Media Maven Mandel Joins VNU to 'Follow the Consumer'

Jon Mandel, one of the highest profile media buyers in the US, has joined VNU as CEO of newly formed business unit, NielsenConnect.

Based in New York, NielsenConnect will draw information from the many VNU companies which collect, analyse and report on consumer patterns and usage around the world. VNU's media and marketing portfolio includes consumer purchase information, store data, modeling assets, geo-demographic data, television and outdoor ratings, as well as movie, book, video and radio data.

The man renowned as 'the most quoted man in media' is looking forward to the challenge, and explained: 'NielsenConnect is about connecting consumer information in ways that have never been attempted, so our clients can spot trends and move more quickly to maximize their relationships with their customers.'

Commenting on both the appointment and the formation of NielsenConnect, David L Calhoun, VNU's Chairman and CEO said: 'Jon's knowledge, experience and enthusiasm are vital to our goal of taking this company to a whole new level of client service. His mission is to follow the consumer. That means connecting all the different information resources across VNU so our clients benefit from clear, actionable information they need to grow their businesses.'

Mandel joins VNU from media communications firm, Group M, where he was Chief of Strategic Solutions. Prior to his corporate role at Group M, Mandel was Chairman of its subsidiary, MediaCom. He joined MediaCom from Grey Advertising, where he had worked since the early 1970s. He also serves on the boards of numerous media councils and committees.

In his spare time, Mandel is involved with several charities, and serves as an officer of the Kismet Fire Department.

VNU is online at www.vnu.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.