Rapp Collins Worldwide Appoints Robert G. Horvath as Global CEO; Current Global CEO Von Kennel to Aid in Transition

NEW YORK, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Bob Horvath has been tapped by Rapp Collins Worldwide (RCW) as its Global CEO, effective immediately. Horvath, who succeeds Gary Von Kennel in the post, is a 12-year veteran of Rapp Collins; he previously served as the CEO of the North American operation.

Von Kennel, who was named RCW's first ever Global CEO in April 2006, will remain active within the organization over the next several months, seeing through to completion several strategic initiatives undertaken on his watch. Before being named RCW's Global CEO, Von Kennel served as CEO of Rapp Collins North America, CEO of Omnicom Group Inc.'s USM&P and CEO of TracyLocke, another Omnicom entity.

Horvath was selected for the post based on his experience and track record of leading RCW's North American business, successfully providing clients with measurable, multifaceted marketing campaigns.

Commenting on the new appointment, Thomas L. Harrison, Chairman and CEO of the Diversified Agency Services group of Omnicom, noted, "Bob has been the driving force behind Rapp's client-focused approach and the success of our business in North America. I look forward to his leadership across Rapp on a global level."

With regard to Von Kennel's departure, Harrison said, "Gary was brought into Rapp Collins, much as he was brought into TracyLocke and USM&P, to refocus the operations toward innovation based on consumer insights. He has done just that first in North America and then throughout the Global network. He has achieved the objectives we jointly set forth at the beginning of his tenure at Rapp and I am truly excited about the legacy he leaves behind."

About Rapp Collins Worldwide:

Ranked the #1 Direct Marketing Agency in the US in 2005, 2006 and 2007 by Advertising Age, Rapp Collins (http://www.rappcollins.com/) is one of the world's largest Direct Marketing networks with over 50 offices in 30 countries delivering over 40 years' experience in customer acquisition, retention and optimization to its clients. Rapp Collins is a part of Omnicom Group Inc.

Omnicom Group Inc (http://www.omnicomgroup.com/) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning, digital and interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.