Indoor Direct, Inc., which operates a national restaurant digital TV network, has announced that recognized media industry executive Charlie Rutman has joined its board of directors. Rutman has been a leading media planning and buying executive for more than 30 years.
During his career, he has been involved with several high-profile and influential advertising and marketing campaigns, such as the rise of Miller Brewing Company, the introduction of Hyundai Automotive, the “Dave Thomas” campaign for Wendy’s and the re-positioning of Sprite, Diet Coke and Coke Classic.
“We are thrilled to have someone of Charlie’s stature, experience and knowledge join our board to help guide indoorDIRECT on its dynamic growth trajectory,” said Fred Margolin, CEO of indoorDIRECT, which is privately held. “His experience with digital media and the world’s leading marketing companies will be invaluable as indoorDIRECT further establishes its national media platform for advertisers.”
IndoorDIRECT creates and produces theBITE Network, which airs on its LCD screens in restaurant dining rooms, providing advertisers with national reach to a highly receptive audience. Research indicates that almost 90 percent of those eating in a restaurant showing theBITE Network noticed the dining room screens and that 55 percent of them recalled an advertisement when asked unaided.
At the end of 2008, Rutman shifted from serving as CEO of MPG North America, the international media services agency that is part of Havas, to being North American advisor. During his four-year tenure, he was responsible for turning around the major media services organization which had lost more than $1 billion in billings in 2004. New clients won under his leadership included Dannon, Sears, Kmart, Exxon Mobil and Virgin Mobile.
He was president of Carat USA, a leader in digital media services, for seven years, where he directed explosive growth from a start-up company to a recognized industry leader. Previous to that, he was with DMB&B in New York, where he directed the consolidated media planning unit handling all Coca-Cola brands worldwide.
Earlier this year, indoorDIRECT announced venture funding of up to $22.5 million to complete the roll-out of its national in-store network infrastructure. With that expansion, indoorDIRECT now has a national media platform of more than 10 million viewers a month in top DMAs.