Universal Registration Document 2024

4.3.10.5 Supplier diversity

Publicis Groupe works with a large number of local SMEs and VSEs, and recognizes that diversity among suppliers is essential because it is a source of innovation and agility. In this respect, and in compliance with the legislation in force in each country, the Groupe encourages so-called diverse suppliers (led by an ethnic minority, women, LGBTQ+ people, disabled people, veterans, etc., according to criteria that vary from one country to another) to participate in calls for tender. In the same way, suppliers from the social and solidarity economy or social entrepreneurs are identified so that they can also compete in calls for tenders. This proactive approach is conducted in many countries, such as the United States and Canada (companies run by minorities), the United Kingdom and India (companies led by women or with disabled employees) and South Africa. In France, the Groupe works with companies in the Social and Solidarity Economy, and sheltered-workshop organizations and companies (ESAT and EA).

In the United States, Publicis Groupe has had its own unique ecosystem for several decades, with various agencies certified as diverse suppliers, such as Burrell, specializing in African-American consumers. Based in Chicago, it is minority-owned & women-owned. Rauxa was also founded and is managed by a woman. Conill and La Communidad are two agencies with Latin American managers and teams. Finally, in 2021, Publicis Groupe announced a joint venture between its agency Le Truc in New York and Retrospect, an experimental design and technology studio that focuses on cultural differences related to various Afro-American communities. [G1-2 AR 2 (d)]

The Groupe is attentive to this commitment to the diversity of its suppliers, which is made in particular through:

• direct management of a portfolio of suppliers which are Diverse Supplier certified, with which relationships of trust have existed for many years. For example, the American agencies have been working for decades with a portfolio of over 1,000 accredited suppliers, of which 25% are women-owned (WBE) and 27% minority-owned (MBE). In South Africa, the Groupe works with a network of 380 minority-owned suppliers;
• the deployment of an external tool providing access to a database of several thousand certified and qualified suppliers in relation to the needs of agencies and teams. This tool makes it possible to draw up a selection of suppliers to be approached according to the opportunities. The platform also makes it possible to immediately identify suppliers who have already worked with one of the Company’s subsidiaries;
• targeted partnerships with specialized associations such as Disability:IN and WEConnect make it possible to expand the circle of suppliers. The Groupe and its subsidiaries thus have access to reliable databases and enable a more inclusive procurement policy, giving access to new suppliers. For example, WEConnect International gives access to several thousand companies run by women in many countries. [S2-4-AR 30]
• these diversity issues are processed within a Steering Committee, which meets monthly, coordinated by the Chief Procurement Officer. This Steering Committee also monitors partnerships with dedicated organizations, such as the NMSDC (National Minority Supplier Diversity Council) or the WBENC (Women Business Enterprise National Council) in the United States, around their respective support programs for suppliers in the process of certification