• January 20, 2005

Media Contacts, the interactive arm of Havas' MPG, has opened its first office in Canada, as the company looks to increase its worldwide business reach.

Yann Le Roux, who previously managed Media Contacts France, heads the office as executive vice president and managing director. Chris Williams, previously of Arnold Brand Response, has been named account manager.

"We are excited to extend the Media Contacts network to the north, and bring our unique way of leveraging data to gauge advertising efficiency and optimize the campaigns, thus maximizing our clients' return on their marketing dollars," said a statement from Don Epperson, CEO of Media Contacts Worldwide. "Canada is far ahead of the curve in terms of high-speed penetration, and this opens a whole new range of opportunities for the Canadian marketers. Leveraging the experience we have gathered here and across the globe, we bring a brand new offering to the marketplace."

The new Media Contacts office is located in the downtown Toronto building that currently houses MPG/Maxxmedia, the Canadian unit of MPG. Le Roux will report to David Chung, President of MPG/Maxxmedia; as well as Epperson.

The company is continuing to scout other locations for new offices worldwide, a spokesman said.

Media Contacts' Toronto office will initially serve clients such as Audi and Centennial College.