MSLGROUP strengthens UK leadership team

MSLGROUP, Publicis Groupe’s global PR firm, has strengthened its UK consumer offer with a number of appointments, including Amber O’Connor as global and EMEA director and Carson Gray Elias as head of its Luxury and Lifestyle team.

mslgroup Amber and Carson

Amber O’Connor and Carson Gray Elias

O’Conner joins to run existing and new accounts, both global and regional, across the MSLGROUP network.

She has more than 20 years’ experience as a global brand comms professional, working with FMCG and consumer health companies including Unilever, GSK, J&J, Merck and Pfizer in global brand development and local market activation roles.

Previously, she established the Consumer Health practice in Edelman London.

Gray Elias returns to MSLGROUP, having previously headed up its specialist practice for luxury, lifestyle and fashion brands in North America.

She now joins the UK team to lead its UK Luxury and Lifestyle offer.

A specialist comms consultant, Gray Elias spent more than 20 years advising global brands including Tiffany & Co., Rolls-Royce, Emirates, SHISEIDO and World Gold Council.

MSLGROUP AVRIL

Avril Lee

After working with Edelman to establish the agency’s UAE office, Gray Elias rejoins MSLGROUP with a brief to grow business across the UK.

Additionally, Avril Lee, who joined the firm in the UK last year and sits on the UK board of directors, will take the role of acting head of its Consumer Practice, whilst continuing her role as MD of the Healthcare practice in the UK and EMEA.

Lee, who is a former CEO of Ketchum, will work with the senior leaders in the Consumer Practice to support the team in the consumer and luxury space.

The move to strengthen the team follows yesterday’s news of Victoria Biggs, current MD MSLGROUP’s Consumer Practice in the UK, moving client side to join Trainline as EMEA comms director later this year.

Lee said: “Victoria has been a strong leader of MSLGROUP’s Consumer Practice and will be missed both personally and professionally. We wish her well in her new role at Trainline. Carson and Amber, alongside our existing directors, are already demonstrating the strong leadership required to continue to grow the Consumer Practice here in London.”

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