Y&R Sets Up Business and Tech Practice

WPP ad group Y&R has set up a technology and business division which will access group services such as B2B brand analysis from the BrandAsset Valuator, and a social media listening capability for insights on the behavior of business decision-makers.

Y&R has 189 offices in 93 countries around the world. Its BrandAsset Valuator (BAV) is a global research study that aims to map the impressions consumers have of various brands, and their relation to them, while assessing relevant personality traits and comparing brands within and across categories.

The new Technology and Business division will use proprietary tools such as BAV, social media listening, and other WPP resources to provide clients with integrated B2B and B2C communications solutions. It will be led by long-term employee Joe Rivas (pictured), who will serve as President, Y&R Technology and Business, while continuing in his role as WPP Global Client Leader of Dell. Global CEO David Sable comments: 'Joe is a brilliant strategist. He understands the challenges of bringing complex ideas and products to life and how to build cross-disciplinary teams that help drive results. It's always about finding the human insight and a people-first approach that creates powerful work'.

Web site: www.yr.com .