremely happy with this choice, which is the most appropriate and judicious for the future of our Groupe, and congratulate Arthur warmly," said Levy in a statement. "It’s not just any choice, it’s a measured and well thought out choice that opens new doors for the future of our amazing Groupe.  [Sadoun] is a seasoned professional with an inspiring vision of our industry and of our clients’ needs. He has the intelligence, the energy and the passion necessary to master our trade in a connected world that is changing and evolving constantly."

Pic credit: Arthur Delloye