Saatchi & Saatchi boss, Kevin Roberts resigns after gender comments

Kevin Roberts, the executive chairman of advertising company, Saatchi & Saatchi has resigned from his position, following his comments on gender equality at the weekend.

Roberts was put on an ‘immediate leave of absence’ after claiming that the gender equality debate is ‘all over’ and that the lack of women in leadership roles is not a problem.

Kevin Roberts, Saatchi & Saatchi featured
Kevin Roberts

However, in a recent statement released by the group’s parent company, Publicis Groupe, it was revealed that Roberts had since resigned. The statement said, “The supervisory board and the chairman and CEO of Publicis Groupe took note of Kevin Roberts’ decision to step down with effect from 1 September 2016, prior to his retirement date due in May 2017.”

Speaking in a recent interview with Business Insider, when asked whether he thought the gender diversity debate was still relevant in the advertising industry, Roberts replied: “Not in my view.”

Continuing, he said, “Edward de Bono [the physician, psychologist, and author] once told me there is no point in being brilliant at the wrong thing – the f***ing debate is all over.”

“This is a diverse world, we are in a world where we need, like we’ve never needed before, integration, collaboration, connectivity, and creativity….this will be reflected in the way the Groupe is.”

Roberts also went on to speak about women’s ambition in the workplace, saying, “Their ambition is not a vertical ambition, it’s this intrinsic, circular ambition to be happy.”

“So they say: ‘We are not judging ourselves by those standards that you idiotic dinosaur-like men judge yourself by.”

“I don’t think [the lack of women in leadership roles] is a problem. I’m just not worried about it because they are very happy, they’re very successful, and doing great work. I can’t talk about sexual discrimination because we’ve never had that problem, thank goodness.”

Roberts also raised his views on the advertisement consultant, Cindy Gallop, who regularly speaks out about gender equality. He said, “I think she’s got problems that are of her own making. I think she’s making up a lot of the stuff to create a profile, and to take applause, and to get on a soap[box].”

Following the publication of his interview on Friday 29th July, Publicis issued a statement saying: “It is for the gravity of these statements that Kevin Roberts has been asked to take a leave of absence from Publicis Groupe effective immediately.”

“Diversity and inclusion are business imperatives on which Publicis Groupe will not negotiate. While fostering a work environment that is inclusive of all talent is a collective responsibility, it is leadership’s job to nurture the career aspirations and goals of all our talent.”

“Promoting gender equality starts at the top and the Groupe will not tolerate anyone speaking for our organization who does not value the importance of inclusion. Publicis Groupe works very hard to champion diversity and will continue to insist that each agency’s leadership be champions of both diversity and inclusion.”

Roberts has been at Saatchi and Saatchi for 19 years, after being appointed CEO in 1997. He has previously held roles at Gillette, Procter & Gamble (P&G) and Pepsi Cola.

About the author

Alison is the Digital Content Editor for WeAreTheCity. She has a BA Honours degree in Journalism and History from the University of Portsmouth. She has previously worked in the marketing sector and in a copywriting role. Alison’s other passions and hobbies include writing, blogging and travelling.
Visa - WeAreTheCity - Pioneer 20 - nominations open
WeAreTech Festival 2024 advert

Upcoming Events

march, 2024

Job Board Banner

Related Posts