• by Larissa Faw , June 25, 2019

Publicis Groupe has confirmed that Nick Law, Chief Creative Officer-president of Publicis Communications, is leaving to join Apple in September.

It was not immediately clear what position Law is taking at Apple, where another top industry creative — Grey veteran Tor Myhren — joined in 2015 as vice president, marketing.

In a company memo, Publicis Groupe CEO Arthur Sadoun wrote that Law's exit was "sweet" news for Sadoun, particularly because it coincided with his reign as Groupe Leader. "Of course, you only ever want what is best for your friends, and Nick sees this as a 'once in a lifetime opportunity' for him," he wrote. "But we would have loved to have Nick with us forever."

Law stated in a memo that his pending move "was a very hard decision for me. Not only have I enjoyed my time at Publicis, I’ve been energized by the ambition and relentless transformation of the Groupe. Publicis has the right plan, right model and the right people to solve the big challenges clients are facing.”

“I wish I could continue to be a part of the journey, but the once in a lifetime opportunity to work with a brand I’ve admired my whole life was too good to ignore," he added.

Since Law's arrival at the Groupe two years ago from R/GA, the company has strengthened its creative bench and global creative brands, Saatchi & Saatchi, Publicis, Leo Burnett, BBH and Marcel. 

The Groupe's Liz Taylor, (CCO Leo Burnett and CCO Publicis Communications NA), John Maeda (Chief Experience Officer, Publicis Sapient) and Ben Mooge (Chief Creative Officer, Publicis Groupe UK) will now serve as the Groupe's creative leadership team.

"Together with our creative leaders around the world, they will be responsible for spearheading the world’s best storytelling, experiences and innovation," said Publicis Sadoun wrote.

Law spent 17 years with R/GA, where he rose to global Chief Creative Officer.

Last week, Law was a presenter and served as chairman of the Cannes Lions School at the festival.