Publicis appoints Leon as chief metaverse officer
By Ibidunni Banjoko
Publicis Groupe, one of the world’s largest advertising and marketing companies, has appointed the most Web3 native, a computer-generated avatar named Leon, as the chief metaverse officer.
The avatar, which has a striking resemblance to Publicis’ trademark lion corporate logo, was described as “a new interface to help its clients understand, navigate and develop Web3 strategies.”
Leon’s role is to accompany clients and help advise how to navigate and approach the meta jungle, with strategies unique to their business.
Leon, created by Publicis Conseil, has spent his entire career with the agency. As a Web3 native, he has strong grounding across communication disciplines and is a metaverse expert.
“I am not humble. I am a lion and I work in the advertising industry,” Leon said, in a French accent, when he was unveiled at VivaTech, an annual technology conference held in Paris.
Leon said he initially pretended that he knew all about the metaverse but “one night I woke up and told to myself the best way to learn is to do stuff”.
The avatar also acts as a guide to employees with the support of the right expertise and teams will showcase the very best examples of Web3.
The appointment of Leon builds on the expansive set of existing capabilities, skillsets and talent that currently resides within Publicis Groupe, with a focus on deep Web3 expertise in both blockchain use cases – inclusive of NFTs, smart contracts and decentralised applications – as well as metaversal technologies like VR/AR and artificial intelligence.
Arthur Sadoun, the chairman and CEO of Publicis said: “The metaverse isn’t a destination, it’s a real-time learning moment for all. It requires interrogation, education and experimentation.”
“We are committed to being on that journey with our clients, to help them understand what it means for their business and to bring them the existing Web3 capabilities in the Groupe across data, media and technology.
He added that, “Leon embodies that as an avatar and will help our clients navigate this new channel and progress every step of the way.”
Creator of Leon, Marco Venturelli, chief creative officer of Publicis France: “The metaverse is an endless, unknown territory to explore with creativity”.
“To truly innovate we have to experiment and learn as we go. Leon’s mission is to motivate all of us to be brave and progressive; because the earlier we move, the further we can go.”
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