Impact Proximity gears up for the future

Since its inception as the region's first integrated digital agency network in 2000, Impact Proximity has expanded exponentially and now has over 50 staff in its Dubai office alone.

The multi-award winning Dubai office serves the integrated and digital communications needs of an impressive range of blue-chip clients including ADCB, Air Miles, DaimlerChrysler, du, Emirates, Hilton, Pepsi, Shell, Showtime and Masterfoods.

The phenomenal growth and scale of current operations now requires a dedicated day-to-day manager, allowing Managing Director Douglas Palau to focus on clients and future business strategy.

Impact Proximity has therefore promoted Kieran O'Sullivan, Digital Director since August 2004, to the position of General Manager. Kieran's digital expertise and integrated brand understanding is firmly established with Proximity clients and under his new remit Kieran will manage the company's operations with the goal of continued service innovation, award-winning creativity and profitable client development.

Kieran says, "It's my job to make sure Impact Proximity remains the best integrated agency specialising in the new media field. I am passionate about helping clients maximise the interactive opportunities in the region, and providing clients with a highly creative 360° approach to marketing."

In support of Kieran's new role, more senior faces have appeared at Proximity, bringing a wealth of fresh ideas and new drive to both the agency and its clients.

Sebastian Puhze has joined as Creative Director. With an impressive portfolio amassed in his native Germany and later in New York, Sebastian has joined Proximity from Shanghai where he spent the last two years as Creative Director for Emporio Asia. Sebastian's mission in Dubai is to continue to innovate and further position Proximity as the region's creative leaders.

Sebastian commented, "What I like about Impact Proximity is that they see the quality of their creative work in international terms. Creating ideas of global excellence is a challenge any creative person would die for."

Another welcome addition to the agency comes in the form of Australian Nick Whetham. Taking on the challenge of Integrated Director, Nick brings with him a host of experience gathered in Sydney across agencies such as Wunderman and Clemenger Proximity, his most recent position being Head of Direct and Interactive at MJW Hakuhodo. With extensive Asia Pacific advertising knowledge, Nick is certain to bring both energy and added value to the business.

Douglas Palau commented, "These senior appointments reflect Impact Proximity's continued focus on innovation and creativity, backed by intelligent data driven planning. Our positioning as 'a new agency for a new era' is delivering on clients' ever-growing need for data driven marketing, integrated creative excellence and measurable results. This is fuelling our business growth and the expansion of our talented management team will help drive the agency further ahead."

Alain Khouri, Chairman of the Impact BBDO Group to which Impact Proximity belongs, echoed these sentiments. "We are continually investing in order to strengthen the Group's service leadership. Bolstering the senior management team of Impact Proximity is certain to drive its growth, and cement its reputation as the leading interactive agency in the region."