Corporate News

Targetbase Names Steve Grout as CEO of U.K. Office

DALLAS, January 23, 2009 — Targetbase, a leading US based direct marketing agency, is quickly gaining notoriety overseas through their UK office, which launched in July of last year. To build on this current success and better position the office for future development, Targetbase announced the appointment of Steve Grout as CEO UK office effective February 2.

Grout, the former managing director of Rapp Collins Europe, has been at the forefront of data and digital innovation for more than 15 years and has worked with major brands including Heinz, Ford, Jaguar, British Airways, Pfizer and ExxonMobil. While at Rapp he was responsible for agencies successfully integrated data, digital and creative marketing in key territories across Europe, resulting in successful company growth.

Grout's arrival will enable Chris Gordon, Targetbase's International CEO, to focus solely on his goal to develop an international network beyond the U.S. and U.K. and to meet global client demand.

David Scholes, Global CEO of Targetbase, said, "Steve is the person we need to lead the next stage of our development. He is both highly experienced and has the ability to build upon and expand our unique offering in the U.K. His reputation with clients, long-term track record of delivering on business growth, and understanding of data-driven and digital marketing proved extremely compelling. I look forward to Steve joining us and building on our recent wins of Selftrade and Jobsite."

Grout added, "What excites me most about joining Targetbase Claydon Heeley is that while many agencies talk about some form of customer focus or insight through data, very few achieve it successfully. Targetbase has been ‘walking the talk' for years and each year the business produces outstanding results for its clients. Having seen some of the agency's extraordinary digital work for 3, Royal Mail, Post Office and Universal, I can't wait to get started."

About Targetbase

Targetbase achieves superior marketing results by focusing on the customers its clients have a right to win. The company manages real-time interactions and long-term customer relationships through the integration of advanced analytics, best-of-breed technologies and world-class creative. By aligning the right messages, tactics, channels and timing, Targetbase puts customers first.

Targetbase was cited as a leader in both enterprise and mid-market database marketing services by Forrester in its November 2007 Forrester Wave report, The Forrester Wave™: Database Marketing Service Providers - Q4 2007, receiving the top score in eight out or 26 current offering and strategy categories, including analytical services, creative services and execution. The report noted that "Targetbase delivers a grand slam of integrated strategy, analytics, technology, and creative."

Targetbase is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (http://www.omnicomgroup.com), a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

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For Information contact:

Rod Dillehay
972.506.3684
rod.dillehay@targetbase.com