Omnicom Launches Consumer Sciences Agency in London

Media and marketing group Omnicom has combined its data and analytics agency Targetbase with its creative agency Claydon Heeley, and based the newly formed Targetbase Claydon Heeley at offices in London. The combined operation will offer 'creative consumer science' services across Europe.

The new Battersea-based agency will be headed by Targetbase CEO David Scholes, who comments: 'This marks the first step in an aggressive international expansion for Targetbase, while also providing a resource for Targetbase's US clients doing business in European markets. The combination of consumer science with spectacular creative represents a new concept that's poised to take off through our new London-based agency.'

Six members of the new leadership team have been appointed:

• Chris Gordon - CEO of Targetbase Claydon Heeley
• Trisha Fairless - Development Director
• Matt Pharr - Senior Analyst, who has relocated from Targetbase in Dallas
• Caroline Deput - Planning Director
• Neil Johnson - Data Planning Director
• Pete Harle - Creative Director.
• In addition, Patricia Lyle, SVP of Strategic Business Analysis of Targetbase, will spend half her time in London.

'The critical element in our new offering is the science now at our disposal, which basically doubles our effectiveness through improved relevancy,' Gordon said. 'We have had to undergo a major restructuring of the agency in order to deliver this, but the effort already is paying off for clients.'

Web sites: www.omnicomgroup.com , www.targetbase.com and www.claydonheeley.com .