Press Release

NEW YORK, Sep 1, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Tony Wright was today named Worldwide CEO and President of Lowe & Partners Worldwide. Mr. Wright, 43, is among the advertising industry's most distinguished practitioners. He joins Lowe from Ogilvy & Mather, where he had been Worldwide Chief Strategy Officer, charged with leading the strategic process for key multinational clients, as well as for global new business development. He assumes his new responsibilities from Jerry Judge, the agency's current CEO. Judge will continue as CEO of The Partnership division of Interpublic (NYSE: IPG), which encompasses a number of agency brands.

According to David Bell, CEO and President of Interpublic: "Back in mid-2001, Jerry signed on to do a four-year job at Lowe and help us address a number of issues at the company. He has been successful in putting together a management team that will help build a more powerful agency. As is usual in the course of business, we had put together a succession plan at Lowe. We're convinced we have found the right leader for Lowe now, which is why we've decided to accelerate management transition at the agency. Jerry respects that decision."

Mr. Judge added: "After having overseen one of the biggest mergers in advertising history between Lowe and APL, I am proud of the steps we have taken to futurize the agency. I am also proud of our strong new business record this year. I will be working with David to ensure a smooth transition through the end of 2004."

In describing Mr. Wright, David Bell commented: "Tony is an exceptional talent. He has proven his ability to succeed as both a leader at top creative agencies and as an effective steward of major global brands. His intellect and rigor, as well as his energy and passion for great work, will all be valuable in restoring Lowe to its traditional place among the first rank of global creative agencies."

"From my earliest days in the business, I have always considered Lowe as one of advertising's most admired brands. I am very much looking forward to joining the agency and working with the team there," said Mr. Wright. "I believe Lowe is uniquely positioned to address the paradox clients must increasingly confront -- how to get big, highly creative ideas quickly from an agency that is also able to think and execute globally."

Prior to joining Ogilvy & Mather in 1995, Mr. Wright was a partner in the successful New York creative agency, Berlin Wright Cameron. From 1986 to 1992, Wright made his name as a planner and strategist at Chiat Day, where he is credited as having been the driving force behind the immensely successful "Energizer Bunny" campaign, which continues to this day. Wright began his career in London at Hedger, Mitchell, Stark, a leading British creative agency.

About Interpublic

Interpublic is one of the world's leading organizations of advertising agencies and marketing-services companies. Major global brands include Draft, Foote, Cone & Belding Worldwide, GolinHarris International, Initiative, Lowe & Partners Worldwide, McCann-Erickson, Universal McCann, Octagon, Jack Morton Worldwide and Weber Shandwick Worldwide. Leading domestic brands include Campbell-Ewald, Deutsch and Hill Holliday.

SOURCE: Interpublic

Interpublic
Philippe Krakowsky, 212-399-8088