Ariad news
Ariad expands creative department
20,000 email clicks instruct how to create engaging content
Goaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllllllllll – Ariad helps Popsicle score big with kids’ soccer
AMJ Campbell makes its move with Ariad
Ariad continues to grow account teams
Getting smart advice about breast cancer to savvy Canadian teens
Sofia Costa joins Ariad Healthcare as Account Director - brings additional experiential marketing expertise
$20,000 for 20 years - Ariad celebrates landmark anniversary with major donation to Free the Children
Global mining company Vale teams up with Ariad to deliver international employee communications program
Ariad Healthcare helps bring Multibionta Probiotic Multivitamin to market
If it's Popsicle and Ariad, it's Possible!
Wealth management software company Univeris selects marketing agency Ariad
Brian Chung joins Ariad as Account Director
Ariad helps FoodShare rock for over $30,000
Ariad named one of Canada’s best places to work
Ariad hires leading digital strategist Mike Torre
Degree selects Ariad as lead marketing agency for Canada
Ariad Healthcare to bring agency's expertise to new sector
New account manager Robyn Dale Godfrey brings depth of experience to Ariad
Ariad delivers membership program success for Vespa
Ariad helps Genworth reposition mortgage broker offering
Ariad expands creative department
Adds Studio Director, Art Director and two designers to award-winning team
TORONTO, September 1, 2010 – New talent is being added to the creative studio at Ariad. The four new hires are a response to growing client demand.
“Our clients continue to reward us with more work,” says Michael Beckerman, President, Ariad. “Finding and investing in the best creative talent in the industry is our commitment back to our clients.”
Phillip Coe joins as Studio Director with overall leadership responsibility for the creative team. He brings over fifteen years of experience to Ariad, in particular running design teams. Phillip comes to Ariad from CI Investments where he was Creative Director and, prior to CI, he was Manager of Creative Services at Franklin Templeton Investments. In addition to his financial services background, Phillip has also managed multiple design agency teams. He is a champion of great creative that addresses the business needs of clients.
Part of the expansion is a new Art Director. Gregg Frewin comes to Ariad with a background in interactive media, video, and print for clients such as Starbucks, Scotiabank, Holt Renfrew and Proctor & Gamble. Interested in developing Canadian creative talent, Gregg has also served as Professor of Digital Media at the Academy of Design in Toronto.
Ariad is further bolstering the creative studio with the addition of two new designers. Andrew Simmons and Vince Rozas add depth to Ariad’s creative offering, in particular across editorial, packaging and identity projects. Both have over five years of experience working in areas such as packaged goods, healthcare, lifestyle and entertainment.
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20,000 email clicks instruct how to create engaging content
TORONTO, July 30, 2010 – The most important thing marketers can do to strengthen their communications to customers and prospects is to understand who their audiences are.
Engaging customers and prospects has never been more complicated. Audiences are savvier and pressed for time, flooded with a constant deluge of information. How then does a message stand out, pique curiosity and create interest? Ariad Custom Communications recommends five important tips to anyone seeking to create a compelling marketing program:
- Content must be relevant
- Demonstrate an understanding of issues a reader might face and if possible, offer a solution
- Illustrate opportunities and benefits
- Understand what people want to hear and when they want to hear it
- Be situated within as realistic a context as possible.
“From the online customer behaviour we observe, it is crystal clear that when you give first priority to a reader’s needs, and use your content to support those needs, you will connect with your audience,” says Manny Da Silva, vice president at Ariad.
Ariad’s insight has been gleaned from analyzing 20 e-newsletter issues from its personalized e-newsletter service for financial advisors, consisting of approximately 20,000 clicks on various articles.
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Goaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllllllllll – Ariad helps Popsicle score big with kids’ soccer
Over 20,000 kids across Canada on 1,343 teams have fun playing Popsicle Soccer this summer
TORONTO, July 9, 2010 – The competition may be fierce in South Africa, but this summer, thanks to Ariad and Popsicle, thousands of kids in communities across Canada will be playing soccer simply for fun.
