NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- MSLGROUP has appointed Stephanie Agresta as a global director and leader of social media and digital, based in North America.  Agresta will report to Renee Wilson, president of MSLGROUP North America, and will work in partnership with leaders around the global network on social and digital vision, strategy and talent.  She will help drive business growth, and will oversee the digital strategists, social and digital tools, processes and services across North America. 

Agresta was most recently EVP, Managing Director of Social Media for the public relations firm Weber Shandwick where she had experience scaling digital PR services across the firm's global network.  She is a recognized thought leader in digital and social media.

Agresta's joining MSLGROUP is a big step forward, according to Wilson.  "We are committed to being a social and digital leader.  Not only is Stephanie one of the top social media specialists in our industry, she is one of the most influential.  Our entire organization is looking forward to partnering with Stephanie," said Wilson.

Olivier Fleurot, CEO of MSLGROUP, said, "Working with our digital teams across the network, Stephanie is going to play a big part in taking our clients around the world to the next level of social and digital innovation - transforming their businesses to maximize engagement and success in today's changing global economy."

Stephanie Agresta has been recognized as both a thought leader and hands-on counselor in social and digital media for 15 years. In the course of her career, Agresta has been instrumental in developing digital and social media initiatives for major brands such as Samsung, Unilever, PepsiCo, Microsoft, HP and P&G.  Prior to joining Weber Shandwick, she served as EVP, Digital Strategy and Social Media for Porter Novelli.

"There is tremendous potential at MSLGROUP for me to shape the social and digital organization for the agency of the future.  With tremendous enthusiasm, I look forward to working with Renee and leaders across the globe," said Agresta.

In 2008 she launched "Bloggers Lounge," a networking hub for digital media influencers at the SXSW conference.  Agresta also partnered with Brian Solis, author and analyst, to start the social media event brand, The TechSet.   She began her career with iVillage.com, one of the first sites to build an online community.

In 2004 Stephanie founded Stephanie Agresta Consulting, a digital marketing firm that forged partnerships with noted digital thought leaders and emerging technology companies.  

A popular speaker at industry events, Agresta has presented at SXSW, New Media Expo, BlogHer, PR News, WOMMA and Mashable conferences. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Social Media Advertising Consortium (SMAC).  In 2010, she was named to PR Week's "40 under 40" roster. Her first book, Perspectives on Social Media Marketing, co-authored with B. Bonin Bough, was released in October 2010.

About MSLGROUP
MSLGROUP is Publicis Groupe's strategic communications and engagement group, advisors in all aspects of communication strategy: from consumer PR to financial communications, from public affairs to reputation management and from crisis communications to event management. With more than 3,700 people, its offices span 22 countries. Adding affiliates and partners into the equation, MSLGROUP's reach increases to 4,000 employees in 83 countries. Today the largest PR network in EMEA, Greater China and India, the group offers strategic planning and counsel, insight-guided thinking and big, compelling ideas – followed by thorough execution. Learn more about us at: www.mslgroup.com  + http://blog.mslgroup.com  + Twitter + YouTube.

About Publicis Groupe
Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris FR0000130577, part of the CAC 40 index] is the third largest communications group in the world, offering the full range of services and skills: digital and traditional advertising, public affairs and events, media buying and specialized communication. Its major networks are Leo Burnett, MSLGROUP, PHCG (Publicis Healthcare Communications Group), Publicis Worldwide, Rosetta and Saatchi & Saatchi. VivaKi, the Groupe's media and digital accelerator, includes Digitas, Razorfish, Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia. Present in 104 countries, the Groupe employs 56,000 professionals.
www.publicisgroupe.com | Twitter:@PublicisGroupe | Facebook: www.facebook.com/publicisgroupe

SOURCE MSLGROUP