Interpublic Hires Bant Breen as Director of Strategic Development and Innovation

Interpublic Hires Bant Breen as Director of Strategic Development and Innovation

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jan. 19, 2006–The Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE: IPG) announced today that it has hired Bant Breen as Senior Vice President, Director of Strategic Development and Innovation. Breen will play a key role in driving Interpublic’s strategic agenda in areas such as asset alignment, communications innovation, technology and acquisitions. He will report to Stephen Gatfield, Executive Vice President, Strategy and Network Operations, in this newly created role.

“Developing and refining our corporate strategy is a key driver of our success at this crucial time for Interpublic,” commented Stephen Gatfield. “Bant’s experience in global emerging media platforms will be a tremendous asset. We are fortunate to have him as part of our team.”

Most recently, Mr. Breen was the Founder and President of Bant Breen LLC, a strategic marketing and communications consultancy affiliated with Dentsu Inc. Before founding his own company, he was with Leo Burnett Worldwide for five years in roles that included Regional Managing Director of iLeo (now Arc Worldwide) as well as Digital and Integrated Communications Director for Leo Burnett EMEA. At Leo Burnett Worldwide, he developed and oversaw Burnett’s one-to-one marketing network operations outside of the US. He planned and advised on corporate strategy and mergers and acquisitions with a digital, direct, database and integrated media marketing focus.

Breen, who has worked in Asia Pacific, Europe and the U.S., began his advertising career as a WPP Fellow, part of the holding company’s program that develops senior management talent with experience across a range of marketing disciplines. During his three-year fellowship Breen worked at Mindshare Media, Ogilvy & Mather and Enterprise I.G., the identity consultancy.