Execs and Accounts for May 14, 2003

Microsoft France will use Real Media Europe’s Spot4Web technology to repurpose TV ads from its “Agile Enterprises” campaign for the Internet. Spot4Web delivers interactive video and audio streaming files, and will allow Microsoft France to run the TV spots on numerous high-tech and general interest French Web sites, including Le Monde, Liberation, Les Echos, Journal Du Net and ZDnet.

“The technology gave us great delivery quality while freeing us from the technical constraints of plug-ins,” said Sandra Castellani, director of Universal Interactive, a division of Microsoft France agency Universal McCann. “The campaign was translated from television to Internet advertising very rapidly thanks to the unique Spot4Web product.”

To date, more than 15 advertisers have chosen the Real Media-Spot4Web solution to deliver television ads on the Internet.

Integrated agency Planit has created a convergence media division, combining broadcast, interactive, animation and other services under one roof. The new service area was established in anticipation of client needs, particularly with interactive television in its early stage of development. Planit said the division has already spawned seven projects, with agency fees approaching $4.5 million.

“The development is a natural next step in our progression as an agency. It enhances our existing advertising, direct response, public relations, and interactive capabilities,” commented Matt Doud, Planit’s president and co-founder.

Planit has hired Steven Kostant as senior creative strategist to oversee the new division. Carlson Bull will serve as director of animation.

eDiets.com has named Sheryl Gatto VP of marketing. Most recently, Gatto served as applications manager for Mary Kay, where she handled marketing, communications, conferences and exhibitions. Earlier, she was director of marketing at Travelocity.com.

“Sheryl’s sales, marketing and advertising experience will be invaluable as we continue to move forward with new initiatives in online nutrition, fitness and motivation,” said eDiets CEO David Humble.

Astronomy-focused publisher and developer Space Holdings has hired three senior executives and promoted another. Joining the company are Barbara Shornick as VP of marketing, Thom Maslow as VP and general manager of the consumer products and experiences division, and Gary Strauss as national sales director for Space.com. Monika Cornell was promoted to VP of global ad sales for Space News, a trade publication.

“These senior management appointments add valuable leadership to our team and will enable us to aggressively continue the re-fashioning of Space Holdings into a diversified, multi-media company,” said President and CEO Daniel Stone.

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