When he loses a client or a pitch, top advertising executive Michael Rebelo is always gracious in defeat. If there is a handover to be done, Rebelo, who is chief executive of Publicis Groupe in Australia and New Zealand, makes sure the process is smooth and relations remain cordial with the client.

“We make sure the transition is absolutely professional and world-class. You make sure you honour all your commitments. You make sure you do right by your people, you make sure you do right by the clients that you’re leaving,” Rebelo says.