MS&L Appoints Alex de Bold as Vice President, Social Media and Digital Marketing

TORONTO, March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- MS&L, a leading global communications firm, today announced the appointment of Alex de Bold as vice president, social media and digital marketing in the Toronto office.  A leading marketing and business strategist in the internet industry, de Bold brings to MS&L more than 16 years of digital expertise in using the Web to transform customer relationships. This includes launching corporate websites, leading interactive groups, creating online communities, developing e-commerce channels, and creating customer centric sales and marketing frameworks.

As vice president of social media and digital marketing, de Bold will serve the agency's consumer, healthcare and corporate clients, helping them to manage brand and corporate reputation, internal and customer dialogue and word of mouth marketing through social media.  He will also be part of the senior management team.

The new role is part of MS&L's efforts to help clients maximize real-time conversation in the digital space. "We've been an early leader in social media and have earned agency-of-record assignments because of our track record in building powerful relationships and results for our clients," said Gayla Brock-Woodland, managing director, MS&L Canada.  "Alex takes us to the next level by bringing unique insights and experience from across the digital world.  He's been involved in every aspect from technology start-ups, to creating strong online communities, to optimizing integrated marketing strategies for leading Canadian companies."

Alex joins MS&L after serving as principal of his own business consultancy and from his role as co-founder of ChickAdvisor.com, where he will remain on the board of directors. ChickAdvisor won the 2009 Canadian New Media Award (CNMA) for Hottest New Digital Kid on the Block. Previously he was VP, Web Marketing for Viigo, Director of Traveller Engagement for Butterfield & Robinson and Director of Business Development at Labatt Breweries for Canada (Beer.com).

About MS&L

MS&L is part of MS&L Group a leading global communications firm, offering the best in public relations, digital, social media, real-time communications, corporate and events communication. Operating in wholly owned and affiliate offices in more than 90 countries spanning the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pac, our diverse team of experts listens, researches and creates provocative campaigns that build powerful brands, engage consumers, protect reputations and rally employees. MS&L Group provides many of the world's largest companies and most recognized brands with best-in-class communication strategies to help them reach their business and communication goals.

MS&L Group is part of Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris: FR0000130577], the world's fourth largest communications group. With activities spanning 104 countries and 43,000 professionals. Publicis Groupe a complete range of advertising services through three global advertising networks, Leo Burnett, Publicis, Saatchi & Saatchi, and two multi-hub networks, Fallon and 49%-owned Bartle Bogle Hegarty. Media consultancy and buying is offered through two worldwide networks, Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia; and interactive and digital marketing led by Digitas and Razorfish. Publicis Groupe recently launched VivaKi to leverage the combined scale of the autonomous operations of Digitas, Razorfish, Starcom MediaVest Group, Denuo and ZenithOptimedia to develop new services, tools, and next generation digital platforms. Web site: www.publicisgroupe.com

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SOURCE MS&L