M&C Saatchi Group Unveils Expanded Global Passions and PR Division
After an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Jane Boardman OBE, the visionary CEO of Talk, M&C Saatchi Group’s PR agency, has announced her decision to pursue the many opportunities available to her and leave the agency she founded in 2001. Her departure marks the end of an era characterised by innovation, dedication, and success with a client roster which includes Coty, EE / BT, Foot Locker, Fujifilm, Business Iceland, Pernod Ricard, Revlon, Sephora and Sonos.
M&C Saatchi Talk was formed in 2020, following the merger of Talk PR and M&C Saatchi PR. Under her leadership, Jane assembled a group of industry visionaries committed to revolutionising the ways in which brands can embrace the conversations that matter most across the entire communications spectrum. This is underpinned by SERMO, a global network of 12 independent agencies, which she established in 2010.
Jane was awarded an OBE for her services to fashion and beauty in the King’s New Year’s Honours list, 2024. She has played a crucial and pivotal role in both raising the profiles of the British fashion and beauty industries and highlighting the significant contributions they make to the UK economy. She became a strategic adviser to the British Fashion Council in 2008 and jointly founded the British Beauty Council in 2019.
As Jane departs to pursue new opportunities, her indelible mark on M&C Saatchi will endure. Building on her legacy, the Talk brand will now serve as the cornerstone of the group’s global consumer PR offering. This strategic move underscores M&C Saatchi’s commitment to delivering unparalleled service and results for clients, while honouring Jane’s vision and legacy.
Moreover, in recognition of her impact and the continued growth of the PR vertical, M&C Saatchi will today unveil the expansion of its Passions division. Alongside M&C Saatchi’s Sport & Entertainment specialism, Talk will now play a central role in this newly-expanded Passions and PR offering, further solidifying the agency’s position as leaders in the field of connected creative solutions.
While the search for Jane’s replacement gets underway, Ryan Woor, co-founder and COO of M&C Saatchi Talk, will lead the business in the UK. With his wealth of experience and deep understanding of the industry, Ryan is perfectly placed to help Talk transition into its next chapter of success, reflecting the M&C Saatchi Group’s commitment to continuity and excellence in service delivery.
Zillah Byng-Thorne, exec chair, M&C Saatchi, said, “Jane has played an integral role in the evolution of the M&C Saatchi Group offering. As we say goodbye to her, I want to express our deepest thanks for her contributions, unwavering dedication, and the enduring legacy she leaves. Her passion, vision, and leadership have not only shaped Talk but also left an indelible mark on the M&C Saatchi Group and the PR industry in the UK and beyond. We will miss her and wish her all the best for the next chapter in her stellar career.”
Jane Boardman OBE, CEO, M&C Saatchi Talk, said, “I am so proud of what we have achieved at M&C Saatchi Talk and I am grateful to my colleagues and friends at Talk and at M&C Saatchi for all their brilliance and support along the way. I am extremely fortunate to have many opportunities awaiting me and feel able to take advantage of these because I am leaving the agency in such good hands. Ryan has been a pillar of strength and a source of inspiration for the last 16 years and I am confident that he and the leadership of M&C Saatchi Group will take Talk from strength to strength.”
