Execs and Accounts for June 5, 2002

The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) has added thirteen online advertising sellers and publishers to its membership roster. New IAB member companies include Allrecipes.com, AWS WeatherBug, Flashspot Networks, HiWire, LookSmart, MTV Networks, NetCreations, SmartMoney.com, Studio One Networks, TechTarget, Ticketmaster, Vivendi Universal’s Flipside.com, and Winstar Interactive/Interep Interactive.

“Most of these new members indicated to me that they see a new momentum and drive behind the IAB to really make a difference,” noted IAB President and CEO Greg Stuart. “Frankly, we need and expect everyone’s support to make that difference. This year and next will be crucial as we move, via research and the proactive positioning of the interactive medium, to provide the industry with the tools for success.”

According to the IAB, its member companies now account for over 75 percent of the ad revenue generated via Internet advertising.

In other association news, Engage has become an associate member of The Online Publishers Association (OPA). Associate status with the OPA is open to vendors and organizations that support the online publishing business but are not, themselves, publishers.

“We’re delighted to form a relationship with OPA as we believe the organization upholds the highest standards in Internet publishing,” said Christopher Cuddy, Engage president and CEO. “By joining OPA, we believe that Engage will have a better understanding of the market challenges facing online publishers and therefore be better equipped to meet their needs.”

Through research and ongoing communications, OPA seeks to establish and promote the Internet as an effective advertising medium for marketers and a sustainable media business for publishers.

London-based technology infrastructure firm Global Name Registry, licence operator of the .name top-level domain, has appointed Earl Quenzel as vice president of sales and marketing. In his last role as senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Priceline.com Europe, Quenzel was responsible for introducing the unique ‘name your own price’ concept in the region. Prior to this, he managed all major partner marketing relationships at AT&T, including such brand monoliths as Disney, Universal, the Olympics and the NBA. Quenzel also spent more than a decade in the US airline industry, where he was an early pioneer of customer loyalty programs.

In his new post, Quenzel will devise and implement the international marketing strategy that will launch the .name concept. He also has a strategic responsibility for all elements of the customer’s relationship with the registry, incorporating marketing, sales, product development, communications and registrar operations.

E-mail change-of-address services company Return Path has added Ben Perez, president of Millard Group, to its board of directors. Perez joined Millard Group in 1984, serving as senior vice president of the list management division prior to becoming president. He is also on the DMA’s board of directors.

“We are excited to welcome Ben to our team,” said Matt Blumberg, Return Path chief executive officer. “He brings the perfect mixture of direct marketing industry experience, domain expertise in data services, and business building savvy to our Board.”

Performance-based search company Search123 has hired Carl Dunham as its vice president of technology. Dunham joins Search123 as part of the company’s acquisition of Simpli.com from United Online. As managing director at Simpli.com, Dunham was responsible for R&D and technology for targeted marketing products at United Online’s NetZero unit, and for Simpli.com’s context-based search.

Search123 CEO James Beriker said, “Under Carl’s leadership we will marry the Simpli.com technology with our existing understanding of commercial search, thus improving results for advertisers, distribution partners and end-users.”

In addition to research and development responsibilities, Dunham will spearhead the integration of Simpli.com search technology into Search123’s existing cost-per-click advertising system.

Chicago-based integrated marketing and public relations agency grant * jacoby has created an interactive division and hired six staff members to fill it. All formerly of Signal Interactive, the new staff members bring with them existing clients in several industries, including fitness, electronics and equipment manufacturing. Stiphane Tran and Michael Dietz, both formerly of Signal Interactive, will jointly oversee the new division, reporting to managing partner Ted Swartz and Bernie Pitzel, executive creative director.

“This is an excellent way to round out our capabilities and keep in house projects that were previously contracted out,” said Swartz.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has awarded the direct marketing duties for its Westin, Sheraton, St. Regis, Luxury collection, and four Points by Sheraton brands to Sierra Communications, an Interpublic agency.

“Sierra will apply their established expertise to clearly define and effctively communicate core branded and promotional messages in all direct marketing efforts,” said Marc Schwartz, vice president of direct marketing for Starwood.

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