Deutsch Inc. Names Michael Duda as Chief Corporate Strategy Officer

NEW YORK, June 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning today, Michael Duda, 35, becomes Partner/Chief Corporate Strategy Officer, Deutsch Inc., from Partner/Director of Business Development and Corporate Initiatives. He reports to Deutsch Inc. CEO Linda Sawyer.

"Not adverse to risk, and a champion of innovation, Mike's continually advocating change, new ways to grow and nurture our business model and the Deutsch brand." In addition, Sawyer noted "He has built strong relationships with consultants, clients and Wall Street. His uncanny knowledge and keen sense of the industry lead people to seek out his POV. He's Deutsch through and through."

In addition to overseeing corporate business development, he will also be responsible for helping shape agency capabilities and offerings, growth initiatives and acquisition plans, developing Deutsch's global footprint, and overseeing corporate communications. "While many bemoan the challenges the agency industry faces, we believe that this is an opportunistic time to add much more value to clients. I look forward to expanding my role on the Deutsch brand, product and impact within client businesses," said Duda.

"Mike's in synch with every aspect of Deutsch and the industry landscape, a quality that keeps us two steps ahead and in the right playing field. Bottom line, he's the guy you don't want on the opposing team," said Michael Sheldon, President, Deutsch LA. "Mike's vision and go-to-it attitude is part of our winning strategy."

Since rejoining Deutsch in 2001, Duda's most visible contributions to the Agency have been consistently impacting new business for Deutsch's offices on both coasts by adding key clients, among them Johnson & Johnson and DIRECTV. Most recently Deutsch Inc. experienced a robust 1st quarter, adding Saturn, Prevacid, Tylenol Media Planning and Olympus to its list of clients. Under his charge he has also identified best practices, developed new and innovative revenue streams and achieved new client compensation models.

Originally with Deutsch as part of the Business Development group from 1998 to 2000, he rejoined the agency in June 2001 after time with Rapp Collins. At Rapp Collins he was SVP, Director of Business Development, and helped lead the Agency to its first, and only, "Agency of the Year" award. During his career, Duda held public relations and interactive roles at Hutchins/Young & Rubicam, as well as co-founding their interactive unit, and held direct response, account management and business development positions with Kirshenbaum Bond & Partners, which gave him unique insights into integration and business development.

Duda was recently named as one of Crain's New York Business' 40 Under 40 Rising Stars of 2006.

Deutsch Inc. is a multi-disciplinary marketing communications agency known for its insatiable culture and ability to drive bottom-line business results for clients. Part of the Interpublic Group of Companies , Deutsch crafts a best-in-class array of marketing programs including advertising, direct marketing, interactive, media buying and planning, design, public relations, promotions, events and branded entertainment.