Universal McCann Gains Wall Street Recognition for Media-Centric Reorganization

Interpublic Group, which has been struggling to regain Wall Street credibility with its stock price hovering around half its 52-week high of $10.47, is offering a model for recovery through its Mediabrands media operation, which has surprised industry observers with impressive new business gains at media agency Universal McCann, on the heels of sister agency Initiative being named by Ad Age as 2008 Media Agency of the Year. Over the past few months, Nick Brien, CEO of IPG's umbrella media operation and his newly installed team at U-M have successfully defended the Home Depot and Nationwide Insurance business, and won the Charles Schwab and BMW accounts, both from Omnicom, Combined, the accounts represent more than $500 million. What's behind the success at Universal McCann? A completely new approach to industry relationships spear-headed by Global CEO Matt Seiler, North America president Jacki Kelley and SVP New Business Jen Hohman.

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