Execs and Accounts for September 20, 2002

ComScore Networks has hired Lynn Bolger as executive VP of agency development. Bolger was most recently founder, managing director and CEO of FastBridge, a subsidiary of Initiative Media and a member of Interpublic. Before that, she worked as senior VP and director of Web media at APL Digital and director of marketing services at Softbank Interactive Marketing, the media sales organization that first handled online ad sales for Yahoo, Netscape, and ZDNet.

In her new post at comScore, Bolger will oversee development of agency media applications at the Web audience measurement firm.

YM magazine and music industry rag Billboard magazine are both dipping their toes in the mobile services arena, through separate deals with mobile entertainment providers. Mobile media company Moviso will provide YM’s subscribers with downloadable extras for their phones, such as ringtones and graphics; and Billboard has tapped Zingy to provide ringtones on its Billboard.com.

Downloadable from the YM and Billboard Web sites, the ringtones come from popular recording artists, the magazines said, and the services are already being promoted. Billboard’s print edition features full-page ads promoting Zingy, and YM is running similar ads for its service.

“Mobile entertainment is one of the true bright spots on the digital landscape,” said Ken Schlager, VP of business development for Billboard Music Group. “We are pleased to enter into a market that generates proven revenues while providing promotional value for artists.”

In addition to enabling subscribers to personalize their mobile phones, the partnership opens up a new promotional channel with which entertainment companies can market their content directly to teens.

Full-service agency Mullen has created a Web site that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Corvette while promoting the new Corvette MasterCard. The new site provides online acquisition for the Corvette MasterCard, offering instant approval and a list of features that includes a historic Vette timeline with photos and factoids on models from the original 1953 roadster to this year’s commemorative anniversary model. The Web presence also offers a Corvette pop trivia quiz for enthusiasts.

“Mullen is supporting the launch of the card with a themed Web site that’s perfectly in synch with Corvette,” said Micah Donahue, VP and account director at Mullen. “The site’s design and features were crafted to reflect the passion people have for this great performance brand.”

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