Maurice Lévy is a visionary business leader and a committed humanitarian who has dedicated his life not only to transforming the global communications landscape but also to shaping a better, more connected future through philanthropy, advocacy of science and education, and international collaboration.
Born in 1942 in Morocco, Mr. Lévy earned a degree in computer science from New Jersey City University. He joined Publicis Groupe as Director of IT in 1971, bringing technological expertise to an industry on the cusp of the digital revolution. In 1984, he became Chairman of Publicis Conseil, the Group’s founding agency, and in 1987, he was appointed CEO, a role he held for three decades. Since 2017, he has served as Chairman of the Group’s Supervisory Board.
During his tenure, Mr. Lévy oversaw the reshaping of Publicis into one of the world’s foremost communications groups. He spearheaded the group’s expansion into the digital sphere, leading the 2006 acquisition of Digitas and later securing key deals with Google, Microsoft, and other major players. His vision of a digitally integrated, human-centered approach to advertising redefined the role of technology in this industry and shaped it on a global scale.
Beyond business, Mr. Lévy has dedicated himself to philanthropy and civil society. In 2005, he co-founded the Paris Brain Institute (ICM) at the Santé Sorbonne University, supporting scientific advancements in neurology. He served as Chairman of the International Board of Governors of the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, and in 2021, joined the Advisory Board of the Genesis Prize Foundation. His leadership extends to several global organizations, including the World Economic Forum Foundation Board, the International Advisory Board of the Council on Foreign Relations, and the EEC’s “Comité de Sages” on digitalizing European cultural heritage.
As President of the Pasteur-Weizmann Council and immediate past President of Weizmann France, Mr. Lévy has significantly expanded the Weizmann Institute’s presence in France, fostering deeper engagement and philanthropic support. A Life Member of the Institute’s International Board, his philanthropy has fueled tangible outcomes, funding scientific breakthroughs and nurturing the next generation of researchers and educators.
A lifelong advocate for tolerance and peace, Mr. Lévy has spearheaded awareness efforts to combat antisemitism in France, collaborating with the International League Against Racism and Anti-Semitism on a nationwide campaign.
His exceptional contributions to communications, philanthropy, and social advocacy have been recognized through numerous distinctions and accolades, including the Anti-Defamation League’s International Leadership Award, the Peres Center’s Peace and Innovation Award, and France’s highest national distinctions: Grand Officer of the National Order of the Legion of Honor and Grand Officer of the National Order of Merit.