Publicis Groupe ANZ has promoted Jessica Farrell to the newly created role of chief talent officer for Australia.
Reporting to Pauly Grant, chief talent officer ANZ and APAC, Farrell will partner closely with the Australian agencies and people leaders to continue to strengthen a connected, collaborative and high‑performing culture across the organisation.
As part of her remit, the Australian agency heads of people and culture will report into Farrell to further enhance retention and performance, while building an inclusive and supportive environment.
“Jess is a driven and accomplished People & Culture leader who has played an important part in shaping our people offering at Publicis Groupe for the past nine years. This promotion feels like a natural next step, and I’m excited to continue working with her as we evolve our people strategy in support of our teams, clients and business,” said Grant.
“I’m incredibly proud to step into this new role and continue building an environment where our people feel supported, connected and able to do their best work. Publicis Groupe already has a strong culture, and my focus will be on deepening it further—through listening, leading with care, and ensuring our people strategies enable both our people and our business to thrive,” Farrell said on her appointment.
For the past two years, Farrell has been general manager people and culture at Publicis Groupe ANZ. With a particular focus on DE&I, she has supported the Groupe’s inclusive people programs including flexible working arrangements; flexible public holidays; supportive paid leave entitlements, such as Gender Affirmation Leave, Fertility Treatment Leave and Menopause Leave; and employee action groups, which celebrate differences in identity, background and culture.
Previously, Farrell was head of people and culture at Publicis Groupe Australia and has also held senior HR roles at Nike, Virgin Active and Red Bull.
She will commence in the role effective immediately.
