Press Dispensary - August 26, 2005 - Integrated agency Kitcatt Nohr Alexander Shaw (www.kitcattnohr.com) is expanding its integrated services offering by taking a stake in fast-growing digital agency Underwired (www.underwired.com). Underwired, an established specialist in eCRM, web sites and online advertising, has moved into new offices with Kitcatt Nohr.
Underwired, founded in 1996, is headed by Managing Partner Felix Velarde and award-winning Creative Partner Jason Holland. Both formerly headed up Lowe’s UK digital arm, Head New Media, until 2001. Digital strategist Lazar Dzamic, formerly of EHS Brann, has joined the Underwired board as Director of Planning. Two partners at Kitcatt Nohr - Managing Partner Marc Nohr and Chairman Jeremy Shaw - are also joining Underwired’s Board as non-executive directors.
By combining forces the two agencies will work closely with shared clients Virgin Holidays, Friends Reunited and VSO. Underwired will continue to work independently with its own clients which include Start-rite Shoes, Penguin Books, Harrods, Institute of Cancer Research, NSPCC, Fremantle Media and AAR.
Underwired has seen rapid growth as a major eCRM (e-Customer Relationship Management) player in the last year, with approximately 25% of its fee income moving to eCRM as the result of its sophisticated, multi-stream CRM programmes for clients such as NSPCC, Virgin Holidays, VSO and Start-rite shoes. Underwired provides full planning, creative and broadcast eCRM services plus a range of proprietary distribution and tracking tools. Underwired’s other services include web sites, micro sites and email marketing, online advertising, search engine optimisation and online PR.
Underwired recently bolstered its planning and eCRM team with the appointment of Lazar Dzamic, who now becomes a Board Director as well Planning Director. While at EHS Brann Dzamic led eCRM strategy for clients including Tesco.com, Mini, British Gas, National Savings and The AA. Dzamic’s appointment to the Board reinforces Underwired and Kitcatt Nohr’s joint commitment to strategic planning and eCRM for its fast growing portfolio of integrated digital clients.
Marc Nohr, Managing Partner at Kitcatt Nohr, speaking of the new relationship, said: "Our deal with the talented team at Underwired is an exciting complement to Kitcatt Nohr’s passion for creative, planning and CRM. The decision to join forces has arisen from a dramatic growth in client demand for digital advertising and relationship-building services. As the internet and other digital platforms gain greater credibility and maturity we find clients increasingly recognise the benefits of planning a strong digital element into their communications strategy."
Nohr continues: "Strengthening our digital offering now is timely as larger clients shift towards agencies that provide excellence in all the integrated disciplines."
Commenting on the new integrated offering, Felix Velarde, Managing Partner at Underwired, said: "Working with Kitcatt Nohr is a logical step for us as their approach to CRM and developing brand relationships reflects our own. We’ve developed a proven set of credentials in eCRM and digital advertising by far exceeding client expectations on the results we can deliver."
Continuing his comment Velarde said: “This new deal allows us the flexibility of offering clients a broader range of services and resources as well as the freedom to work independently."
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Notes for editors
For further information please contact:
Felix Velarde, managing partner
Tel: +44 (0) 207 012 3992
Email: felix@underwired.com
Site: www.underwired.com
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