Toronto, ON. FUSE Marketing Group Inc., the Toronto-based, privately held brand activation agency that offers a full range of marketing, promotion, direct, experiential and interactive services (www.fusemg.com) is pleased to announce that it has been named 12th in the Top 50 Best Small & Medium Employers in Canada. Last year, the company placed 35th.
Timed with the significant recognition, FUSE is also announcing a change in management structure to kick off the first quarter of the new decade. In spite of the economic downtown, FUSE ended last year with a strong client roster and a profitable portfolio of business – including its most recent investment, the digital innovation agency, Quizative Inc. (www.quizative.com). Now with two expanding and profitable companies in the Canadian market -- along with US-based digital incentive business, Promotional Currency (www.promotionalcurrency.com
) and plans to further build their marketing portfolio -- two of the three founding partners have changed roles to meet the challenges of these new and upcoming opportunities.
Mike Preston, Chairman, FUSE Marketing Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Garo Keresteci, former FUSE president, to the new position of CEO of FUSE Holdings, with responsibility for business development and management of corporate investments. Stephen Brown -- FUSE’s former senior vice president and general manager -- has been named president of FUSE Marketing Group Inc., with new responsibilities including profitability, growth and branded corporate industry presence. Mr. Brown will continue to be supported by a solid and entrenched leadership team within the organization.
“Despite the tough economy FUSE has stayed strong and prospered, confirming our belief that the role of strategic and measurable marketing is more relevant and required than ever,” said Mr. Keresteci. “Since our launch in 2003 we’ve developed a solid foundation and proven track record, including being named in the Top 50 Best, which has resulted in continued organic growth and allows us to fund investments into complementary businesses. It’s a very exciting time,” he added.
The company has imminent plans to announce the fourth addition to its roster of marketing agencies, as well as plans for a major investment in a fifth start-up, currently being finalized.
In addition to being recognized with the Top 50 Best national award -- primarily determined using the results from Employee Opinion Surveys and an assessment of organization practices and perspectives from a leadership team -- FUSE capped a stellar year with the win of several high profile accounts including the CRM business from Mercedes-Benz Canada and the True Patriot Love account.
“We’ve capitalized on our solid investments and strong brand equity with both our employees and clients so as to expand our marketing offerings, and are well poised in our new roles to keep the momentum going in 2010 and beyond,” added Mr. Brown. “We’re confident it’ll be a banner year, with more interesting announcements to come,” he concluded.
About FUSE Marketing Group
FUSE Marketing Group is a creative brand activation agency known for consistently delivering ideas and results that surprise and excite. The firm is proud to be a valued partner to over a dozen leading Canadian clients. Working in a climate of true collaboration and creativity, these partnerships drive sales, build brands and grow businesses. To learn more about FUSE Marketing Group, visit www.fusemg.com.
For additional information or to arrange an interview with a FUSE Marketing Group spokesperson, please contact Susan Willemsen or Danika Lochhead at The Siren Group Inc. Tel: (416) 461-5270. Fax: (416) 778-9047. E-mail: info[at]thesirengroup.com or www.thesirengroup.com. For more information about the survey, contact Sandra Olszowka, Director, Projects, Queen's Centre for Business Venturing, Queen's School of Business. Tel: (613)533-3119. Email: solszowka[at]business.queensu.ca.