Gender diversity: Saatchi’s Kevin Roberts asked to take leave of absence

Publicis Groupe has asked Kevin Roberts, Chairman, Saatchi & Saatchi, to take leave of absence following his comments on gender issue made to the Business Insider. Roberts had in an interview to the business news website stated he didn’t spend “any time” on supposed gender issues at his agencies at all, saying the issue was “way worse” in sectors like financial services, where there were “problems left, right, and center”. Quoting physician, psychologist, and author Edward de Bono, Roberts said that there was no point in being brilliant at the wrong thing and added that the debate was all over.

When pointed out how the gender diversity debate raged on within the advertising industry, Roberts responded, “Not in my view.”

Taking a strong stance against Roberts’ remarks, Maurice Levy, CEO, Publicis Groupe, in a statement issued to the Groupe said, “As many of you will have heard by now, on Friday afternoon, Saatchi & Saatchi Executive Chairman and Publicis Groupe Head Coach, Kevin Roberts, was quoted multiple times in a Business Insider interview on gender diversity. So that there is absolutely no doubt in anyone’s mind, let me be perfectly clear: I, in no way, can rationalize or support the opinions and statements made by Kevin. They are extremely disappointing, shocking, uninformed and counter to the spirit of Publicis Groupe and its celebration of difference as captured in the motto Viva la Difference!”

The statement further said, “It is for the gravity of these counter-productive statements that I have asked Kevin to take a leave of absence from Publicis Groupe effective immediately. Such comments have no place coming from any leader of Publicis Groupe and are wholly unacceptable. As a member of The Directoire, it will ultimately be Publicis Groupe’s Supervisory Board’s duty to further evaluate his standing.”

“Promoting gender equality starts at the top and I will not tolerate anyone speaking for our organization who does not value the importance of inclusion,” Levy added.

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