Publicis Sapient’s chief talent officer has ended a very brief tenure in the role.
Sources with knowledge of the agency cited an internal memo announcing today as Kristi Erickson‘s last at Publicis Sapient and appointing Kameshwari Rao as interim chief talent officer. It’s unclear if the agency is searching for a permanent replacement in the role or if Rao may take on the position permanently. Publicis Sapient declined to comment.
25-year Accenture veteran Kristi Erickson joined Publicis Sapient in September from Mosiac Talent, which she founded and for which she served as managing director. At the time, Nigel Vaz, who was named Publicis Sapient CEO in February, cited her “extensive background and expertise,” as well as her “commitment to inclusion and talent development.”
Publicis Sapient began the year with a fresh identity, after a SapientRazorfish reorganization last year led to over 100 layoffs. A subsequent reorganization this July reportedly related to financial performance impacted around 100 more, including layoffs and reassignments. In May, Publicis Sapient was awarded a $112 million assignment to maintain the Department of Health and Human Services’ IT platform.