'mktg' Names Louis Marino Executive Creative Director

NEW YORK, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 'mktg,' (NASDAQ: CMKG) a leader in alternative media and marketing services, has announced that Louis Marino has been appointed Executive Creative Director. Marino joins 'mktg' from Bad Boy Entertainment Worldwide, where he was VP of Creative Services, Executive Creative Director.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090212/NY70341 )

In Mr. Marino's new role as Executive Creative Director, he will oversee the creative studio in NYC and work with the Creative Directors throughout 'mktg''s offices to establish a company-wide platform and creative services that encompass both an online and off-line offering, as well as traditional and non-traditional executions.

"I am very excited about joining 'mktg' as Executive Creative Director," says Marino. "I share the same creative process as the 'mktg' team and feel my extensive experience developing and creating brands will help 'mktg' achieve optimal results for the firm and its clients."

While at Bad Boy Entertainment Worldwide, Marino created all imaging, design, packaging and branding (TV, web and print) for the Sean John clothing line, fragrances and also Ciroc Vodka through a full partnership with Diageo. Prior to that, he was VP of Creative Services for Island Def Jam Records, where he facilitated all imaging, design and branding for artists such as Mariah Carey, Jay-Z, The Killers and Fall Out Boy. He has been an Art Director and Designer for distinguished companies, such as Grey Advertising and The New Yorker Magazine.

"Louis Marino has exceptional experience and talent and we are thrilled to have him as part of our team," says Charlie Horsey, Chief Operating Officer of 'mktg'. "He will be a driving force, in contributing break through creative strategies and integrated marketing solutions for our clients."

'mktg' is a new agency breed in the sphere of marketing services companies that was launched in July 2008. The firm is organized to capitalize on increased client spending in experiential marketing, digital marketing and retail promotions and the need for more effective and efficient integrated marketing programs.

• In a recent Promo magazine survey 79.6% of marketers expect their event budgets to either increase or stay the same in 2009.*
• According to eMarketer.com, retail promotions increased from 6% to 29% of the overall marketing budget for consumer products companies.**
• According to eMarketer.com, digital-banner ads, e-mail, online video, podcasts and webcasts will be the least affected by budget cuts in 2009 and social network advertising will increase 3.6% in 2009.***

About 'mktg'

'mktg' (NASDAQ: CMKG) is an alternative media and marketing services company headquartered in New York with full service offices in San Francisco, Chicago, Cincinnati and Toronto and over 40 field activation offices in the U.S. The company currently serves a variety of the world's most recognizable brands, including Diageo, P&G, Nintendo, Pepsi, Nike, Apple, Coty, Scottrade, SAP and Google/YouTube. The company's services include experiential marketing, digital marketing, retail promotions and strategic research and planning. The firm's programs help its clients profitably connect with consumers and create networks of brand advocates to generate brand awareness and higher sales for its customers. For more information, please visit www.mktg.com.

* Source: promomagazine.com

** Source: eMarketer.com

*** Source: eMarketer.com