Publicis Groupe launches PR arm in Aussie market with Herd Agency acquisition

Publicis Communications has acquired Australian PR agency The Herd Agency.

The agency will be renamed Herd MSL, marking the launch of Publicis Groupe’s public relations arm MSL into the Australian market.

Herd MSL will retain the existing leadership team of founder Jamie Verco, CEO Vanessa Liell and agency heads Katarina Farrell, Stuart Wragg and Lewis Shields will lead Herd MSL.

Founded in 1996, The Herd Agency, has a team of 55 specialists in PR, social media, content and creative, with a strong track record in consumer lifestyle, corporate, government, B2B, technology, and integrated campaigns.

“The acquisition of The Herd Agency enables us to offer fully integrated public relations services to our clients for the first time. It couldn’t be timelier to expand our capabilities and award-winning talent base in ANZ. We’re optimistic about the new possibilities and opportunities this will bring to our respective clients.” said Michael Rebelo, CEO, Publicis Communications ANZ.

“This is an incredibly exciting time for our agency and our industry. As part of Publicis Communications, we have an outstanding opportunity to combine our strength in public relations and communications with one of the world’s global creative leaders,” said Jamie Verco, founder, The Herd Agency.

“We are thrilled to bring the MSL brand to Australia with one of the most dynamic agencies in the entire Asia Pacific region. Our outstanding new colleagues will fit right into our diverse network, as we together strive to build influence and deliver impact for our clients,” said Guillaume Herbette, Global CEO, MSL.

Photo: Agency heads Stuart Wragg, Lewis Shields, Katarina Farrell; CEO Vanessa Liell; Founder Jamie Verco; and Publicis Communications ANZ CEO Michael Rebelo