San Francisco's Mortar Advertising Cements Hire: Agency Veteran Takes Leadership Role

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, October 8, 2003 -- Mortar, the new integrated marketing firm, announced today that Mark Williams has joined the agency as a managing partner and member of the executive board.

San Francisco, CA-based Mortar Advertising, the new integrated marketing firm, announced today that Mark Williams has joined the agency as a managing partner and member of the executive board. Williams was formerly a senior partner with J. Walter Thompsons digital@jwt and JWT Specialized Communications business units, as well as a founding member of JWTs Search Engine Marketing practice.

Mark offers a rare blend of brand-building expertise and a solid direct response orientation-particularly in the digital arena," said Mortar partner and creative director Tim Spry. His background in B2B, B2C and tech-related communications matches up perfectly with our focus on integrated messaging. For our clients, daily access to this level of talent is incredibly compelling. And its something you only get from a smaller shop like Mortar.

The time is right for a small group of specialists to offer a truly integrated suite of advertising and marketing tools," commented Williams. Our dream is to create a one-stop shop that is as well known for creative excellence as it is for innovative strategies. Speed, quality and ROI are now essential elements in anyones marketing plan. I look forward to helping to deliver on those promises-online and off."

A native of Chatham, England, Williams joined Austin Knight Advertisings Chicago office in 1989; rising to executive vice president. In the mid-90s he helped launch Austin Knight Interactive, where he worked on digital branding initiatives for Bay Networks, Apple, Yahoo!, eBay, and PeopleSoft. Later, Williams served as chief operating officer of Computerworlds ITCareers.com online career portal and a senior VP in IDGs ITworld.com (www.ITworld.com) lead generation and Interactive events business (now Accella Communications). He had been at JWT since 2001.

About Mortar

Mortar (http://www.mortaradvertising.com) is an integrated marketing firm that brings together expertise in consumer, employer and investor communications. This strategy of 360° brand management helps companies establish and maintain emotional connections with audiences at every point of contact. Launched in late 2002 by veteran creative directors Tim Spry and Todd Ransick, Mortars services typically include print and broadcast advertising as well as web and interactive solutions. For further information, contact: Tim Spry, 415.764.1420 x 111, email: tspry@mortaradvertising.com.