Since the Popsicle Soccer Club launched in the spring it has become a major success for Canada’s coolest summer treat, with more than 20,000 under-10s on 1,343 soccer teams from coast to coast signed up to play Popsicle soccer.
The program was created by Ariad Custom Communications. Popsicle was looking for a unique, national platform where it could celebrate the fun of summer with parents and kids. For Ariad, soccer was the perfect fit. Popsicle agreed, and last fall Ariad, working with Harbinger Communications, PHD, and Mindshare, took on the challenge of having the program up and running for the start of the soccer season. This meant not only recruiting thousands of soccer clubs across Canada but also building the infrastructure necessary to support them.
Backing for the multi-year program is on a truly national scale. Popsicle is providing team sponsorship funds, coaching aides, and game-time assets – from the jerseys to the crucial half-time and after-game snacks. And Popsicle itself is celebrating the partnership with community soccer at every opportunity with in-store experiences, sampling and on-pack messaging. An exclusive partnership as title sponsor of CBC’s Soccer Day in Canada on July 10 rounds out the program in year one.
The program is focused solely on recreational soccer because it gives Popsicle the chance to connect with kids and moms – soccer moms – at a grassroots level. Shoshana Price, Brand Building Manager, Popsicle, explains: “Popsicle is all about fun, and we wanted Popsicle Soccer Club to be about fun too. So we reached out to clubs individually – enabling us to find and partner with clubs that are a perfect fit for the program and forge a deep connection with families. Thousands of volunteers give their valuable time throughout the summer to bring this great sport to Canadian kids, and it is an honour for Popsicle to help celebrate grassroots soccer.”
Tracy Smith, Senior Account Director, Ariad, comments: “Popsicle is the perfect summer treat. It’s a trusted brand that moms and dads grew up with and can now share with their kids. By supporting community soccer in this way, Popsicle has created an opportunity to reach, relate and celebrate with kids and parents on a weekly basis, throughout the summer season.”
Clubs throughout Canada, from Kamloops to the far north of Nunavut to Fundy, have signed up to become a part of Popsicle Soccer Club. And since the launch, Popsicle has been flooded with letters from grateful parents, coaches and soccer clubs:
“Receiving your support is incredibly important to maintaining strong team spirit and a cohesive community. Popsicle’s financial support allows us to funnel our limited finances to other equally important costs.” – Tim Antoniuk, Westmount Soccer Club.
“It’s exciting to have such a well-loved brand like Popsicle sponsor us – without their help, it would have been a challenge to compete this season.” – Geoff Clark, Kugluktuk Grizzlies.
The Popsicle Soccer Club program was developed in partnership with Harbinger Communications, PHD, and Mindshare.
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AMJ Campbell makes its move with Ariad
Canada’s largest mover teams up with Ariad for brand and marketing support
TORONTO, April 13, 2010 – Ariad Custom Communications has been named the Agency of Record for AMJ Campbell. Ariad has been brought on board by AMJ Campbell for the development and implementation of brand and marketing strategy.
Ariad will be carrying out a review of sponsorship and marketing plans for AMJ Campbell. However, the initial focus of Ariad’s work has been to bring a more customer-centric approach to the AMJ Campbell website; the revamped amjcampbell.com launches today.
Bruce Bowser, President & CEO, AMJ Campbell says: “After an extensive search we chose Ariad as our brand partner. Ariad brings to AMJ Campbell the strategic insight and creative quality we were looking for. And crucially, they clearly care deeply about doing the type of work that will help us grow our business.”
Marnie Kramarich, Senior Account Director, Ariad comments: “What makes AMJ Campbell stand out is the quality of its people and service. So we designed the new website around this insight. Whether it’s a business or residential move, it is a significant event, and AMJ Campbell has the expertise and know-how to reassure its customers. They recognize that moving isn’t about boxes and trucks, but it is about people and quality service.”
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Ariad continues to grow account teams
Adds 1:1 analytics and research depth to Ariad Healthcare
TORONTO, February 25, 2010 – Ariad Custom Communications is welcoming another marketing leader to its team. Nadia Keung moves to Ariad Healthcare account director to work across a number of clients and engagements.
