Ronnie Dickerson Stewart Appointed Publicis Groupe US Chief Diversity Officer

Publicis Groupe have announced the appointment of Ronnie Dickerson Stewart to Publicis Groupe US chief diversity officer, effective February 3rd. In this role, Ronnie will be responsible for driving the organisation's Diversity and Inclusion culture and initiatives in the US. She will also lead the Talent Engagement and Inclusion (TE&I) Council, with the support of all Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) leaders and Chief Talent Officers in the market, and coordinate the tremendous work done by our Business Resource Groups across markets.

A 15-year industry veteran, with more than a decade of tenure at Publicis Groupe, Ronnie was most recently SVP of career advancement and inclusion at Digitas North America, where she led the agency’s diversity, inclusion and corporate social responsibility practice across North America and oversaw Digitas’ performance management and career advancement efforts. She spent the early stages of her career in media focused roles working across a range of clients at Burrell Communications, FCB and Starcom. Ronnie is a well-respected and awarded industry leader with recognition such as ADCOLOR ‘Rising Star’ (2010) and ‘Change Agent’ (2017); 4As MAIP Paragon Award (2018); and 3% Conference’s Nancy Hill Award (2019). 

She will report to Anne-Gabrielle Heilbronner, member of the directoire and secretary general, and she will lead the diversity and inclusion (D&I) team in the US. 

“Diversity and Inclusion forms part of the DNA of Publicis Groupe culture. Our ‘Viva la Difference’ motto reminds us constantly that our differences are our strengths, to be celebrated and vital to our success. Advancing these efforts are a priority and we are fortunate to have Ronnie lead on this front in our largest market,“ said Anne-Gabrielle.

 “I look forward to sharing my passion for people and for this work while leading our Publicis Groupe agencies in the US into our next phase of advancing our culture, diversity, and inclusion efforts. More specifically, I look forward to engaging our exceptional talent, nurturing partnerships, creating platforms and developing resources that will continue to strengthen our existing, long-standing D&I practice,” said Ronnie. “I am proud to be a part of Publicis Groupe’s ongoing journey to champion diversity, inclusion and equity, not only throughout our organisation and work, but also the industry at-large.”

Under the leadership of Anne-Gabrielle, a Publicis Groupe global diversity and inclusion steering committee will be put in place, with a focus on key priorities Groupe-wide, to sustain inclusiveness in the workplace. Renetta McCann, Publicis Groupe chief inclusion experience officer, will lead putting this group together, assembling diversity and inclusion leaders and chief talent officers from various countries, building the agenda and the steering committee activities related to best practices, as well as specific programs fostering existing D&I local activities in order to have a greater impact. This mission will be in addition to her existing duties. Stewart will collaborate closely with this Groupe Steering Committee.

“Publicis Groupe has always been resolutely committed to Diversity and Inclusion and is proud to count emblematic figures like Renetta McCann among its executives. As part of her outstanding career, she continues to make impressive contributions to drive inclusion and diversity inside Publicis Groupe,” said Anne-Gabrielle. “It’s time for us to accelerate our efforts, to get even more results, and everyone can contribute.”

Publicis Groupe is frequently recognised for its diversity and inclusion efforts and leadership. Most recently, the organisation had 10 agencies recognised as ‘Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality,’ receiving a perfect 100 rating on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC)’s Corporate Equality Index. Publicis Media Americas CEO Tim Jones was also inducted into the 2020 Advancing Diversity Hall of Honours, recognising the ongoing work he and Publicis Media have done to advance diversity and inclusion within the company and industry, including spearheading unique efforts like Publicis Groupe’s Multicultural Talent Pipeline, now in its 10th year.