Modem Media Chairman G.M. O’Connell is stepping down as CEO, effective in January 2004, but he will continue to work with the interactive agency as a part-time consultant. He will also continue to serve as chairman of the board.
“Serving as non-executive chairman provides the best of both worlds for me,” O’Connell said. “This new role allows me to continue to direct and influence the future of the company I founded, while providing me with more time to spend and travel with my young family.”
Mr. O’Connell has been on the board of directors since he co-founded Modem Media in 1987. He was appointed chairman in 1998.
Carat Interactive hired Ron Belanger as VP of search engine marketing.
Belanger’s last post was VP of account development at Inceptor, where he led a consulting group that developed search marketing campaigns for Best Buy and Sun Microsystems, among other clients. Earlier, Belanger was a member of the consulting arm of Fairmarket.
“Ron’s search engine marketing expertise coupled with nearly ten years of technology consulting and account management empowers Carat Interactive’s search practice with an entrepreneurial mindset,” said Sarah Fay, president of Carat Interactive.
Overture has given Performics its strategic partner designation, the highest service level in the search company’s Ambassador Program, which it developed to the enhance the credibility of high-performing search marketers. Benefits of the designation include access to customized sales proposals, a preferred vendor presence on Overture’s site, and access to the search company’s paid inclusion reseller program.
“Performics provides a comprehensive suite of technology products, an excellent understanding of the search space, and represents some of the most respected companies doing business on the Internet,” said David Karnstedt, SVP and general manager of direct business for Overture.
Interep Interactive has named Kristen Glynn account manager in its San Francisco office, replacing Scott Thompson, who left the company. Glynn was manager of collegiate marketing and promotions for wireless service provider Virgin Mobile USA from 2001 to 2003. She also held posts with Kintera, 24/7 Media, and the Oakland Athletics Baseball Company.
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