NEW YORK – January 13, 2009 – MS&L today announced it has appointed Renee Wilson as managing director of its New York office, the agency’s largest office. Her appointment is effective immediately.

Wilson, the deputy managing director of the office for the past two years, is taking over management responsibilities from Jim Tsokanos, who will continue to focus on his role as president, North America. In her new position, Wilson will continue to work closely with Tsokanos to manage client relationships, business development and innovation for the office. She will also oversee staff development for the office’s more than 200 employees and work to expand the office’s significant capabilities in healthcare PR, corporate communications, consumer marketing, influencer marketing, digital, and the research and insights area.

Wilson’s appointment follows several years of unprecedented growth for MS&L New York and the introduction of new services, such as an award-winning influencer marketing specialty, IM MS&L, a mobile marketing offering and an insights and research capability.

”Renee has been an integral part of MS&L’s North American management team and a big part of our success the past several years,” said Tsokanos. ”I know she has the spirit, intelligence and passion to lead MS&L New York and sustain our strong leadership position in the market.”

Wilson has over 18 years of experience specializing in influencer marketing, marketing to women and launching new products. She has been with MS&L for five years. Prior to her role as deputy managing director, she was director of MS&L New York’s consumer marketing practice. She directs the strategic services and innovation arm of the office, aids in new product creation and leads the Procter & Gamble relationship globally. Prior to joining MS&L, Wilson was a European account director based in London for four years and directed the consumer practice of a global public relations firm based in New York. Wilson is a member of Women In Communications and volunteers with the Young Women’s Leadership School of Harlem.  She is also an active speaker and author on marketing to women, influencer marketing, food and beverage and international communications.

MS&L’s New York office provides strategic public relations, communications, marketing and digital support in the healthcare, consumer, corporate and technology areas. The office has been a driving force in communications for nearly 70 years. The office’s innovative approach to insight, influence and media has not only resulted in award-winning campaigns and industry accolades, but higher outcomes for the world’s most recognized and established companies and brands. All practices focus on building and sustaining successful brand relationships for clients, as well as strategic planning, corporate reputation, crisis management, stakeholder challenges, media relations and digital communications.

About MS&L

MS&L is a leading global communications firm and part of MS&L Worldwide, a network of communications brands and consultancies with 54 offices in North America, Latin America, EMEA and Asia, as well as an extensive affiliate network. The agency specializes in using research, insights and technology to create and execute powerful communications strategies that are critical to client success. With a unique combination of advice, advocacy and action, MS&L delivers measurable business results for many of the world's largest companies and most successful brands.

MS&L Worldwide (mslworldwide.com) is a member of the Publicis Groupe (Euronext Paris: FR0000130577), the world’s fourth largest communications group, and a global leader in digital and online advertising, media consulting, and healthcare communications. With some 45,000 professionals in 104 countries, the Groupe's activities cover advertising through three global advertising networks:  Leo Burnett, Publicis, Saatchi & Saatchi, as well as through its two multi-hub networks Fallon Worldwide and 49%-owned Bartle Bogle Hegarty; media agencies with two worldwide networks ZenithOptimedia and Starcom MediaVest Group; and marketing services, including digital and interactive communications through Digitas, relationship and direct marketing, public and media relations, corporate and financial communications, multicultural communications, and event communications. The Groupe is also the world leader in healthcare communications. Web site: www.publicisgroupe.com.