Marc Chauchat Named CEO of BCW ParisMarch 31, 2021

PARIS, MARCH 31, 2021 - BCW (Burson Cohn & Wolfe), a leading global communications agency, announced today that after nearly 20 years as CEO of BCW France, Philippe Pailliart is to step into the role of Chairman, with Marc Chauchat, Managing Director and COO since 2014, succeeding him as CEO, responsible for the daily operations and growth of the business. As Chairman, Philippe will work closely with Marc to set the strategic direction of the agency and will devote himself to client counsel, management of major accounts and agency development.

Scott Wilson, President, BCW Europe & Africa said: “This transition has been very well prepared by Philippe and Marc over the past several months. Marc will be a great leader and CEO just as Philippe has been since 2001. I have no doubt that under Marc’s leadership, BCW France, one of the largest offices in our Europe & Africa region, will continue to be successful in moving people on behalf of our clients, and maintain its position as the go-to agency in the French market.

“Marc has a tough act to follow, as Philippe has been a fantastic leader and ambassador for the business for the last two decades,” Wilson continued. “I would like to express our gratitude to Philippe for everything he has achieved and for his continued dedication to the company.”

Pailliart commented: “Marc and I have worked hand-in-hand for nearly seven years now. I have been very lucky to have a Managing Director & COO alongside me in whom I have total confidence. I know Marc will be an excellent CEO. With Marc and our expert and committed Executive Committee, we have made BCW a leader in public relations and integrated communications. Our excellent reputation in the market is due above all to the range of expertise and high level of professionalism of all our colleagues at the agency. This is a great business but also an agency that I am proud to say is recognised for our commitment to respect, inclusivity and our commitment to social responsibility.

“Marc will continue this process, bringing his wealth of experience and the personality needed to ensure BCW France remains at the forefront of the communications industry. I will of course continue to provide my loyal support.”

Marc Chauchat added, “When Philippe took charge of Burson-Marsteller in 2001, the agency had 35 employees and was known mainly for its expertise in corporate communications, public affairs and crisis management. Whilst building on these areas, Philippe has also developed the agency considerably. Our investments in consumer/lifestyle, hi-tech/innovations and health/nutrition have played an essential role in establishing our leadership in the market. Finally, the creation of a dedicated unit, Studio B, specialising in research, data analysis and digital creation has considerably amplified our ability to provide fully integrated communications for our clients. I am proud to have been able to carry out this transformation alongside Philippe. His counsel and commitment will be invaluable to me and to the agency over the coming years.”

Marc Chauchat, 54, joined the company in June 2014 as Managing Director & COO. He has more than 25 years’ experience in communications, having worked in agencies, companies and NGOs. He advises and supports executives, companies and brands, including both large organisations and fast-growing companies, on the development of their image, visibility and influence and on protecting their reputations.

Prior to joining the agency, Chauchat spent seven years as Deputy Managing Director at TBWA Corporate (appointed Partner in 2008), with responsibility for public relations, public affairs and crisis communication. He began his career at CNCT (Comité National contre le Tabagisme) as head of communication. Then in 1994 he joined Groupe Havas - Vivendi Universal in External Relations and Communication, where his responsibilities included ESR, financial communication, internal communication before taking charge of the Group’s PR. In 2000 he joined Solange Stricker & Associés - Publicis Groupe, as Senior Consultant and then Client Director. In 2005, he joined Burson-Marsteller Paris as Director of Practice Relations, Media & High Tech before being made Managing Director reporting to Pailliart.

Chauchat holds degrees from Paris IX Dauphine University (Telecoms and Media Management) and Paris X Nanterre (Masters in Economics). He is also a Director and Vice President of SCRP (Syndicat du Conseil en Relations Publics) and has taught for the past 10 years at HEC Paris as part of MS Entrepreneurs.