An Ariad insider, Nadia’s work will be focused on Ariad’s burgeoning healthcare practice, which includes global powerhouse clients such as Unilever, EMD Serono and Johnson & Johnson.
Richard Marcil, General Manager, Ariad Healthcare says: “Nadia’s sales and marketing operations knowledge will be invaluable for our healthcare clients as they look to bolster sales force effectiveness and efficiency, optimize the balance of healthcare professional and patient-facing programs, and implement more sophisticated CRM programs and processes.”
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Getting smart advice about breast cancer to savvy Canadian teens
The Pink Tulip Foundation teams up with Ariad to provide essential support and information
TORONTO, February 17, 2010 – Talking to teenagers: tough. Talking to teenagers about making positive lifestyle choices to reduce their chances of getting breast cancer: even tougher. Which is why The Pink Tulip Foundation, a Toronto-based breast cancer charity, has teamed up with Ariad Custom Communications.
The aim of The Pink Tulip Foundation is to empower and inspire teenage girls to make healthy lifestyle choices. Ariad has been brought on board to help build and deliver an integrated communications campaign that will reach Canadian teens with the information and support they need about breast cancer.
The first step in this campaign – a revamped website pinktulip.ca – launches today. The interactive site includes social media applications, forums, quizzes, surveys and opportunities for teens to share fundraising stories. Fresh, engaging content also plays a major role with tone of voice a key consideration – informative yet engaging for a highly discerning audience.
The wider campaign has been designed to maximize awareness of the website and The Pink Tulip Foundation’s message. It includes tulip planting events, developing the Be Pink educational program in conjunction with Cancer Care Manitoba for distribution through schools and other organizations throughout Canada, and promotion on relevant websites including Facebook.
Leslie White of the Pink Tulip Foundation says: “We’re now into our third year at the Pink Tulip Foundation and it feels as though we are beginning to make some significant progress. Our new, exciting, engaging website launching today is just the start; the wider program that will roll out over the coming months will help us deliver the resources and support that teenage girls affected by breast cancer are looking for.”
Suzanne Burrows, Senior Account Director, Ariad comments: “Teenage girls can be a challenging and shrewd audience to reach. Deep, rich and engaging content is as critical as being in the right places online. Well-thought-through strategy as well as great design is essential for The Pink Tulip Foundation to reach its goals.”
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Sofia Costa joins Ariad Healthcare as Account Director - brings additional experiential marketing expertise
Ariad continues to bolster its healthcare account teams
TORONTO, January 21, 2010 – Ariad Healthcare has furthered its healthcare capabilities with the appointment of Sofia Costa as Account Director.
Sofia’s work will be focused on Ariad’s expanding healthcare practice, which includes global powerhouses such as Unilever, EMD Serono and Johnson & Johnson. Sofia comes to Ariad from BOOM! Marketing and Karisma Communications, where she worked to build consumer and health professional marketing campaigns for some of Canada’s leading brands.
Tracy Smith, Senior Account Director, Ariad says: “Sofia’s expertise in high-touch experiential marketing, including interactive and relationship marketing, adds additional depth to Ariad’s offering. Our clients will benefit from Sofia’s ability to truly connect consumers, patients and health professionals to brands.”
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$20,000 for 20 years - Ariad celebrates landmark anniversary with major donation to Free the Children
TORONTO, December 1, 2009 – Ariad Custom Communications is celebrating its 20th birthday, marking the occasion with a donation of $20,000 to the charity Free the Children.
Hugh Furneaux, the founder of Ariad, initiated the donation in recognition of the work and contribution Ariad employees have made over the past 20 years. Hugh felt a donation that would touch as many lives as possible would be a fitting tribute to their role in the agency's success.
Through Free the Children, Ariad is adopting a village in rural Kenya. The $20,000 donation will help build and sustain a school, provide alternative income for families, and help create an infrastructure for the village to provide clean water and sanitation. Free the Children's Adopt-a-Village program is designed to meet the needs of developing communities and eliminate obstacles that prevent children from accessing education.
