Execs and Accounts for January 21, 2003

Digitas has appointed two senior execs from its U.S. business to Digitas Europe as part of a strategy to build capacity and growth in the European market.

Chip Reingold joins as SVP and executive creative director, overseeing creative for all clients and new business in Europe. Reingold was most recently group creative director in the company’s Boston headquarters, where he led the agency’s relationships with American Electric Power, Delta Air Lines, and Celebrity Cruises.

Ruth Sreenan has been appointed senior vice president of technology for Digitas Europe. Sreenan was most recently a leader in the New York technology group, where she oversaw technology consulting for Digitas client engagements.

“We are putting talent on the ground to meet the needs of our current clients, and to signal our long-term commitment to the European market,” said Digitas Europe president Greg Johnson. “The opportunities for relationship marketing will continue to grow throughout Europe as more companies increasingly focus on the value of their customer relationships.”

24/7 Real Media has appointed ad veteran Valentine Zammit to its board of directors. Zammit was president and CEO of True North Diversified Companies from 1988 to 2002, and from 1978 to 1998 was CFO and vice chairman of Bozell, Jacobs, Kenyon & Eckhardt. He has also held positions at Young & Rubicam and Price Waterhouse.

“We are delighted that Val Zammit has accepted our invitation to join our board of directors,” said David Moore, 24/7 Real Media’s chairman and CEO. “His 25-plus years of ad agency senior management and financial experience gives him unique insights into the intricacies of the industry.”

In addition to his role on the board, Zammit will serve as chairman of 24/7’s audit committee.

Mobile marketing firm Avesair has launched a wireless ad campaign for Comedy Central, promoting the launch of the network’s new series, “Chapelle’s Show.”

The 10-day push campaign, which started on January 13, was developed by Comedy Central’s interactive agency, Media Contacts. Dubbed “Spread the Word,” the effort targets consumers who have opted in to receive SMS and text messages on their two-way pagers.

“Due to their extensive mobile marketing network, the Avesair partnership allows us to reach our audience effectively throughout the execution of this campaign,” said John Davis, account director for Media Contacts.

For more breaking news on account action and executive moves, visit ChannelSeven.com.