Execs & Accounts for March 2, 2007

Del Monte Foods’ New Ventures Group selected Maiden Lane as advertising agency of record. The New Ventures Group is a division within Del Monte Foods charged with growing the Del Monte and StarKist brands. Maiden Lane is its first advertising agency of record.

Bazaarvoice opened a London office. The online word of mouth advertising business named Shareen Campbell, sales director, to head the office.

Rapp Collins Worldwide added two to senior management.The direct marketing agency hired Steve Bass as director of global integration and development and promoted Matthew Hafkin to global chief financial officer. Both are new positions based out of New York and will report to CEO Gary Von Kennel.

Analyst firm Gartner promoted Paul Denhup to senior director of search strategy and marketing. Denhup was previously director of search strategy.

Pulse 360 added two sites to its network. The sponsored links provider signed distribution agreements with publishers Q-Phrase and Bloggerland.

Jim Noyd launched a new advertising firm. Noyd has left Jefferson/Acker Advertising + Communications to start Noyd Communications. Microtek, VIZIO, Sherwood and Ultralink/XLO have been named as initial clients.

Gorilla Nation promoted six in sales-related positions. The online ad rep firm promoted Brad Agens to vice president of national sales; Lance Wolder and Monique Masghati to senior account executive; Jessica Fong and John “JR” Hoffman to strategic account manager; and Teresa Huang to sales and marketing manager.