MasterCard Names GSD&M as Internet Media Agency

Purchase, NY-based MasterCard said that GSD&M of Austin, TX--its media agency since 1994--will be its Internet advertising agency.

GSD&M will assume responsibility for the creative development, execution and media buying and planning for all of MasterCard's Internet advertising. Billings were not disclosed.

MasterCard said it has charged the agency with further establishing MasterCard as the preferred online payment brand and driving its consumer electronic commerce marketing initiatives.

"We saw a great opportunity with GSD&M to coordinate and leverage our media buying strength," said Larry Flanagan, vice president, U.S. marketing, MasterCard International. "GSD&M brought us solid strategic thinking and a clear focus to help us further our online initiatives."

"We've had a great relationship with MasterCard over the last four years, and we're thrilled to have the opportunity to expand our support of MasterCard into Internet advertising," said Roy Spence, president of GSD&M Advertising. "We're confident we can build MasterCard's leadership in electronic commerce through innovative online advertising."

McCann-Erickson remains MasterCard's agency of record for all print, television and radio advertising.