Autonomy for VivaKi Digital Network

Marcoms giant Publicis Groupe has spun off its VivaKi digital intelligence network as a separate business, with the aim of making its services available both to its own agencies and to external clients.

VivaKi, which comprises four agencies - Digitas, Starcom MediaVest Group, ZenithOptimedia and Razorfish - also provides access to an R&D lab called The VivaKi Nerve Center (VNC). Following the launch of VivaKi as a separate business, VNC's AOD audience data platform and 'Pool' online ad metrics service will be available to both internal and external clients.

Publicis Chairman and CEO Maurice Lévy (pictured) says that VNC has been one of the most 'successful accomplishments' of VivaKi, adding: 'Still the only operation of its kind in our industry, it brings strategic innovations to life by leveraging the collective influence of its agencies. All CEOs and leaders will immediately engage VivaKi to leverage its products and services, and to create blueprints for new tools and technologies that will make us stronger, more efficient and more imaginative partners to our clients.'

Current VivaKi CEO Jack Klues plans to retire at the end of 2012 after 35 years with the organisation, though he will remain with Publicis during the first half of next year, to help establish VivaKi as a standalone business unit. CFO Frank Voris will then take over as CEO, partnering with Rishad Tobaccowala, who remains VivaKi's Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer.

Web sites: www.publicisgroupe.com and www.vivaki.com .