Execs and Accounts for April 2, 2003

Klipmart Corporation, a Java-based video ad services provider, has launched a Hewlett-Packard sponsored campaign promoting the 2003 Forbes 500 List. The ad unit features a 45-second editorial spot shot by Forbes.com, exclusively for the Internet. The video portion of the ad unit captures Paul Maidment, editor of Forbes.com, introducing users to the online version of the Forbes 500 List. In addition, the ad unit incorporates a timed HP Flash ad.

“We’re very excited that Klipmart has selected Forbes.com for this ad format on behalf of Hewlett-Packard,” said Jim Spanfeller, president and CEO of Forbes.com. “Multi-media is becoming increasingly popular among our audience, and this video format makes the 500 list even more interactive and useful for all of our visitors.”

Financial news provider Bloomberg has relaunched its site, focusing on sharpened content and a minimalist design. Bloomberg’s in-house creative staff executed the redesign in consultation with Funny Garbage, a New York Web design firm.

While users previously had to visit separate regional sites within Bloomberg.com to access news and data from Europe, the Americas, and Asia, the site now integrates content from those sites into four new sections focusing on Bloomberg’s core strengths.

According to Michael Rosen, Bloomberg Media’s head of ad sales, the redesign also offers advertisers more effective opportunities by seamlessly integrating ad units with the site’s streamlined content. Rosen said other ad opportunities include new types of interstitials and sponsorships for world equity indices and the Bloomberg video player.

DoubleClick has expanded its relationship with Media Contacts, a media services firm and division of the Media Planning Group, owned by Havas. Under the agreement, DoubleClick will continue to be the preferred global ad management provider for all Media Contacts offices, including the U.S., U.K., France, Spain and Brazil. In addition, DoubleClick will be the preferred provider of media planning tools in the U.S.

“We’re excited about our continued partnership and growth into areas such as media planning,” said Gonzalo Ibanez, product development director for Media Contacts. “Our use of DART for Advertisers has grown exponentially over the past few years.”

Agency.com has launched a new corporate Web site for natural gas distributor KeySpan. The energy company’s new online presence lets consumers manage their accounts and access region-specific content. Additionally, KeySpan offers tips for making any home more energy efficient, including a home energy audit which lets customers analyze how their homes are using energy.

Online marketer Responsys has hired Howard Koenig as chief executive officer. Koenig most recently served as CEO of BenefitAmerica, prior to which he was VP of operations and client services for Automatic Data Processing, a leading outsourcing and managed services company. He also held leadership positions at Accenture, Oracle and Deloitte Consulting.

“Howard’s experience, leadership and vision have been instrumental in the success of world-class providers of outsourced business services. He understands how online marketing forms the foundation of a winning customer relationship strategy,” said Anand Jagannathan, founder and chairman of Responsys.

Undertone Networks, a provider of interactive ad services, has launched its first campaign. The theme of the campaign, “Internet Media that Actually Works,” will appear in both online and offline trade publications over the course of 2003.

“We are extremely pleased with the progress made by our marketing department in the planning and execution of this campaign,” said Eric Franchi, VP of sales for Undertone.

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