In this section, the Groupe has chosen to focus on two key aspects that are material for the proper conduct of the Company’s activities: business ethics, an imperative that applies to everyone without exception, and marketing and responsible technology, with a more relevant business line approach.
Publicis Groupe is a company (a French société anonyme) with a Board of Directors with a Chair and Chief Executive Officer who chairs the Board of Directors, as well as the Groupe Executive Committee and the Management Committee. The functioning of the Company’s governance bodies and operational management bodies are described in Chapter 3 of this document. [G1 ESRS 2 GOV-1-5 (a)]
Publicis Groupe was founded in 1926 on the basis of strong ethical principles, regularly reaffirmed by the Chairman of the Groupe. The Groupe’s Janus Code of Conduct and Ethics is the backbone of the way in which the company intends to conduct its development. Janus applies to all employees, including managers and executives. This Code is updated each year and supplemented by a detailed procedure code. Janus specifies the way in which relationships must be established with clients, suppliers, civil society and other third parties (see Section 4.4.2 below).
Publicis was the first communication group to join the United Nations Global Compact in 2003, and to promote its Ten Principles. Then the Groupe signed the Seven Key Principles of the United Nations WEPs (Women Empowerment Principles) and decided to follow the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for a fairer world.
| Impact type | Risks | Opportunities | Policies & Organization | Mitigation measures & major actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Impact type Business ethics and compliance Complying with values, laws and regulations, and aligning with the best market standards, benefits employees and clients |
Risks Risks related to unethical acts or behavior may impact the Groupe, from a legal, financial and reputational point of view |
Opportunities
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Policies & Organization
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Mitigation measures & major actions
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The impacts related to these issues are internal and external. The smooth running of the Company is based on sharing ethical values and behaviors with all employees, and conducting business with both clients and suppliers in accordance with high standards. These elements form the basis of the common culture that is imposed on all employees and allows the Company to grow and gain its clients’ trust. The Janus Code of Conduct and Ethics clearly sets out the principles that apply to everyone in the Company.
There are several types of risks, such as jeopardizing the relationship with customers and loss of confidence in business conduct, whether for employees or all players in the value chain, with a reputational risk. Non-compliance with the Groupe’s ethics rules may result in immediate sanctions, including dismissal. More detailed information is provided in Chapter 2 of this document on the risks of litigation and governmental, legal and arbitration proceedings.