The donation is in addition to Ariad's ongoing commitment to Toronto non-profit Foodshare. Ariad supports Foodshare, and its vision of good healthy food for all, with annual support worth approximately $15,000 through a mixture of financial donations, pro-bono work, and employee volunteer work.
Michael Beckerman, President, Ariad says: “In a tough economic climate like the one we've all experienced over the past year, we feel it is important that those that can do so dig a little deeper to help those less fortunate. Ariad's philanthropic commitments are part of our core values, and it is through the dedication of all our staff that we are able to make this really come alive.”
Ariad began in 1989 as a custom publishing agency. It rapidly developed into one of Canada's most successful marketing agencies, specializing in creating compelling brand experiences that drive business. Over the past 20 years, some of Canada's most successful brands have engaged and continue to engage Ariad, including Becel, Telus, Degree, Vespa, Vale Inco, and major corporations from across the financial services sector.
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Global mining company Vale teams up with Ariad to deliver international employee communications program
TORONTO, November 9, 2009 – Where would you turn if you needed to create and distribute an e-newsletter to a global workforce of over 100,000 in four languages twice a week? For Vale, the second largest mining company in the world, the answer was Ariad Custom Communications.
After a thorough agency review, Vale has partnered with Ariad to create the content, translate and project-manage this extensive ongoing employee communication initiative. Vale News delivers news from Vale's mining, processing and research operations in over 35 countries to employees twice a week in four languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish and French.
Manny Da Silva, Vice President, Ariad, comments: "For a company like Vale, with the range of languages, cultures, people and roles, high-quality, regular employee communication is vital for establishing a collective mindset. Vale News is fast paced and it is an exciting opportunity for Ariad to help Vale deliver on its employee engagement goals."
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Ariad Healthcare helps bring Multibionta Probiotic Multivitamin to market
Ariad Healthcare selected by EMD Serono as lead marketing agency in Canada
TORONTO, October 7, 2009 – EMD Serono Canada has chosen Ariad Healthcare to be its lead marketing agency for Multibionta Probiotic Multivitamin, starting with 2010 commercialization strategies and programs.
“The ability to drive high-level business strategy, combined with a track record of developing integrated, high-engagement programs, is what I value in Ariad”, says Greg Biehn, Business Unit Director, EMD Serono. “Given a short runway from inception to launch, I needed a team that could execute and deliver results.”
Richard Marcil, General Manager, Ariad Healthcare comments: “Multibionta is a terrific brand to work on. It’s been available in Europe for ten years, and is now the number-one multivitamin in France and the U.K. Multibionta brings innovation to a category that’s in need of it and is backed by robust science in digestive and immune system health.”
Ariad’s work on Multibionta began earlier this spring, and marketing initiatives are now being deployed in support of its retail launch. Ariad is also working alongside Rao Barrett & Welsh, Environics and M2 Universal.
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If it's Popsicle and Ariad, it's Possible!
Ariad selected by Popsicle as lead marketing agency for Canada
TORONTO, September 8, 2009 – Popsicle has chosen Ariad Custom Communications to be its lead marketing agency in Canada. Ariad has been hired to lead development of the 2010 marketing and activation strategy for the Unilever brand.
“The talent at Ariad is evident,” says Shoshana Price, Brand Building Manager, Unilever. “In a previous Unilever program, they blew me away, so when it came time to pick an agency – Ariad was the one.”
Tracy Smith, Senior Account Director, Ariad comments: “Popsicle is such a fun brand and it comes with real substance and history. We are looking forward to building on this through insightful marketing programs for Popsicle that will reach consumers and help increase sales and their share of the market.”
Ariad’s work with Popsicle began this summer with a campaign to increase sales of Popsicle Slow Melt pops. The campaign “Summer Slow Down” involved a mixture of in-store activation, event sampling and digital marketing. The campaign is currently coming to a close across Canada.
Ariad will be working alongside Harbinger who handles PR and Cartier Communications, who supports the Quebec marketplace.
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Wealth management software company Univeris selects marketing agency Ariad
Financial industry expertise combined with technology and sales force knowledge leads to Ariad appointment
TORONTO, July 14, 2009 – Ariad Custom Communications continues to build on a very strong 2009 with the announcement that it has begun working with financial services software company Univeris.
