Publicis Groupe’s global PR and integrated communications agency MSL launches in NZ

Publicis Groupe has today announced the launch of its globally renowned public relations and communications agency MSL, in New Zealand.

MSL New Zealand will offer a full suite of communications services with particular expertise in corporate communications and reputation management, crisis management, media relations, consumer PR and social media.

Isobel Kerr-Newell has been appointed managing director and will oversee the formation of the agency in New Zealand. Kerr-Newell moves into the new role from her position as head of PR and social for Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand and will launch with an established base of clients. Kerr-Newell has a wealth of local and international experience and has been recognised at numerous awards shows including Cannes Lions, D&AD, New York Festivals, Eurobest and Axis.

Prior to her role with Saatchi & Saatchi in New Zealand, Kerr-Newell was based in London as marketing director for Saatchi & Saatchi across Europe, Middle East and Africa. She has also been on the board of directors for Saatchi & Saatchi Sweden and was part of the network’s global sustainability board. Before this, Kerr-Newell worked with independent communications consultancy SweeneyVesty in Wellington and London.

The launch of MSL New Zealand follows the acquisition of MBM and Affinity ID by Publicis Groupe last year, further evidencing the Groupe’s commitment to the New Zealand market.

Says Margaret Key, CEO MSL APAC & MEA: “We are excited to expand the MSL footprint into New Zealand and welcome Isobel to our APAC team. Her experience and appreciation of PR as a strategic driver of an integrated model is exactly what is needed and we are fortunate to have a communications leader like Isobel join the MSL global network.”

Says Michael Rebelo, Publicis Groupe’s CEO of New Zealand and Australia: “PR and Communications are an important part of the marketing mix for our clients, and as a Groupe, we have felt for some time that we needed to bolster this capability in New Zealand to be able to offer truly end-to-end solutions. With the global firepower the MSL network provides, combined with Isobel’s expertise and local understanding, we believe we have a strong new offering for the market here.”

Says Kerr-Newell: “It is wonderful to be able to continue my career with Publicis Groupe in this exciting new role with MSL. I am looking forward to sharing the tools and global insights of the MSL network with our clients in New Zealand and presenting our distinct form of communications expertise to the market.”