Platform A wins its first UK client

by David Allott Media Week 07-Aug-08, 15:35

LONDON - Glasses Direct has become the first major UK customer for Platform A, AOL's new advertising division.

The company, formed in June to bring together AOL's various advertising businesses, said the retailer will utilise two of its ad networks in its upcoming campaigns.

Display advertising will be handled by Advertising.com, AOL's third-party advertising network.

Affiliate activity, which will include affinity sites along with voucher and search affiliates, will be handled by AOL's affiliate specialist buy.at.

Phil Gates, marketing director at Glasses Direct, said: "Working with Platform A will allow us to manage two vital channels of our online campaign through a single point of contact, as well as deliver a tightly managed and integrated strategy.

"The combined weight of Advertising.com and buy.at will give us the reach, inventory and technology to engage high-volume audiences."

Last month, Platform A announced a raft a senior appointments, including Duncan George as head of agency sales and Sarah Perry as head of direct client sales.

At the time, Michael Steckler, managing director of Platform A UK, said: "This team combines a wealth of knowledge across the different channels of Platform A from brand-building advertising to affiliate marketing."