Ariad will develop and implement marketing programs focusing on Univeris’ wealth management software. The brand development, print and on-line efforts will build relationships with financial advisors and create awareness with financial services enterprises. Ariad began working with Univeris earlier this year.
Stephen Smith, Senior Director Marketing, Univeris says: “We were looking for a marketing partner that really understands our needs. As well as having deep technology and financial industry expertise we were looking for a firm with a successful track record of marketing to the financial advisor community. Ariad was a natural fit for Univeris with its creativity, subject matter expertise and strategic insight.”
Baron Manett, Senior Vice President, Strategy with Ariad comments: “Univeris’ software is a sophisticated financial management system, therefore the right messaging is crucial to the success of their marketing and brand. This is exactly the kind of work we thrive on at Ariad: developing a clear and creative way to deliver complex messages.”
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Brian Chung joins Ariad as Account Director - brings additional strategic and digital marketing expertise
Chung one of four recent new hires as Ariad bolsters account teams
TORONTO, June 23, 2009 – Ariad Custom Communications has furthered its digital and strategic capabilities with the appointment of Brian Chung as Account Director.
Brian’s work will be focused on Ariad’s growing Unilever account, for brands such as Degree and Becel. Brian comes to Ariad from Sapient and GWP Brand Engineering where over the last nine years he worked to build interactive marketing campaigns for some of Canada’s leading consumer brands.
Tracy Smith, Senior Account Director, Ariad says: “Brian’s expertise in developing and executing marketing strategy, in particular through digital channels, adds additional depth to Ariad’s offering. Our clients will not only benefit from Brian’s wealth of knowledge and experience, but also from his great insight and attitude.”
Also joining Ariad are Jeff Lynch and Mia Harris-Brandts as Account Managers. Jeff has previously worked with brands including Axe, Degree, TD and Virgin Mobile. Mia joins the Ariad team from Capital C where she was the manager of the strategy and insights group. Chloë Fraser arrives at Ariad as a project co-ordinator to work across a variety of brands.
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Ariad helps FoodShare rock for over $30,000
Auction to meet Bruce Springsteen huge success for Toronto non-profit
TORONTO, May 21, 2009 – Toronto non-profit FoodShare is hailing its recent fundraiser Rock For FoodShare a huge success. More than $30,000 was raised as a result of an auction to meet rock legend Bruce Springsteen at his recent Toronto show.
The final bids for the two pairs of tickets totalled over $14,000, which Bruce generously agreed to match. Then on the night of the show itself FoodShare collected over $4,000 in donations. All in the total raised was $32,759.
The auction was organized and promoted for FoodShare by Ariad Custom Communications after Bruce Springsteen agreed to donate tickets and his time. For the past 20 years Bruce has been a big supporter of FoodShare – whose vision is good healthy food for all. The promotional effort included a viral email campaign, seeding with bloggers to raise awareness, an on-line auction, banner ads, concert activity and social media efforts tapping into communication channels like Facebook and Linkedin.
Debbie Field, Executive Director, FoodShare says: “Rock For FoodShare was such a fantastic success for us, and we cannot thank Bruce and his fans enough for their remarkable generosity, particularly in tough times like these. And our thanks also goes to Ariad. The support and commitment of everyone there in building and promoting this auction – exciting creative, great execution – meant we generated a real buzz and in the end raised as much money as we did.”
Michael Beckerman, President, Ariad comments: “We knew the backstage meet and greet would be a big draw. Yet we were still overwhelmed by people’s generous support. It really was our honour to work with Bruce Springsteen and help raise important funds for our friends at FoodShare. Rock on!”
All the money raised from the auction and at the concert will support FoodShare projects across Toronto. FoodShare works with communities to ensure that everyone has access to sustainably produced, good, healthy food.
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Ariad named one of Canada’s best places to work
Judges: “a culture that encourages creativity and the sharing of inspirational ideas”
TORONTO, April 6, 2009 – Ariad Custom Communications has been named as one of the country’s best places to work. The Toronto-based marketing agency is recognized in the 2009 list of “Best Workplaces in Canada” as published in today’s [April 6, 2009] Globe and Mail.
