Publicis opens LePub in the UK as expansion continues

Publicis Groupe has launched its LePub agency into the UK market, with founding clients Heineken and Tinder, just months after opening offices in New York and Bogotá, boosting its operation to 10 hubs across nine markets.

LePub London will be led by chief executive Gina Hood, who joins from Pablo where she was chief growth officer and client partner. Meanwhile, chief creative officer Francesco Grandi joins from Ogilvy Canada, where he was CCO and spearheaded creative output across two offices.

They will work closely with LePub’s UK-based global chief strategy officer, Sol Ghafoor.

Hood reports to Charlie Rudd, CEO of Publicis Groupe UK’s creative practice, while Grandi reports to Bruno Bertelli, global CEO, LePub and CCO, LePub Worldwide.

Charlie Rudd said: “In bringing LePub to London, we’re investing in an agency brand that brings the unmistakable spirit of a start up to our established creative offering here in the UK.

“Having Gina and Francesco at the helm from day one sets us up for great momentum; they are both talented, dynamic leaders who share the creative ambition at the heart of the LePub brand.”

Hood, who spent four years at Pablo London, the move brings her back to where her career started 15 years ago, on the graduate scheme at Publicis London. She then had spells at Karmarama and Snap London before joining Pablo in 2021.

Dedicated to creating positive change in the industry, she is also founder of the Futures network, which supports a community of more than 400 women in advertising, marketing and communications, helping them reach and excel in senior leadership roles. She served as president of equal opportunities network Bloom UK and is co-chair of The Marketing Academy’s Scholarship Alumni Council.

Grandi spent three years at Ogilvy Canada, where he led on work including ‘Cost of Beauty’ and ‘Toxic Influence’ for Dove and ‘Screen Block’ for Vaseline.

Prior to that, he spent six years in the UK at agencies including Saatchi & Saatchi, Ogilvy and R/GA. Francesco’s work has picked up the top awards at all the major international festivals, and has been nominated for an Emmy.

Ghafoor joined LePub in 2023 and leads strategy across the network. He also runs LePub’s global Data and Culture Lab, a research capability which unlocks insights across consumer, culture and commerce.

Hood said: “LePub is an agency with a unique offering, a boutique style brand with a truly global network and the power of Publicis Groupe behind it. I’m excited to be here in the UK to unlock the growth potential for our brand partners.”

Grandi added: “For years, I’ve witnessed LePub create category redefining platforms while driving our industry forward with first-of-its-kind ideas. The energy within their global walls is palpable. We share the same tenacious spirit in doing whatever it takes to get a great idea made for our partners. I can’t wait to bring a dose of our relentless optimism to one of the most creatively vibrant cities in the world.”

Launched in Amsterdam in 2020 and led by Bertelli, LePub combines brand platform development with ideas that are designed to resonate in culture, powered by its proprietary Data & Culture Lab and tech-driven LeGarage division.

Pictured l-r: Grandi, Ghafoor, Hood, Bertelli