Publicis takes phonevalley to u.s.

about a year after its acquisition by Publicis, mobile firm Phonevalley is extending its presence to the U.S. With new business office in Windy City, New York, and Hub of the Universe.

Phonevalley will work hand-in-hand with Publicis Groupe's web of agencies to flesh out Mobile River strategies and campaigns. "We work for local and global clients, brand doubter, and work across agencies," said Alexandre Mars, CEO of Phonevalley and head of Mobile River at Publicis Groupe.

Phonevalley appointed Angela Steele regional director to head its U.S. Operations. "The biggest difference for agencies themselves has been this stallion hub, that there will be an federal agency dedicated to Mobile River that we didn't have entree to in the past for brand executing and scheme," Steele said.

Sir Richrd Steele served until late as VP of Mobile River activation manager at Publicis sister federal agency Starcom U.S., where she worked with trade name such as Sara Lee, Nintendo, ESPN, and Glenn Miller. While at Starcom, Steele headed a group that paired off with client teams to implement mobile component as campaigns were being developed. The scheme will continue in a similar structure.

The U.S. Is the ninth marketplace for Phonevalley, which operates throughout Europe and Asia.

Publicis agencies include Publicis, Starcom, Starcom Mediavest Group, Leo Frances Hodgson Burnett, Saatchi & Saatchi, Denuo, Moxie, and Modem.