Mercedes Erra is a great businesswoman, and 2004 was a great year for her. First, she became a Chevalier de la Legion d'honneur for her contribution to the French economy, and also because she improved the role of women in French society. Then, a few months later, the Financial Times ranked her one of Europe's top 25 women in business.
She was born in Spain and went to France at the age of six. She was educated at the Sorbonne and became Managing Director of Saatchi & Saatchi France in 1990. Known for her platinum-blonde hair and great energy, she is one of the most remarkable and respected executives in France. In 1994, she co-founded Euro RSCG, one of the main advertising agencies in France. She is also President of RSCG France. Many people like her energetic approach. David Jones, Global Chief Executive of RSCG Worldwide, describes her as 'an amazing woman; the person in the media I admire most'. Erra has four children and often appears in the French media. She believes men and women need to have the same rights and opportunities. She says that women need to be more confident, to believe more in themselves. In 2002, she was elected president of the French Advertising Agencies Association, the first woman to hold the post.
Her agency, the fifth-largest in the world, created campaigns for global brands including Volvo, Louis Vuitton, Danone, Pfizer, Orange and Disney.