AIM Proximity appoints new CEO

PR.0701 - MEDIA RELEASE

AIM Proximity appoints new CEO

Darryn Melrose to lead firm in next phase of strategic development

AUCKLAND, 5 July 2006 – AIM Proximity, New Zealand’s leading direct and interactive marketing agency, today announced the appointment of Darryn Melrose to the position of Chief Executive Officer.

Darryn Melrose takes on the national role of CEO having been Managing Director of AIM Proximity Wellington since 2003. He has significantly grown the business, winning a number of major high-profile accounts including NZ Post and IAG. One of New Zealand’s most experienced direct marketing specialists, he has pioneered several world and New Zealand firsts. He was formerly head of marketing at BNZ Credit Cards, where he launched the highly successful Global Plus Card in 1998. More recently, he was head of non-financial services at Lloyds TSB in London, where he led the world’s first entry by a Bank into the energy, home telephone and ISP markets.

Melrose comments on his new appointment: “We are at a pivotal time in this ‘age of relevance’, when it has never been more important for our clients to target audiences in more intelligent and innovative ways. Consumers have the power in this fast changing environment - so we cannot afford to be complacent in a market increasingly defined by complexity, fragmentation and choice. At AIM Proximity we are enriching our interactive offerings, expanding into new sectors and evolving our services. It’s great to be leading the strategic direction as we move into these new and exciting territories.”

AIM Proximity founder and Executive Chairman, Bill Gianotti, comments on the high profile move: “Darryn has contributed a significant amount to our business over the years, with his international perspective, passion and vision for the future plus extensive New Zealand market knowledge. He is without doubt the best person to lead AIM Proximity into the next phase of its development.”

Melrose concludes: “The key to our consistent success is the breadth and depth of our talent and our ability to develop strategic partnerships with our clients. It is these qualities that make us a formidable force in the New Zealand marketing industry. We have the people, knowledge and technology to continue to be number one in direct and interactive marketing. I’m looking forward to driving the business forward with such a dedicated and world class team of people, and building on our outstanding achievements.”

AIM Proximity is New Zealand’s leading direct and interactive marketing agency. It has offices in both Auckland and Wellington and employs over 120 people. AIM Proximity works with many blue-chip clients from across New Zealand including NZ Post, Bank of New Zealand, Air New Zealand, Proctor & Gamble, Telecom, Shell, Toyota and Progressive Enterprises.

AIM Proximity is part of the Australasian based Clemenger Communications group of companies and is a member of the Proximity Worldwide network, the most highly awarded network of agencies.

For further information about AIM Proximity please visit www.aimproximity.co.nz

ENDS

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