Publicis Groupe creates Japan–South Korea sub-region to boost connectivity

Publicis Groupe APAC has created a new Japan–South Korea (JSK) sub‑region, bringing together Publicis Groupe Japan and Publicis Groupe South Korea under a connected leadership and operating model.

The move reflects the growing importance of the region to global brands and responds to increasing client demand for greater connectivity, scale and consistency across Japan and South Korea.

The JSK sub‑region will strengthen shared capabilities and accelerate collaboration, while maintaining the distinct cultural and market strengths of both countries.

As part of the restructuring, Gareth Mulryan, CEO of Publicis Groupe Japan, assumes an expanded regional remit as CEO, Publicis Groupe JSK working closely with Nicole Roe, CEO of Publicis Groupe South Korea.

Mulryan will also join the Publicis Groupe Asia-Pacific executive committee and continue reporting into Jane Lin-Baden (pictured), CEO, Asia-Pacific, Publicis Groupe.

Together, Japan and South Korea form one of the world’s most significant advertising regions, with a combined population of 175 million people and an estimated over US$70 billion in ad spend.

The JSK proposition is built on Publicis Groupe’s connected platform and Power of One model, enabling clients to access scaled capabilities across media, creative, data, AI, production, and influencer‑led content. Publicis Groupe APAC now consists of five sub-regions: Greater China, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, South Asia, and Japan-South Korea.

Lin-Baden said: “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. Mulryan 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.”

Gareth Mulryan, CEO, Publicis Groupe JSK, added: “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.”

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Publicis for more information.

Mark your calendars for 24 June! #Content360 Hong Kong returns with a dynamic, one-day event dedicated to pivotal trends—from the silver economies to breakthrough IP collaborations, sports, and beyond. Let's dive into the art of curating content with creativity, critical thinking and confidence!

Related articles:

Publicis Media China promotes Vivian Zhu to dual CEO role
Publicis creates new leadership role in Guangzhou, is Hong Kong next?