McCann Worldgroup CFO Honored With 'Crain's 40 Under 40' Award

NEW YORK, March 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- McCann Worldgroup announced today that its Worldwide CFO, Tara Comonte, has been selected as a 2011 honoree for the Crain's NY "40 under 40" award.  Ms. Comonte, 37, is considered the model for the modern CFO – a true business leader with a clear vision for transformation, business strategy, talent development, retention, and the company of the future.

As Worldwide CFO of McCann Worldgroup, Comonte helms the financial operations for its 24,000+ employees in 785 offices and 126 countries worldwide. Comonte, the first-ever CFO inducted into the American Advertising Federation Hall of Achievement, is currently overseeing the restructuring of the entire global financial and operating structure of the company.

Comonte has publicly taken a hard line against compensation agreements that are not focused on value and delivery of business growth.  Instead Comonte proposes a shift in emphasis to business results, wherein agencies embrace the rigor and accountability that procurement provides to ultimately create value-based remuneration methodologies versus agreeing to compensation structures that are too often damaging to both parties.  Comonte has emerged as the leading industry expert on the topic and a voice of reason.

Known for her high expectations and standards when it comes to results, as well as a commitment to meritocracy, Comonte is also widely recognized for her supportive team management structure and flexible work schedules.  Comonte's focus is on ensuring she creates a culture that allows individuals the opportunity to shine in their careers, without sacrificing her own and others family and personal commitments.

Another passion is her involvement in philanthropic efforts.  On behalf of youth development aid charity Raleigh International, she took a four-month sabbatical from her career to embark on an expedition to Namibia, building a school to serve 40 square miles of villagers, while simultaneously building the self-esteem of at-risk youths from around the globe whom she worked alongside. She is an active board member of the Acumen Fund, a venture fund established to invest in ideas or business that can aid in the prevention of world poverty.  In honor of her mother, Comonte is also an active supporter of the UK's leading breast cancer charity, Breakthrough Breast Cancer, and has personally raised more than $350,000 for cancer charities.

"Tara is extremely deserving of this recognition.  She is a formidable, smart, and driven and I am constantly amazed by her ability to balance all aspects of her life," stated Nick Brien, Chairman and CEO, McCann Worldgroup. "Tara Comonte is an extremely sharp commercial leader and operates as my partner across all aspects of our global business helping to drive the success within our organization."  

About McCann Worldgroup  

McCann Worldgroup delivers marketing solutions that transform brands and grow businesses. The company is comprised of a collaborative roster of best-in-class agencies that emphasize creativity, innovation, and performance, including McCann Erickson Worldwide (the world's largest advertising agency network); MRM Worldwide (digital marketing/relationship management); Momentum Worldwide (event marketing/promotion); McCann Healthcare Worldwide (professional/dtc communications); WGEXP (global production); UM (media management); Weber Shandwick (public relations) and FutureBrand (consulting/design). McCann Worldgroup is a unit of Interpublic Group [NYSE: IPG].

SOURCE McCann Worldgroup