Between the two men the story continues today

"I have ambition for Publicis." In the mouth of another, such a statement could lend to smile. But in the Jean-Yves Naouri, who has been appointed "chief operating officer" (Director General operational) of the number three global communication, it sounds surprisingly just. It presents for years as one of the potential successor of Maurice Lévy at the head of the group, but it seems to get glory or impatient when the charismatic boss of Publicis plays extensions. After twice pushed the age limit for members of the Executive Board, the Supervisory Board again ask at Maurice Lévy to extend its mandate beyond 2011. But fifty years, the faithful lieutenant Naouri continues to declare his loyalty and commitment to the group where others before him, have preferred to take offshore.

It will in any case crossed a few thunderstorms and assumed difficult missions, during his journey of initiation in Publicis. Accepting often perform menial tasks and remain in the shadows. He joined the group in 1993, by the grace of a sudden lightning with Maurice Lévy. After brilliant studies at Polytechnique, then at the school of mines, the son of a doctor starts his career at the CEA (Atomic Energy Commission), and then directs the Mines service, before joining the Department of industry. In 1991, he entered the cabinet of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, then Minister of industry: it is time of difficult cases, the restructuring of the steel industry or the French chemistry.

"Very thorough strategic spirit."

In 1993, he seeks work. Hesitating between several proposals, according to him more interesting than others, it will seek advice at Maurice Lévy. Four days later, he joined Publicis. To explain his sudden decision, he uses the words "admiration", "fascination", "magnetism". "". There was a "fit", of the waves. "There was no premeditated", he said today. Maurice Lévy, he evokes the presence, the intelligence bright and deep, the humanity of the character. And his "very detailed strategic mind".

Between the two men, the story continues today. There were moments: the creation of Publicis Consultants, the Board structure in corporate communication of the group, whose Jean-Yves Naouri made in a few years a leading agency. But also more difficult times, as his pass at the head of Publicis Board, agency group lighthouse, between 2000 and 2003, where he had the onerous task of succeed at Maurice Lévy in a difficult economic context. He was then appointed patron of the Northern Europe, allowing it to its classes to the international. Then returned 2004 to perform more focused on the Organization: it streamlines structures, developing resource centres shared (2005), and then straightens the health pole (2008), is leading the development in China (2010)... It includes the famous "P12", the Executive Committee of the group, in 2006, and then the end of 2007 Executive Board.

Those who have worked with him are his side band Chief, and his impressive work capacity. As well as its large requirement, at the risk of breaking. His recent promotion, which propels as right-hand Maurice Lévy, will not be easy: it is to streamline the Organization, improve competitiveness, to develop further the activity of Publicis. This will not prevent this great player, bites to Cyrano de Bergerac by heart, to open a bookstore with his wife. Or visit in early August with her three children, like every year since 1991, the Festival de Ramatuelle to revisit Shakespeare.