The agency named Randy Schwartz as its new director of search engine marketing. Schwartz will oversee search at the agency's New York office, driving strategic initiatives for such clients as Pfizer and RE/MAX.

Most recently serving as director, strategic development of Reprise Media, Schwartz has developed digital media and search solutions for both traditional and online brands--including Yahoo, iVillage, The New York Times, and Capital One.

"Randy brings tremendous expertise about the latest search marketing practices," said Jeremy Cornfeldt, vice president, general manager of Carat Fusion's New York office. "He'll help us enhance our integrated services for our client base and will provide additional leadership as the practice continues to grow."

As part of the expansion, Carat Fusion has also hired four additional search marketing professionals--Sean McDonald, Michelle Zung, Thao Nguyen and Trevor Beddoe--effectively creating a dedicated SEM team for Schwartz to lead.

When asked about what Carat Fusion brings to the search marketing landscape, Schwartz has said: "While everybody is beginning to realize how central search is to consumers and how they explore brand relationships, surprisingly few [agencies] seem to be able to execute ... Some of the most established agencies currently approach search tactically, and many still outsource their search solutions to outside vendors. Carat Fusion has a strong tradition with search, and is structured to offer search strategically, in accordance with digital and traditional media solutions."

Carat Fusion is part of Aegis' Carat, the world's largest independent media agency with more than $19 billion in worldwide billings.

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