Movers clear out Maurice Lévy's office

Publicis Groupe boss Maurice Lévy has offered up his vacant office as an Airbnb room in his Christmas message this year.

Lévy, who is due to step down next year as chief executive, launched a comical video for the festive season, which sees him trying to give a heartfelt and motivational message while movers clear out his belongings. Unlike in past years, this year's video doesn't employ interactive elements or branching storytelling, but the antics of the movers nonetheless reward attentive viewers.

The end of the three-minute video links to a prize draw on Airbnb’s website to win a "night at the top of the ad world." The contest is packaged as an Airbnb ad for two guests to stay at an apartment in Paris.

The ad says: "Do you have what it takes to spend a day in the shoes of an advertising boss? With Maurice Lévy’s office 'vacant,' now is your chance to find out as you experience 24 hours in the busy life of a global CEO.

"Well almost. Unlike most busy CEOs you won’t spend the night at the office, but in a beautiful apartment nearby instead." 

Among the humor, Lévy’s video address acknowledged it had been a challenging year for Publicis Groupe. "Our numbers have been seriously battered by account losses," he said, referring to substantial US media accounts for Procter & Gamble and Walmart.

However, he was able to point to winning Asda's UK creative and media business, as well as HP Enterprise's global account and Coty.

Lévy also reiterated the need for Publicis to carry on with the "Power of One" credo, which is behind the creation of its four global solutions hubs across advertising, media, digital and healthcare.

"No silo, no solo, no bozo," Lévy quipped after admitting the "Power of One" had been challenging for people who have taken on new roles within Publicis Groupe.