Execs and Accounts for May 1, 2002

ValueClick’s Michael Laur, a long-time employee who led the company’s operations in Europe and Asia, will assume the post of vice president of Western sales for ValueClick Media, responsible for all Western sales activities for ValueClick’s media properties. He will also manage cross-selling of products within the company’s suite of offerings, including Mediaplex’s MOJO AdServer, AdWare’s digital content management, and the newly acquired BeFree’s marketing platform.

Laur’s appointment follows the hiring of Andrew Jacobson’s to the post of vice president of Eastern sales. Additionally, ValueClick Chief Operating Officer Sam Paisley was recently made president of ValueClick Media.

Meanwhile, ValueClick subsidiary AdWare has named Paul Benjou as director of client services. Benjou will be responsible for heading AdWare’s New York operations, a role which covers management of the New York team, client development and partnerships. His career includes stints at agencies McCaffrey&McCall, Grey Advertising, Young and Rubicam, Ketchum MacLeod & Grove, FCB/Leber Katz Partners, and Draft Worldwide.

Rich media player Eyeblaster has opened a new sales and support office to serve clients in the U.K. and across Europe, which will be located in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Eyeblaster’s client base in Europe has increased over the last year. European agencies and divisions using Eyeblaster include Zenith Interactive, Ogilvy, Mindshare, Starcom UK, MGM and Tribal DDB.

Pay-for-placement search engine and marketing firm FindWhat.com has promoted Jason Williams, managing director of its BeFirst division, to vice president of strategic planning. Prior to his two years at BeFirst, Williams worked for Electronic Data Systems as a consultant to Meredith Corp. and other accounts.

JanSport, a seller of travel and outdoor gear, has tapped the Vancouver office of Tribal DDB Worldwide for a Web site expansion. In adding to developing JanSport’s Web presence, Tribal DDB will incorporate the company’s new line-up of teen backpacks, outdoor packs, and travel gear. The firm will work with DDB Seattle, JanSport’s lead marketing agency. The revamped site will launch late this summer, coinciding with other marketing initiatives.

“We chose to work with Tribal DDB because of their expertise in marketing brands online, and their close affiliation with DDB Seattle, our agency of record,” said Laurie Holloway, JanSport’s consumer relations manager.

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