Publicis Canada announced yesterday it is beefing up its digital capabilities significantly with the arrival here of the Paris-HQ’d giant’s Publicis Modem arm.

‘Canada was obvious given the agency’s rapid growth and success, in addition to its impressive roster of blue-chip clients,’ says Dani Nadel, president, Publicis Modem and Dialog, East. Also operating out of New York, San Francisco and Norwalk, Conn., Modem offers a range of integrated marketing services including strategy and planning, creative design and execution, and technology enablement. Modem is a division of Digitas, which Publicis acquired last year for $1.3 billion.

Aligned with Publicis Dialog – the agency’s direct marketing entity – Publicis Modem will create more opportunities for clients to enhance brand equity and create a deeper connection with consumers.

The Toronto operation will employ 30 staffers working with Publicis clients such as Rogers, CIBC, Purina and Nestle. Sharing the title of managing director are Publicis veterans Dave Lafond and Jennifer Irwin. The cross-functional entity will encompass creative, strategy, planning and technology.