From left to right, in the back: Duncan Bruce (president and CEO, Publicis Canada), Maxime Boissonneault (co-founder, Moov AI), Guillaume Petitclerc (co-founder, Moov AI) and Olivier Cabanes (co-founder, Moov AI). In front: Dominic Danis (co-founder, Moov AI), Olivier Blais (co-founder, Moov AI) and Andrew Bruce (president and CEO, Publicis Groupe Canada and president, Leo North America).
Publicis Groupe has entered into an agreement to acquire Moov AI, a Montreal-based data solutions company.
Established in 2018, Moov AI helps brands optimize their operations using data and AI. The company offers a range of services, including strategic consulting, AI training, business intelligence and tailored AI solutions. With a team of more than 60 specialized experts – comprising data scientists, developers, advisors and project managers – Moov AI has been delivering strategic initiatives for more than 100 clients across Canada.
Following the acquisition, Moov AI will operate under the Publicis Groupe Canada umbrella, integrating into the brands’ portfolio. According to the agency, this addition will enhance Publicis’ CoreAI capabilities, providing an expanded set of tools to support local campaigns and expand its presence across North America.
Moov AI’s AI experts will also help Publicis clients build customized data and AI solutions for various challenges or gaps their business may be experiencing.
“For years, we’ve helped manage our clients’ brands and business outcomes through marketing, advertising, technology and strategic positioning – both for the company and the brand,” said Duncan Bruce, president and CEO at Publicis Canada. “With Moov AI, we take this partnership even further, driving tangible business impact and outcomes by enhancing client operations and productivity through concrete AI solutions. Today, a brand is no longer defined solely by its messaging, but by every customer interaction, from service to experience, making AI a critical force in shaping its success.”
Dan Hagen, global chief data and technology officer of Havas,
and Jamie Seltzer, global chief data and technology officer of Havas Media Network
Havas bolsters global data and tech leadership
Havas announced Thursday the appointment of two senior executives to steward the company’s future-forward data and tech agenda and accelerate its Converged strategy.
Dan Hagen is promoted to a group-wide role as global chief data and technology officer. In his new remit, Hagen is responsible for the development of Havas’ AI-powered Converged operating system. He will also lead strategic data and tech alignment, governance, investments and operational duties across all of Havas’ operating units globally.
Most recently, Hagen served as global chief data and tech officer of Havas Media Network where he developed data and tech capabilities across more than 100 markets. Hagen’s 25-year career spans technical and media practitioner roles, including launching the National Lottery’s interactive platform, serving as chief strategy officer at both iProspect and Carat UK, and developing Havas Media Network’s Media Experience planning process.
Hagen is succeeded by Jamie Seltzer, who is elevated to global chief data and technology officer for Havas Media Network. Seltzer is responsible for developing the Converged media product and roadmap, enhancing the network’s overall data capabilities and fostering a data-driven culture.
Most recently, Seltzer was global executive vice president of CSA and Media Experience Analytics. As part of her new role, she will maintain her strategic oversight and leadership of CSA, the global technology, data and analytics consultancy arm of HMN. Seltzer brings to her new role more than 20 years of experience in data and tech leadership, having also held positions at WPP and Publicis Groupe.
-with files from Jonathan Russell