Ariad was praised by the judges for understanding the importance of workplace culture for business success, in particular noting that: “To help the company achieve its goals and succeed in its vision, Ariad strives to create a culture that encourages creativity and the sharing of inspirational ideas.”
Michael Beckerman, President, Ariad, says: “We are striving to create a collaborative, creative and energized culture at Ariad; one that produces great work for our clients and also lets us have some fun along the way. This award is a validation of the progress we’ve made towards building an environment that best serves our clients and also makes our employees proud. At Ariad we are committed to having the best and the brightest in the industry. It is these remarkable people who are creating a culture that champions teamwork and creativity.”
The list of “Best Workplaces in Canada” is compiled by Great Place to Work Institute Canada. There are two stages to the competition process: an employee survey and an in-depth review of the organization’s culture, including an evaluation of HR policies and procedures. The results are then assessed against the five trust-building dimensions of a great place to work: credibility, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie.
This year approximately 30,000 employees participated in the 2009 “Best Workplaces in Canada” survey.
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Ariad hires leading digital strategist Mike Torre
Torre, plus new Senior Art Director, James Palmer add creative muscle to growing agency
TORONTO, March 17, 2009 – Assembling top drawer digital and creative talent for its clients, marketing agency Ariad continues to build its bench strength with the addition of digital expert Mike Torre. As Director of Strategic Planning, Torre will bring his significant experience to Ariad to formulate insightful strategies and compelling creative approaches for its growing list of clients.
Mike has a proven track record as one of the country’s top digital strategists with a real talent for meaningful creative, honed as the leader of his own agency Common Incorporated. At Common and through previous agencies, Mike has worked with a who’s who list of technology companies, including HP, Apple, Intel, Alias, Bell and, most extensively and prominently, with Microsoft.
“Mike has that rare ability to push strategic, analytical insight through the delivery of compelling and innovative creative,” says Mark Michaud, Senior Vice President, Ariad. “We are so pleased to be able to offer the talents of this unique individual to our clients. His perspectives align wonderfully with our approach of strategically grounded creative.”
Mike Torre says: “In Ariad, I see a truly non-traditional marketing agency that shares my values. For 20 years, these folks have advanced innovative strategy and story-telling through original content marketing. Their approach, combined with a fantastic commitment to customer service and watertight execution makes them a great fit for me and my clients.”
Also joining Ariad is James Palmer. As Senior Art Director he will be leading a design team serving a number of Ariad’s financial services and consumer packaged goods clients. Prior to joining Ariad, James ran his own digital design company where clients included Microsoft, Rogers Sportsnet, and Choice Hotels in Canada and Australia.
Michaud continues: “James has great online experience and a high quality design aesthetic. I believe he will further strengthen the creative output for Ariad’s clients as well as provide great leadership to our growing design team.”
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Degree selects Ariad as lead marketing agency for Canada
TORONTO, March 11, 2009 – Unilever Canada has selected Ariad Custom Communications as lead marketing agency for their Degree antiperspirant and deodorant brands. Ariad has been hired for both Degree Men and Degree Women brands in Canada.
Ariad’s work for Degree will encompass all elements of the marketing mix, including strategic planning, promotion, digital marketing and in-store activation. Ariad begins work immediately on both activating communications programs for 2009, and leading the development of the 2010 marketing strategy for the Unilever brand.
The Degree business is an exciting win for Ariad, which has worked with Unilever across some of its other consumer brands for 19 years. Alison Leung, Director Brand Building, Hair Care and Deodorants at Unilever Canada comments: “Ariad’s work continues to impress and the decision to align the Degree brand with Ariad was a natural step. Ariad is anchored in consumer understanding, and the insights and executional excellence they bring to Unilever makes them a valuable marketing partner.”
Baron Manett, Senior Vice President, Strategy with Ariad says: “We’re really excited to be starting work with the Degree team. Ariad has a proud 19-year history with Unilever and we are looking forward to developing insights-based marketing programs to reach out to the Degree audiences and grow Degree’s share of market.”
