Maurice Lévy Emeritus Chairman at Publicis Groupe

Maurice Lévy

Emeritus Chairman

Publicis Groupe

About Me

Maurice Lévy joined Publicis Groupe in 1971 as IT Director. In 1975, he was appointed Executive Vice-President of Publicis Conseil, the Groupe’s flagship, passing through all the stages until his appointment as Chairman of the Management Board in 1987. He held this role for 30 years, until the General Shareholders’ Meeting of May 2017, when he was appointed as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Publicis Groupe SA. He steered the accelerated globalization of the Group starting in 1996. In 2001, Publicis Groupe’s globalization picked up more steam with the acquisition of Saatchi & Saatchi, then Bcom3 (Leo Burnett, Starcom, MediaVest, etc.) in 2002. The forceful passage into the digital world began with the acquisition of Digitas (2006), followed by Razorfish (2009), and Rosetta (2011). The acquisition of Sapient in early 2015 opened new avenues for Publicis beyond its core business into marketing, omni-channel commerce and consulting. Following the General Shareholders’ Meeting of May 2024, Maurice Lévy is named Emeritus Chairman of Publicis Groupe. Maurice Lévy co-founded the Institut français du Cerveau et de la Moëlle épinière (ICM) in 2005 and today chairs the Board of Directors of numerous organizations, including the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, and, since October 2015, the Institut Pasteur-Weizmann. He has also received numerous distinctions for his work and his fight for tolerance. He is Grand Officier de la Légion d’honneur and Grand Officier de l’Ordre National du Mérite.

Hear My Insights

VivaTech 2025: Welcome & Opening

With a new year of innovation ahead, we are excited to kick off this 9th edition — a celebration of technology’s brightest minds, groundbreaking ideas, and the future we’re building together. The world is facing complex challenges that don't have simple solutions; it requires innovation and partnership. Over the next four days, get ready to explore cutting-edge solutions, connect with global leaders, and dive into the conversations shaping tomorrow. Let’s begin this journey of discovery, collaboration, and inspiration.

Canada: AI's North Star

This year, VivaTech proudly spotlights Canada as our Country of the Year. With a uniquely collaborative ecosystem driven by significant government investment, world-class research, and groundbreaking companies, Canada boasts both a high concentration of top-tier AI talent and a robust environment for innovation. How does a nation leverage such strengths to advance the tech landscape? What role does this collaborative spirit among startups, industry, and research institutions play in fostering growth, particularly in vital sectors like artificial intelligence, climate tech, and health tech? We open this year's edition with a special address that sheds a spotlight on the country's approach to innovation.

Driving Change for Safer Roads

The Antoine Alléno Association is taking bold action on one of society’s silent crises to bring change on our roads. By uniting tech-driven solutions, entrepreneurial energy, and collective willpower, it is transforming grief into momentum. Through initiatives like a dedicated start-up challenge and the IMPACT pledge - a nationwide call for companies to commit to safer roads - the Antoine Alléno Association is turning innovation into impact. This is not just about prevention, it's a call to reimagine mobility, safety, and responsibility on a global scale. Discover how the association is activating the tech ecosystem with a dedicated start-up challenge, and launching the IMPACT pledge — a nationwide call for companies to commit to safer roads. A compelling discussion on how to turn grief into action, and how tech can serve not just progress, but protection.

Reinventing the Future of Consumer Commerce

Today’s consumers expect more than just secure payments—they want seamless experiences, personalized interactions, and intelligent solutions that anticipate their needs. From smart wallets that offer tailored rewards, to flexible Buy Now Pay Later options and support for crypto, new innovations are reshaping how people engage with their money. How are technologies like agentic AI enabling real-time personalization? How are reimagined checkout flows reducing friction at every step? This isn’t just about adding features but redefining the role of a payments company in the modern digital economy. Join us for a look at what it means to move beyond transactions and toward a more connected, intelligent commerce journey.

Eyewear: A Gateway to the Future

Wearable technology is entering a new era through eyewear: more intuitive, stylish, and seamlessly integrated than ever. From the latest Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to innovative listening assistants, connected eyewear is entirely transforming how we experience and interact with the world, empowered by AI. Blending design, functionality, and everyday ease, these innovations – at the crossroads of med-tech and connected life – are redefining the way we see, hear, and stay connected - hands-free and on the move.

CMO Perspectives: Welcome & Opening

Bridging Legacies and Futures: Inside the Mind of John Elkann

How does a global business leader help iconic companies pivot toward a tech-driven future? A fireside chat with the CEO of Exor offers insights into his bold vision for embracing disruption and positioning his portfolio of investee companies to lead in an era defined by artificial intelligence and rapid technological change. Join us to get a rare peek behind the curtain at how Exor is approaching technology both through its investment approach as well as among its companies such as Ferrari, Stellantis and Philips to name a few. What’s at the heart of this strategy? A firm commitment to fostering the future of Italy and Europe's tech ecosystems. And what must Europe do to stay ahead in innovation, industry and AI? John Elkann brings a cross-industry perspective shaped by years of execution.

More than a Market: Europe Last's Stand

The Sovereign Self: Crypto, Blockchain, and Your Digital Persona

In an increasingly interconnected world, where our digital footprints are constantly expanding, the concept of identity is undergoing a radical transformation. With concerns around data breaches, privacy, and control over personal information reaching an all-time high, blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies are emerging as powerful tools to redefine how we prove who we are online. From the rise of self-sovereign identity to decentralized authentication and the challenge of balancing innovation with regulation, this session explores the cutting-edge intersection of these technologies. How can blockchain and crypto empower individuals with greater control over their digital selves? What are the key hurdles and opportunities in building a more secure and user-centric digital identity ecosystem?