COMPANIES
SAP Acquires Hybris
What is it? SAP acquires Hybris, an e-commerce software company headquartered in Switzerland.
WIIFM? SAP users can access Hybris’s omnichannel solutions to help its clients bolster their customer engagement.
Who’s talking? “With Hybris, SAP has made a decisive move to raise the stakes in customer relationship management and define the next generation customer experience,” says SAP CEO Jim Hagemann Snabe.
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360i Ventures North
What is it? 360i opens an office in Toronto, alongside sister agency DentsuBos, the agency’s second location outside the U.S.
WIIFM? The agency’s northward expansion will enable it to provide services to its burgeoning client-base in Canada.
Who’s talking? “360i has been a wonderful partner to us in the U.S., and we’re excited to be working with the agency to grow our brand and engage our customers in the Canadian market,” says Glenn Martin, director of marketing at Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Canada.
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Dispop Disrupts Display Design
What is it? Dispop announces the launch of its new crowdsourced ad design platform, and secures $600 thousand in seed funding from Inimiti Capital.
WIIFM? Advertisers can tap a network of designers and A/B test several banner variations simultaneously.
Who’s talking? “It’s essential for brands and marketers to know what designs really work in the real world of the Internet,” says Ayal Evert, co-founder of Dispop.
PRODUCTS
StrongMail: Mobilized
What is it? StrongMail adds mobile marketing capabilities to the company’s array of email and cross-channel marketing solutions.
WIIFM? StrongMail says marketers will be able to measure clicks and conversions across multiple screens, gauging the effectiveness of their mobile campaigns.
Who’s talking? “Understanding how consumers are interacting with a marketer’s messages on mobile devices is critical for developing successful cross-channel programs,” says VP of Marketing Services Katrina Conn.
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Avaya’s Outbound Express
What is it? Avaya announces the launch of Outbound Contact Express, a customer experience management solution for midsize contact centers.
WIIFM? For contact centers at midsize companies, it’s a turnkey alternative to a patchwork of vendor solutions, according to Avaya.
Who’s talking? “Avaya Outbound Contact Express streamlines all the pieces, including ongoing support and upgrade protection, needed for highly effective operations,” says VP and GM Mark de la Vega.
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BlueHornet Keeps Coupons in the Nest
What is it? BlueHornet introduces Unique Coupon Distribution solution to address the problem of generic coupon codes spreading beyond intended recipients.
WIIFM? It’s a way for marketers to limit unique coupon code distribution within emails to reach existing and prospective customers only.
Who’s talking? “It’s an easy way to manage and distribute unique codes, as well as increase online offer redemption,” says GM Gerry Widmer.
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User-friendly Mobile App Analytics
What is it? Buddy Platform introduces Analytics Dashboard, a platform designed to deliver metrics on mobile audience engagement.
WIIFM? Buddy claims that the tool supplies metrics for customer engagement, demographics, social, and geo-location information.
Who’s talking? “It’s the first solution to measure true mobile consumer engagement, creating standardized metrics for buying or selling digital media, and optimizing apps for target customers,” says CEO David McLauchlan.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
Who is it: Ken Beatty named EVP, chief strategic analytics officer at Draftfcb
What’s his role: Beatty will partner with the firm’s strategic planning and creative teams in ensuring metrics-driven programs across all brands.
Where was he prior: A former U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, Beatty arrives at Draftfcb from G2, where he served as executive director of data and analytics.
Why was he appointed: “Ken’s application of the ‘universal truth of analytics’ regardless of industry vertical is unparalleled,” says Dana Maiman, CEO and president of Draftfcb Healthcare.
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Who is it: Jessica Hawthorne-Castro promoted to chief operating officer of Hawthorne Direct
What’s her role: In her new role Hawthorne-Castro will oversee internal affairs, as well as interdepartmental efforts in the Los Angeles and Midwest branches.
Where was she prior: Hawthorne-Castro joined the company in 2007 as an Account Executive. Previously, she was an agent at the William Morris Endeavor Talent Agency.
Why was she appointed: “Since coming to our agency in 2007, Jessica has fundamentally changed our company’s mission statement for the next generation. As CEO, I couldn’t be more appreciative; as a father, I couldn’t be more proud,” says Tim Hawthorne.
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Who is it: Nick Brien joins Covario‘s board of Directors.
Where was he prior: Prior to Covario, Brien occupied the position of chairman and chief executive of McCann Worldgroup. He also held leadership posts at the Publicis Groupe’s Arc and Starcom firms.
Why was he appointed: “At both Covario and Rio SEO – our software division – Nick’s insights and experience will be huge assets as we move ahead with our focus on delivering optimal results and ROI to our clients through smarter search and innovative content strategies,” says Covario’s CEO Russ Mann.
