Press Release

NEW YORK, Jan 12, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Interpublic (NYSE: IPG) announced today that it has named Matt Seiler to lead Mediabrands, its dynamic media and marketing group that has been a key contributor to the holding company's success in recent years. Effective immediately, Seiler will move into the role from his current position as CEO of UM, the largest unit within Mediabrands. He will be replaced in this capacity by Jacki Kelley, who steps up from her current post as UM's North American CEO.

"When we launched our new media model fours years ago, we wanted to deliver on the scale and breadth of our capabilities, but also create a nimble, collaborative culture led by outstanding executives," said Michael I. Roth, Interpublic's Chairman and CEO. "The performance we've seen in recent years at UM, Initiative and our Mediabrands Ventures agencies has been exceptional. Matt Seiler's leadership role with clients, in winning new business and in attracting some of the best talent into our organization made the decision to promote him a logical next step for the business. We believe he can drive the organization to even greater heights in an increasingly complex and digital marketing landscape. It's also gratifying to see that we have the management bench strength to fill this vital position from within our ranks, and to do the same in naming Jacki to lead UM globally. She's made major contributions to the agency's success and will continue to do so. We're confident Matt and Jacki, joined by Initiative CEO Richard Beaven and Mediabrands Ventures CEO Matt Freeman, give us the strongest team of media leaders in the business." During the past three years, Interpublic media companies have won "agency of the year" honors at the network level, in the US and globally, as well as for a number of media specialties. Mediabrands has also been recognized as "Media Holding Company of the Year" by MediaPost for both 2009 and 2010.

"I'm very energized by this new challenge and look forward to building on the great accomplishments of our organization these past few years," added Seiler. "We are fortunate to have exceptional leaders at Initiative, Mediabrands Ventures and UM as we continue to create a new kind of media offering that is strategic and high-value, helps clients meet their toughest marketing objectives and builds out top-shelf capabilities in areas ranging from ad exchanges and search to shopper marketing and global barter services. We'll also continue to push the envelope when it comes to delivering collaborative models with Interpublic's full-service brand agencies - both domestically and internationally."

Matt Seiler Biography

Matt is a true "mutt" of the industry. From being an account guy to strategic planner, he has seen all sides of the marketing and media world. This varied experience helps Matt understand the differing perspectives of the media world, and allows him to challenge the conventions and norms throughout this business.

Matt Seiler joined IPG as Global Chief Executive Officer of UM in August 2008. With a strong background across media and creative, he transformed UM under his leadership. Matt redefined the scope of media services to encompass all forms of marketing communications, and bridged the gap that existed between media and creative agencies. Mediaweek named Matt "Executive of the Year" in November 2009.

Prior to UM, Matt served as President and later CEO of PHD North America which he joined in 2004. Matt has also held substantial roles within the Omnicom Group, including EVP, Chief Insight and Integration Officer for the holding company and Director of Strategic Planning at BBDO New York. Matt's foundation for his leadership and client relations began on the account side as a Senior Account Director at Goodby, Silverstein & Partners.

Jacki Kelley Biography

Jacki brings 20 years of global experience from the media owner perspective. She has worked with a number of networks and established herself as an expert in forging strategic partnerships among media owners and agencies. She understands how media owners can be engaged to provide the most strategic value for UM clients. Jacki joined IPG in 2009 as President of UM North America. In this role, Jacki has held responsibility for all regional operations, including planning and buying across all channels, as well as business development.

Jacki came to UM from Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, where she served as Executive Vice President of Media Sales, and led the formation of an integrated media team. Previously, she served as Vice President, Worldwide Strategies and Solutions at YAHOO. She began her career at USA Today where she spent 18 years with her last position there as Senior Vice President of Advertising.

About Interpublic

Interpublic is one of the world's leading organizations of advertising agencies and marketing services companies. Major global brands include Draftfcb, FutureBrand, GolinHarris International, Initiative, Jack Morton Worldwide, Lowe Worldwide, Magna, McCann Erickson, Momentum, MRM Worldwide, Octagon, R/GA, UM and Weber Shandwick. Leading domestic brands include Campbell-Ewald; Campbell Mithun; Carmichael Lynch; Deutsch, a Lowe & Partners Company; Hill Holliday; ID Media; Mullen and The Martin Agency. For more information, please visit www.interpublic.com.

SOURCE: Interpublic Group

Interpublic Group
Tom Cunningham, 212-704-1326
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