Publicis Groupe appoints Divya Kathuria as VP for learning and talent

Publicis Groupe has appointed Divya Kathuria as Vice President – Learning, Capability Development and Talent Management, strengthening its leadership bench at a time when agencies are recalibrating skills and workforce models for an AI-led future.

The Groupe said Kathuria will lead its people development agenda, with responsibility for advancing learning frameworks, accelerating capability-building initiatives and strengthening talent systems across its operations.

Kathuria joins Publicis Groupe after nearly seven years at JioStar, where she most recently served as AVP – Learning, Talent and Engagement. During her tenure, she worked on large-scale organisational transformation initiatives, including the introduction of AI-enabled learning solutions, the development of a structured skills taxonomy and the strengthening of the employer value proposition, the company said.

She joined the organisation when it operated as Viacom18 and was part of the leadership team that supported its transition and integration into JioStar. Her remit also included the design of leadership development programmes aimed at improving managerial effectiveness during a period of rapid growth and change.

With over a decade of experience in learning, talent management and organisational development, Kathuria has held roles across consulting and corporate environments. Before JioStar, she worked with EY, Mercer and IBM, contributing to talent strategy, leadership development and cultural transformation initiatives across sectors.

Kathuria holds an MBA in HR and Marketing from IFMR Graduate School of Business, Krea University, and an engineering degree from Nagpur University.

Her appointment comes as global professional services firms place renewed emphasis on skills-led workforce strategies, as evolving client demands and emerging technologies reshape agency operating models. Publicis Groupe said the role will be central to ensuring its talent remains aligned with future capability requirements.