Execs and Accounts for October 7, 2002

Yahoo, Universal McCann, Optimedia and Deutsch have become the newest subscribers to the WebRF reach and frequency planning service.

“It’s crucial for the online industry to have the same level of sophisticated research tools as traditional media,” said Susan Nathan, senior vice president and director of media knowledge for Universal McCann. “Through WebRF, advertisers can efficiently research and plan cost-effective Internet campaigns before actual launch.”

Developed jointly by Nielsen//NetRatings and Interactive Market Systems, WebRF provides media planners with tools to assess the potential success of their Web ad campaigns prior to launch.

Red Door Interactive has hired Kelly Oletta as business development director, responsible for B2B and consumer markets, strategic partnerships, and sales channels.

Oletta’s last position was with Alvarion, a manufacturer of WLAN and fixed wireless equipment, where she repositioned the company’s products for the ISP and carrier markets. While at Alvarion, Oletta chaired the advertising committee that launched the Wi-Fi brand for 802.11b technology. Earlier positions included stints as an account executive for Patrick Murphy Advertising, marketing and PR manager for Dynair Electronics, and territory manager for Time Distribution Services, the retail sales and marketing arm of AOL-Time Warner.

In addition to her post at Red Door, Oletta is an adjunct instructor of marketing communications for Alliant International University in San Diego.

Integrated direct marketing agency True North has made two senior-level hires. John Como will be an account supervisor, responsible for the strategic direction and overall client service of the Buena Vista Home Entertainment online account. Como was most recently with Avenue A/NYC, where he developed online media strategies for Fortune 500 clients. Prior to that, he designed email acquisition and retention programs at Bigfoot Interactive.

Zoe Gardner has been appointed director of sales, compiled data. Most recently, Gardner was the sales director for the compiled data division of Mal Dunn Associates, where she negotiated wholesale pricing with all the major compilers.

San Diego-based integrated marketing firm The Townsend Agency has promoted Kelly Foster to director of client services. Originally hired in 1999, Foster will be responsible for developing and managing the execution of strategic plans for clients. As a part of the senior management team, she will join in policy decisions and development of the agency’s infrastructure.

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