Leading Some of the World’s Largest Media Groups with Integrity
In this episode, we’re sitting down with Jack Klues, an industry media icon who retired in 2013 from a 35-year career within the Publicis Groupe. Rishad Tobaccowala, an interviewee from Season 2, mentioned his long-time coworker and friend, Jack, in the many of the stories in his book. So, we just had to have him on the podcast himself to hear more. Jack specifically came up on the media side of the business. And, like he shares in the interview, he wasn’t really that good with media. Rather, he had unique leadership qualities that afforded him the opportunity to take on some of the biggest roles within the Publicis Groupe, including serving as CEO of Starcom MediaVest Group, ZenithOptimedia and Publicis Groupe Media. Over time, because of his likeable nature and down to earth values, he worked for bigger and bigger brands and started to manage initiatives a global scale. Jack ended his career as Chairman of VivaKi, one of the first fully digitally-integrated agencies. Take a listen to learn a little about a media icon that led how he would want to be led.
“Live by the golden rule. In every situation, if you treat people like you want to be treated, amazing stuff happens.”
Jack Klues
About Jack Klues
Jack is University of Illinois graduate and the former Chairman of Vivaki, CEO of Starcom MediaVest Group, ZenithOptimedia and Publicis Groupe Media. Prior to that, he began his life in the advertising and marketing field at Leo Burnett, working his way from an associate to the Director of Media. Check out The Media Men to learn more about his journey from SMG to VivaKi.
After retiring from his position at Vivaki, Jack only slowed down a little. He is now the Founder of Mentridge, a mentoring program for college graduates entering the job market, as well as an investor, advisor and board member for numerous groups and startups. You can find more info about him on LinkedIn.