LePub opens its doors in London and unveils new leadership team

London, Wednesday 8th October 2025: Publicis Groupe UK has appointed Gina Hood as Chief Executive Officer and Francesco Grandi as Chief Creative Officer of LePub London, which launches today and joins the boutique creative shop’s global network. Hood and Grandi will work closely with Sol Ghafoor, LePub’s UK-based Global Chief Strategy Officer.

LePub London’s founding clients will be Heineken, a longstanding brand partner in other markets, and Tinder, a recent European partnership for the agency. Based in Chancery Lane, Hood reports to Charlie Rudd, CEO of Publicis Groupe UK’s Creative Practice, with Grandi reporting to Bruno Bertelli, Global CEO, LePub and CCO, LePub Worldwide.

Charlie Rudd, CEO of Publicis Groupe UK’s Creative Practice said: “In bringing LePub to London, we’re investing in an agency brand that brings the unmistakable spirit of a start up to our established creative offering here in the UK. Having Gina and Francesco at the helm from day one sets us up for great momentum; they are both talented, dynamic leaders who share the creative ambition at the heart of the LePub brand.”

Hood joins the agency after four years at Pablo London, where she was most recently Head of Growth & Client Partner. Dedicated to creating positive change in the industry, she is also founder of the FUTURES network, which supports a community of more than 400 women in advertising, marketing and communications, helping them reach and excel in senior leadership roles. She served as President of equal opportunities network Bloom UK and is co-chair of The Marketing Academy’s Scholarship Alumni Council.

Grandi joins from Ogilvy Canada, where he spent three years as CCO and spearheaded creative output across two offices. During his tenure, he led on work including “Cost of Beauty” and “Toxic Influence” for Dove and “Screen Block” for Vaseline. Prior to this, Grandi spent six years in the UK at agencies including Saatchi & Saatchi, Ogilvy and R/GA. Grandi’s work has picked up the top awards at all the major international festivals, and has been nominated for an Emmy.

Sol Ghafoor joined LePub in 2023 and leads strategy across the network. He also runs LePub’s global Data & Culture lab, a unique research capability which unlocks insights across consumer, culture and commerce. Ghafoor will work closely with Gina and Francesco to shape LePub London’s strategic vision.

Gina Hood, Chief Executive Officer, LePub London said: “LePub is an agency with a unique offering, a boutique style brand with a truly global network and the power of Publicis Groupe behind it. I’m excited to be here in the UK to unlock the growth potential for our brand partners.”

Francesco Grandi, Chief Creative Officer, LePub London said: “For years, I’ve witnessed LePub create category redefining platforms while driving our industry forward with first-of-its-kind ideas. The energy within their global walls is palpable. We share the same tenacious spirit in doing whatever it takes to get a great idea made for our partners. I can’t wait to bring a dose of our relentless optimism to one of the most creatively vibrant cities in the world.”

Bruno Bertelli, Global CEO LePub, CCO LePub Worldwide, said: “Opening our London office marks a key milestone, bringing our culture-first approach to this vibrant city. With Gina, Francesco and Sol leading from day one, we’re set for strong momentum and growth.”

Launched in Amsterdam in 2020 and led by Bruno Bertelli, LePub combines enduring brand platform development with earned-first ideas that resonate in culture, powered by its proprietary Data & Culture Lab and tech-driven LeGarage division. This year, LePub expanded to New York and Bogotá, and now operates 10 hubs across nine markets.