Publicis Toronto has promoted Vini Dalvi to chief creative officer, filling a role vacated by Joanna Monteiro who is returning to Brazil after more than two-and-a-half years leading creative at the agency.
Publicis also appointed two executives from the account management side of the business, Bobby Malhotra and Serene Gaspar, as co-managing directors for what the agency calls its “creative practice,” effectively the traditional ad agency aside from specialities like Publicis Sport & Entertainment, Hawkeye, etc. The three will report to Publicis Toronto’s president Brett McIntosh to steer the agency’s vision of growth.
“It is the right moment for us to bring our very best leaders to the forefront,” said Publicis Canada’s CEO Duncan Bruce in a release. “I’m pleased to see these three internal talents get the recognition they deserve and am confident that their collaboration will strengthen our partnerships and further elevate our work with clients.”
Like Monteiro, Dalvi (back right in top photo) is a Brazilian but spent several years in Europe. After stops at Publicis London and Italy, Dalvi was creative director at TBWA\Media Arts Lab in the UK for three years before joining Publicis Toronto early in 2022. With more than a decade of experience , he’s worked with major clients like Heineken, Diesel, Apple and Coca-Cola and been recognized with more than 50 international awards.
“I’m excited to step into this new role, blending my global expertise with the team’s deep local insights to create world class work that not only stands out but delivers great results for our clients,” said Dalvi.
Gaspar (front in top photo) joined Publicis from Cossette two years ago, where she climbed the ranks from account director of McDonald’s Canada to vice-president, business lead where she added General Mills Canada, and Egg farmers of Canada to her roster of major brands. Publicis recruited her to head the newly acquired Canadian Tire account, for which she assembled an original team of strategists and creatives.
“Stepping into this new role, I’m excited to partner with Vini and Bobby to push this vision further and establish even higher standards in our approach, creativity, and business strategies,” Gaspar said.
Unlike his colleagues, Malhotra (back left in top photo) has made a home of Publicis Canada for the last 15 years, rising from account director for Rogers Communications, cable and small business portfolio to brand director, VP, SVP where he contributed to major clients including Rogers, Coca-Cola Canada, Samsung and Stellantis (formerly Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). Previously he led teams in Toronto, Windsor, and Montreal and will continue to maintain his oversight of the Windsor office. In a release Malhotra called this next chapter “invigorating and promising.”
“Bobby and Serene, alongside our senior staff, will steer our creative agency in Toronto, guiding teams who work with some of the best clients in Canada,” said McIntosh. “They will also collaborate closely with Vini to push our work to new heights.”
In the release, Publicis said Monteiro played a “pivotal role in reshaping both the agency’s work and the creative department,” in the last three years. Under her watch, the agency turned the front grills of Jeeps into barcodes for car shoppers, brought back Fashion Santa for Visa, and created a special TTC rider notification for Pride month.
Though McIntosh admitted that he’ll miss Monteiro, he explained that her departure marks the implementation of Publicis’ new plan to adapt to the evolving landscape of Canadian advertising. “Our adaptability has been key,” he said in a release. “Our plan is in motion, and Vini will carry on her legacy while bringing his own touch.
