WPP’s Kinetic To Launch Next Week

Outdoor specialist, Poster Publicity, will relaunch as Kinetic early next week, with an internal soft launch to staff this Friday afternoon following its merger with advertising giant, WPP’s Portland Outdoor.

A source within the company confirmed the new name to NewsLine this morning, ending speculation surrounding the firm since May, when Kinetic was revealed as one of the shortlisted names for consideration.

It is believed that Paul Shearring of Poster Publicity will head up the company’s UK operations, while Portland’s Alex Thompson will manage Kinetic’s as a group in the role of chief operating officer.

Poster Publicity’s Eric Newnham and Mike Segrue will take roles as the group’s chief executive and group client director respectively, while Steve Ridley will run the firm’s American operations, with Ron Graham handing Asian business.

Commenting on the merger at the time of its announcement, Eric Newman, chief executive officer of Poster Publicity said: “Today’s companies want to have a global perspective when planning their outdoor media campaigns. Our clients are as excited about this opportunity as we are. They see the benefits as we do in having a broader reach.”

The merger continues WPP’s stated strategy of developing networks in fast growing markets, with the consolidation creating a £350 million global outdoor media buying and planning business.

The merger between the two outdoor specialists has been a fairly swift affair, since its inception in July last year (see WPP To Create Global Outdoor Buying Specialist), to final approval from the Office of Fair Trading being granted in May.

Poster Publicity: 020 7544 4799 www.posterpublicity.com WPP: 020 7408 2204 www.wpp.com