As the cornerstone of Publicis Groupe's PR operation, MS&L is shouldering a lot of responsibility, and indications are that it didn't quite meet its goals. But the firm says it did make strides this year, whether it was in the implementation of new practices, senior-level hires, or key account wins.

While MS&L added key global accounts like Heineken USA to its client roster, Mark Hass, CEO of MS&L, notes that an equal part of its success has been due to the ...