Press Release

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 12, 2005--The Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG) announced today that it has named Mark Rosenthal Chairman and CEO of the group's media operations. For nearly a decade, as President and Chief Operating Officer of MTV Networks, Mr. Rosenthal was a leader in growing and extending the reach of that company's world-class media brands, both geographically and into areas such as films, books, consumer products and the Internet. In his new position, which has not previously existed at Interpublic, Mr. Rosenthal will be based in New York and will oversee all of the company's worldwide media operations, including Initiative, MAGNA Global, Universal and a number of leading specialist media agencies, with capabilities that range from programming and content development to interactive, retail and media barter. Mr. Rosenthal will also work directly with Interpublic Chairman and CEO, Michael Roth, to refine and implement a strategy that aligns all of the holding company's media assets and maximizes the benefits they - working together with other Interpublic assets in areas such as sports, entertainment and event marketing - deliver to clients.

"We were looking for someone with Mark's breadth of experience, as both a top-notch executive and practitioner. Someone who understands the changing media landscape and can bring a unique perspective that will knit together all of our media assets, which is not something we have done previously," said Mr. Roth. "Mark brings an unusual combination of talents in that he has exceptional operational skills and a real vision as to the future of media, which is becoming an increasingly important part of our business. I'm confident he can successfully run the next generation media offering that will deliver a differentiated, value-added media product to all of Interpublic's clients."

"This is a unique opportunity," said Mr. Rosenthal, "to lead a new organization which can offer the full range of media capabilities to solve marketing problems. This organization has the potential to be unrivaled in combining its media buying power, creative insights and execution, and analytical horsepower to help clients build their brands and sell more products. While there is a great deal that needs to be done operationally to bring Interpublic's media assets together, I am confident we will now be able to offer a distinctive and coordinated set of capabilities to our clients. Initiative and Universal will remain independent of one another and we'll also remain strongly committed to supporting MAGNA Global's unique strength as our aggregated negotiation unit. I look forward to seeing us innovate in key areas such as media measurement and research. We'll also look to develop new ways of capitalizing on Interpublic's multiple assets, such as those in sports, entertainment and event marketing and other creative offerings that are natural adjuncts of the media business and will help us create exciting new possibilities for marketers."

From 1996 to 2004, Mr. Rosenthal served as President and Chief Operating Officer of MTV Networks. In this role, he helped spearhead the creation of the strategic plans that served as the foundation for the company's growth. During his tenure, revenue and earnings from the company's operations more than tripled as MTV Networks' 96 television channels, which include MTV, Nickelodeon and VH1, grew to reach 400 million households in 164 countries around the world. Additionally, Mr. Rosenthal led the restructuring of one of the industry's largest advertising sales groups. In the process, he developed deep relationships with senior decision-makers within the advertising community. He also helped lead the execution and integration of acquisitions that added brands such as Comedy Central, VIVA, The Nashville Network (now Spike TV), College Television Network (now mtvU), Country Music Television, and Noggin to the MTV Networks franchise.

Prior to becoming President and COO of MTV Networks in 1996, Mr. Rosenthal rose through positions of increasing responsibility in the affiliate sales and marketing organization at MTV Networks and its predecessor company, Warner Amex Satellite Entertainment Company, ultimately supervising the sales, distribution and marketing for all of MTV Networks' domestic television networks. While in these roles, he built the largest distribution capability in the cable industry. Mr. Rosenthal joined Warner Amex Satellite Entertainment Company in 1982.

Mr. Rosenthal, who is 53, began his career in media in 1980 at CBS Cable. He holds a BA from Kenyon College and an MFA from Yale University.

About Interpublic

Interpublic is one of the world's leading organizations of advertising agencies and marketing-services companies. Major global brands include Draft, Foote Cone & Belding Worldwide, GolinHarris International, Initiative, Jack Morton Worldwide, Lowe & Partners Worldwide, MAGNA Global, McCann Erickson, Octagon, Universal McCann and Weber Shandwick. Leading domestic brands include Campbell-Ewald, Deutsch and Hill Holliday.

CONTACT: For Interpublic Group
General Inquiries:
Julie Tu, 212-827-3776
or
Media, Analysts, Investors:
Philippe Krakowsky, 212-704-1328
or
Analysts, Investors:
Jerry Leshne, 212-704-1439

SOURCE: The Interpublic Group