Email Baron: bmanett@ariad.ca@ariad.ca
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Ariad Healthcare to bring agency's expertise to new sector
Ariad’s new healthcare marketing business, dubbed Ariad Healthcare, is to be led by expert and innovator, Richard Marcil, a 20-year veteran of the industry.
Richard Marcil, General Manager, Ariad Healthcare comments: “Ariad’s 20 years of know-how in financial services and with consumer health-focused brands like Unilever’s Becel makes the healthcare sector a natural fit. From my own experience, it can be difficult to find a strategic marketing and communications partner that really understands the challenge of working in a highly-regulated environment. I believe Ariad’s reputation, executional excellence and benchmark direct capabilities will be especially powerful in healthcare as marketers and manufacturers seek to engage, dialogue and empower consumers and patients.”
Richard joins Ariad as General Manager of Ariad Healthcare with a mandate to explore how healthcare marketers and manufacturers can benefit from Ariad’s strategic marketing insight and capabilities. He brings with him a wealth of experience in pharmaceuticals, biotech and consumer goods. Richard’s track record of business building spans benchmark global powerhouses, including Johnson & Johnson, and Silicon Valley-based biotech startups. His experience encompasses prescription drugs, medical devices, over-the-counter drugs, consumer goods and nutraceuticals, and includes leadership roles in sales, marketing and business development.
Email Richard: richardmarcil@ariad.ca
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New account manager Robyn Dale Godfrey brings depth of
experience to Ariad
Ariad has strengthened its financial services account team with the recent appointment of Robyn Dale Godfrey as Account Manager.
Donald Bilodeau, Senior Account Director says: “Robyn Dale is just the kind of marketing talent we look for at Ariad. The breadth of her interactive experience and depth of knowledge makes her a valuable asset for the growth of Ariad’s team and for our clients.”
Prior to joining Ariad, Robyn Dale worked on the development, launch and ongoing management of the CAAmagazine.ca with a custom publishing agency. As such, Robyn Dale brings a wealth of online experience to Ariad, having also worked on many other interactive projects.
Interested in joining the Ariad team?
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Ariad delivers membership program success for Vespa
Just over six months into a program designed to leverage an existing passion for riding, Vespa is seeing great results – thanks to its work with Ariad.
Vespa and Ariad launched the program in May; at its core is SQUADRA – an online community of scooter and motorcycle owners and fans – and its supporting quarterly e-newsletter MotoModa. The aim of the program: to connect Vespa with its Canadian customers, improve customer experience, and strengthen brand loyalty in Canada.
The program has rapidly proved popular: Almost 600 people have already signed up to be SQUADRA members and readership of MotoModa has soared 38% since the first issue – and members obviously like what they are reading as the clickthrough rate has reached a staggering 78%.
“These numbers are stunning,” says Suzanne Burrows, Senior Account Director, “but it’s what they mean for Vespa that’s really exciting. The program is delivering exactly the customer engagement Vespa wanted. And that success is a ringing endorsement of the strategic platform Ariad has worked with Vespa to build.”
Learn more about Ariad’s recent work with Vespa
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Ariad helps Genworth reposition mortgage broker offering
Genworth Financial Canada has teamed up with Ariad to reposition its mortgage broker offering.
Genworth Edge is the result of a strategy to pull together Genworth’s range of broker resources and position them as a holistic offering. Genworth Edge is built on the three cornerstones of Genworth’s services to mortgage brokers: taking care of your professional development, taking care of your brand, and taking care of your customers.
Genworth invited Ariad to develop a creative concept to brand Genworth Edge and provide a strong visual identity for the offering. The strategy involved using colour and images that would effectively present Genworth Edge as a whole, while also reflecting the specific parts of the Genworth offering. Ariad also developed a Genworth Edge email campaign to introduce mortgage brokers to the new brand, its tools and services.
Manny Da Silva, Vice President – Advisor Channel comments: “The Genworth Edge brand is about bringing clarity to Genworth’s mortgage broker offering. And while we’re still in the early days of the brand, what we’re hearing is that mortgage brokers are reacting positively to the repositioning.”
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