Matt Seiler, Mediabrands CEO, Named Chair of Marketing Industry's Political Action Committee

NEW YORK, June 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Matt Seiler, CEO Mediabrands, Interpublic Group's (NYSE: IPG) media division, is the new chairman of PROFESSIONALS IN ADVERTISING, the marketing, advertising and media industry's political action committee.

The political action committee, known as PRO-AD PAC, was founded in 1989 by industry leaders concerned that the advertising and marketing industry had no avenue to support and elect political candidates who shared their key goals and priorities. A non-connected PAC, broadly reaching across all sectors of the marketing and media world, the non-partisan Committee has helped elect more than 300 candidates representing both parties.

Previous chairmen have included Phil Geier, former CEO of the IPG; Charles Peebler, former chair of Bozell, Jacobs, Kenyon & Eckhardt; Roy Bostock, current chair of the Yahoo Board of Directors; and David Bell, former chairman of the Ad Council and former CEO of IPG.

Mr. Seiler was appointed CEO of Mediabrands, IPG's media and digital buying and management hub, in January 2011. He has a wide range of experience in the advertising and media industry, beginning his career in account management and working as a strategic planner before moving to media management.

He joined IPG as Global Chief Executive of UM in 2008, being named the Mediaweek "Executive of the Year" in 2009. He has been part of the team that has overseen the reorganization and expansion of Mediabrands into the present operation that handles over $35 billion in client spend.

As chair of PRO-AD PAC, Mr. Seiler will work with a blue ribbon Board of Trustees drawn from all sectors of the marketing business as well as industry representatives in Washington to help elect candidates who will speak out in support of the industry's continued growth and vitality.

"It is absolutely essential that we get our industry's message out to the country's political leaders," said Nancy Hill, President-CEO of the 4A's. "All of our businesses are directly affected by the decisions made in Washington. Now, more than ever, that means we must work to elect leaders who understand our concerns and support our positions. I'm grateful to Matt for taking on this critical leadership role."

"PRO-AD PAC is a unique organization," said Bob Liodice, CEO and President of the Association of National Advertisers. "It spans our industry, reaching across all aspects of the advertising, media and marketing business to provide our collective viewpoint and support to Congressional candidates. I can think of few more important jobs than Chair of the PAC's Board of Trustees. Nor can I think of anyone who is better suited for this job than Matt Seiler. We at ANA, like other key groups within the industry, look forward to working closely with him."

SOURCE Mediabrands