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The firm has formally established its new technology division, Kerry Group Interactive (KGI). The new division originated as a Kerry Group service enterprise after the acquisition of RG/RJ, LLC, an Internet-based multi-media marketing intelligence, data research, distance learning and event services management firm, in 2008.
KGI provides custom software solutions and web-based program management efficiencies across diverse technology platforms to successfully implement business strategies, distance learning and consumer activation programs. Its initiatives include viral web campaigns; reporting and measurement; logistics and intelligent routing; interactive training and education; legacy integration; database management; plus incentive programs and applications for domestic and global client programs.
In the past 12 months, KGI’s capabilities have been scheduled or applied to proprietary programs for clients in the business-to-consumer and business-to-business marketplace. These have included distance learning, on-site retail and distributor training, distributor incentive and product testing programs, among others.
Robert McCann, President of the Kerry Group, said, “As a specialized division of the Kerry Group, KGI’s focus is to develop and manage interactive, program extensions, incentive programs, viral marketing, and information management and reporting services. These are critically important to our clients who communicate with distributors and consumers, regardless of geographies or economics. KGI is an essential resource to meet these needs.”
McCann added, “The strategic capabilities arising from this reorganization support more cost-effective creative, production and management efficiencies. Our newly structured company is better positioned to develop and manage existing and new programs, as well as new methods of client communications, that will help them boost cost-effective outcomes and ROI.”
Ron Garnier, co-founder and partner at the former RG/RJ, LLC, is Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Kerry Group. Ron will lead KGI in its expanded new capacity. Ron has been instrumental in the growth of the Kerry Group’s leading-edge technical capabilities, working with KGI’s account services, creative and programming staff.
Mark Wetzel has been named KGI Account Manager. Mark's expertise in incentive and web-delivered programs helped the firm strengthen its capabilities as these types of programs have become more important to its clients. Mark joined Kerry Group in 2006. In his new position, Mark will leverage his knowledge of client brands and programs to satisfy requirements on key incentive and web initiatives, and improve communication between clients and KGI services staff. Mark reports to Ron Garnier.
Cara Gerhardt of Kerry Group is the new Account Manager over grassroots activation, influencer/training and promotions at the firm. This move recognizes Cara's strong management skill set, and allows the firm to plan and coordinate with more efficiency and effectiveness. At Kerry Group, Cara has managed “instant expert” training programs, event-based promotional tours, program introductions and advertising campaigns. Cara reports to Tom Tipton, Senior Vice President, Client Services.
Founded in 1996, The Kerry Group provides clients including Fortune 500 companies, private corporations, colleges and universities with brand engagement programs, guerilla marketing, event-driven promotions, mobile marketing, multi-media advertising, consumer response programs and retail education services, in addition to strategic business-to-business promotions and advertising management services.
The Kerry Group’s clients have included Shell, Pennzoil, Quaker-State, Anheuser-Busch Cos., Inc., Citibank, EA Sports, the Missouri Department of Health, St. Louis Community College and 20th Century Fox, among others. The Kerry Group has 24 full-time employees, plus about 30 field personnel working on a variety of consumer activation programs nationwide. The new KGI division has six full-time employees.
The Kerry Group (kerrygroup.net) headquarters are at 10805 Sunset Office Drive, Suite 415, in suburban St. Louis. For information, please contact Robert McCann, President, or Tom Tipton, Senior Vice President-Client Services, at the Kerry Group by calling 314.822.1711.
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