Rochester, NY, October 5, 2009 – Digital pioneer Peter Platt joins Catalyst Direct in the newly created role of Chief Digital Officer, leading all digital marketing initiatives for the agency. Platt will report directly to Catalyst Direct Founding Partners Mike Osborn and Jeff Cleary. His responsibilities include building the Catalyst Direct digital marketing services offering, developing new business and growing existing accounts.

Platt is a 20-year veteran of the agency business and has been involved in digital marketing since the early 1990’s. He comes to us from Butler/Till Media in Rochester, NY, where he was Vice President, Online Media, since 2002. Platt built Butler/Till’s online media capability from a department of one, to a 15-person planning, buying and operations team serving a wide range of B2B and B2C clients, including Bausch & Lomb, State Farm Insurance, Eastman Kodak Company and UltraLife Batteries, among others.

Osborn stated, “Peter’s experience brings together a unique combination of business development, account management, technology and strategic planning skills. I don’t know anyone who’s been involved in all things digital, from the creation of websites to the social media revolution, longer or more intimately than Peter. We acquired Auragen Communications in late 2007 to provide a full-service digital arm for our clients. Over the past two years, we’ve integrated and embedded our digital and direct offerings. With Peter at the helm, we have the leadership to take our digital direct capabilities and expertise to the next level.”

Prior to joining Butler/Till, Platt held positions at dockside.net, ICE Communications, Saatchi & Saatchi and Rumrill-Hoyt. He was a founding member of Saatchi & Saatchi’s original Worldwide Internet Marketing Team and was the project manager for the launch of the first www.dupont.com website in 1993. He was also one of the first 100 people certified in the Google AdWords program. Platt has been a contributing author and expert spokesperson for iMediaConnection, eBusiness Association and The Ad Council.

Platt commented, “I’m thrilled to be joining Catalyst Direct. It’s a very exciting time in our business as the hybrid combination of digital, direct and social continues to evolve. Catalyst Direct has deep roots in direct marketing, combined with hi-level digital and analytics expertise. We’re well poised to meet the needs of today’s marketers and deliver solid business results. It’s going to be an exciting ride!”

About Catalyst Direct:
Catalyst Direct is a full-service direct/digital marketing agency specializing in knowledge-based solutions designed to acquire, retain and maximize customer relationships for its clients. Founded in 1990, the company employs close to 100 professionals and is headquartered in Rochester, NY. The company’s client roster includes Bausch & Lomb, Eastman Kodak Company, GE Money, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, M&T Bank, Valvoline Instant Oil Change, Carestream Health Inc. and Rochester Institute of Technology, among others.

Media Contact:
Janice Snook
Janice & associates
650.400.4448
janicesnook@gmail.com