Publicis Groupe CEE Strengthens Strategy Capabilities with Fola Williams

Publicis Groupe Central & Eastern Europe (CEE) recently named Fola Williams as its chief strategy officer.

This appointment reflects the company’s ongoing commitment towards strengthening its overall strategy capabilities since the CEE region for Publicis Groupe was formed a few years ago. This included the creation of a strategy community to boost connectivity under the leadership of Maria Tudor, chief operating officer, Publicis Groupe CEE, and the launch of key initiatives such as the internal “Make it Award” to drive excellence in strategy work. 

In his new role, Fola has been tasked with connecting Publicis Groupe CEE’s capabilities across key countries; continue to build strategy structures, drive integration across multi markets and multi practices with focus on key clients and verticals; as well as work closely with Publicis Groupe CEE COMEX, regional team, and country leadership on major growth opportunities. 

Charged with ensuring a consistent strategic product offering in CEE will help to set priorities, agree on a roadmap, and oversee implementation of the company’s strategic framework across all markets, working closely with the 200-plus-strong CEE Strategy Community in the region.

Based in Prague for his new role, Fola will also dedicate part of his capacity to projects for Publicis Groupe Czech Republic’s local clients on top of his regional responsibilities.

With over two decades of experience in the industry, Fola brings an comprehensive set of experience in integrated, brand and communication planning as well as digital and social media strategy; where he worked across media, creative and digital agencies in local and regional capacities including Publicis London, Digitas France, Wavemaker, Carat, M&C Saatchi, and Naked Communication. He has been involved in regional and global brand communications strategies in sports, media, entertainment, fashion, and luxury for brands including Netflix, Betclic, Sony Playstation, Nike, Virgin Media, Heineken, Havana Club and Universal Music. He joins Publicis Groupe from the French office of media agency Wavemaker (WPP), where he served as chief strategy officer for the past six years. While there, he led global strategy for clients including AXA, Citroën, Total and LVMH, amongst others.