Press Release

Tom Gruhler of McCann Worldgroup and Stephen Stoute of Translation Consultation + Brand Imaging Inducted into AAF's Advertising Hall of Achievement

NEW YORK, Nov 18, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Interpublic (NYSE:IPG) executives Tom Gruhler, EVP Global Account Director, McCann Worldgroup and Steve Stoute, Founder & Chief Creative Officer, Translation Consultation + Brand Imaging will be inducted into the American Advertising Federation (AAF)'s Hall of Achievement. Now in its 16th year, the prestigious award recognizes advertising leaders, age 40 and under, who have made a significant impact on the industry though their talent, career achievements and inspiring personal qualities.

Tom Gruhler leads McCann Worldgroup's largest U.S. account, Verizon. Involved with the business since 2001, Gruhler has helped create a highly successful integrated cross-platform team that includes a broad spectrum of advertising and marketing specialties. Known for developing talent, he also serves as a Director of the McCann Worldgroup Global Telecom Practice, a group that seeks to cultivate the agency's global telecom expertise. Additionally, Gruhler is involved in professional and community organizations. He is Chair of the AAAA's Committee for Account Management, SVP of the New York Ad Club (and serving as President in 2009), Board Member for the Good Deed Foundation and works with PENCIL, a not-for-profit that links business leaders and principals to develop public schools in NYC.

Steve Stoute is best known for establishing innovative relationships between Fortune 500 companies and celebrities in music, sports, fashion and entertainment. Before becoming involved with advertising, Stoute had a successful career in music management at Interscope Geffen, A&M Records and Sony Music Entertainment. He also partnered with Peter Arnell to establish PASS, a Manhattan-based marketing and advertising firm. In 2003, Steve formed Translation Consultation + Brand Imaging, where he has created successful and authentic celebrity brand partnerships. Earlier this year, Stoute linked with Shawn Carter (aka Jay-Z) and Interpublic to create Translation Advertising, an advertising agency dedicated to reaching the multicultural consumer. As a native New Yorker, Stoute is committed to the city's community affairs -- he's helped create a campaign for the development of minority recruitment in New York fire and police departments, has served as a Co-chairman on the New York City Fresh Air Fund, and recently co-founded and serves on the Board of Directors of FFAWN (Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now).

"We are very proud to have two such stellar individuals being recognized by the prestigious Hall of Achievement this year," commented Interpublic Chairman and CEO Michael I. Roth. "Tom has set a great example in collaborative account management and talent development and Steve's multi-platform skills have facilitated extremely notable and innovative branding campaigns. The Hall of Achievement Award showcases the accomplishments within and outside of the business that have made Tom and Steve such key assets to Interpublic, our industry, and our communities."

About Interpublic

Interpublic is one of the world's leading organizations of advertising agencies and marketing services companies. Major global brands include Draftfcb, FutureBrand, GolinHarris International, Initiative, Jack Morton Worldwide, Lowe Worldwide, Magna, McCann Erickson, Momentum, MRM Worldwide, Octagon, Universal McCann and Weber Shandwick. Leading domestic brands include Campbell-Ewald, Campbell Mithun, Carmichael Lynch, Deutsch, Hill Holliday, Mullen, The Martin Agency and R/GA. For more information, please visit www.interpublic.com.

SOURCE: Interpublic

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