Publicis Consolidates Japan, South Korea Into US$70B Sub-Region
Publicis Groupe APAC creates unified JSK sub-region to serve US$70B combined market. New structure lets global clients access integrated capabilities across media, creative, data, and AI through si...
Publicis Groupe APAC has created a new Japan–South Korea (JSK) sub-region, consolidating its operations across both countries under a unified leadership model serving a combined advertising market estimated at over US$70 billion.
Leadership Structure and Reporting Lines
Gareth Mulryan, previously CEO of Publicis Groupe Japan, has been appointed CEO of Publicis Groupe JSK. He joins the Publicis Groupe Asia-Pacific executive committee and reports directly to Jane Lin-Baden, CEO of Asia-Pacific.
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Nicole Roe, CEO of Publicis Groupe South Korea, retains her country-level role and works in close collaboration with Mulryan under the integrated structure.
Lin-Baden cited the importance of both markets to global and healthcare clients. "Japan and South Korea are critically important markets for our global clients and healthcare brands," she said. "By creating the JSK sub-region, we are further strengthening our ability to deliver connected, future-ready solutions at scale."
A US$70 Billion Market With 175 Million Consumers
The JSK sub-region covers a combined population of 175 million people and an estimated annual ad spend exceeding US$70 billion, making it one of the largest advertising markets in the world.
The restructuring expands Publicis Groupe APAC to five sub-regions: Greater China, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, South Asia, and the newly formed JSK unit.
The integrated model gives clients access to combined capabilities across media, creative, data, artificial intelligence, production, and influencer-led content through a single agency relationship. Publicis describes Japan as its center for data and connected media expertise, while South Korea is positioned for creativity and cultural influence.
Client Demand Drives the Restructuring
Mulryan framed the move as a direct response to how multinational clients already operate. "Our clients increasingly operate seamlessly across Japan and South Korea and expect the same from their agency partners," he said. "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."
The JSK model is built on Publicis Groupe's Power of One connected platform, which integrates agency services under unified client relationships rather than separate specialist units.
APAC Financial Performance Provides Foundation
The restructuring comes as Publicis Groupe APAC reported strong 2025 results, with full-year organic growth of 5.8% and net revenue of €1,260 million. Growth accelerated to 6.2% in Q4 2025, driven by strong performance in India, Australia, and China, which recorded 6.0% organic growth.
The region's operating margin reached 22.9% in 2025. Publicis projects 4% to 5% organic growth across APAC in 2026.
Publicis Groupe has pursued a broader acquisition strategy across APAC, including Atomic 212° in Australia and HEPMIL Media Group in Southeast Asia, adding media, data, and influencer marketing capabilities to its regional portfolio.
The JSK sub-region becomes operational as Publicis Groupe continues to build out its Asia-Pacific structure ahead of its 2026 growth targets.
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