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Salzman returns to Euro RSCG in new role: Norwalk exec Twitters back to PR firm [Connecticut Post, Bridgeport](Connecticut Post (Bridgeport) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Oct. 1--Marian Salzman said she believes in the benefits of the social media -- in her personal life and at her job as the new president of public relations for North America at Euro RSCG Worldwide, a New York-based international public relations firm and unit of Havas Worldwide. The Norwalk resident, who was chief security officer at Euro RSCG from 2002 to 2005, returns to the firm after a stint as partner and chief marketing officer at Porter Novelli. "Digital is the rising star of 'new marketing', and public relations is uniquely poised to be at the forefront of what social media can and will provide for tomorrow's leadership brands," said Salzman, who will build on Euro RSCG's position in pharmaceutical, consumer and business-to-business public relations. Euro RSCG is committed to being "future-ready," said Salzman, who oversees a staff of 70. Euro RSCG has 233 offices in 75 countries, providing advertising, marketing services, corporate communications and interactive services. Salzman, whose career also includes a period as executive vice president and chief marketing officer at J. Walter Thompson Worldwide, said she will emphasize a social media strategy focusing on personal involvement. "We'll do most of our marketing to a market of one," said Salzman, who regularly appears on CNN, Fox and the BBC, talking about brands and marketing trends. "We market by content creation, including aspects of our client's story." Next week, Euro RSCG plans to introduce News Engine, a 24-hour online provider of information to news organizations. The days of extravagance are waning, and Euro RSCG is adapting, said Salzman, an adviser to the Berlin School of Creative Leadership's master's in business administration degree program, who has been named one of the world's top five trendspotters by global publisher VNU. "We'll be more aggressive in pitching new business," she said, and there will be no boundaries. "Global is in my blood." In today's world, there are myriad ways to communicate a client's message on an individual basis, according to Salzman, a pioneer in using communications technology. "I'm digitally addicted. I'm walking around with two Blackberries. I read my newspapers online, and I read a lot of blogs," said Salzman, 50, who contends that being tech-savvy keeps her young, although it deprives her of several hours sleep each night. "My work and my life are totally blurred." Salzman also sees a need for the company to be connected with the global community through good works. Euro RSCG worked with the Boston Red Sox and Massachusetts General Hospital to organize Project Home Base for soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries. Recognizing Salzman's reliance on social media, David Jones, global chief executive officer of Havas Worldwide and Euro RSCG, used it heavily to lure her to the company. "I tease him that it was the first time I was ever romanced for a job with Twitter and text messaging," Salzman said. Salzman and Jones worked closely together in her previous time at Euro RSCG. "She was one of our real stars, generating valuable strategic insights for clients and uncovering trends that captured worldwide interest," he said in a statement. Public relations firms should not forget the importance of traditional marketing, despite the increasing importance of social media, said Kevin McEvoy, marketing professor at the Stamford branch of the University of Connecticut. "Social marketing is very important with younger shoppers. They're the millennials -- the Facebookers and the Twitterers," he said. "It's the Wild West of marketing. If you want to talk to the new generation of shoppers, it's the place to be." To see more of the Connecticut Post, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.connpost.com/. Copyright (c) 2009, Connecticut Post, Bridgeport Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. |