New York, USA: 10 September 2002: — Interpublic Sports and Entertainment Group Chairman and CEO Mark Dowley today announced the restructuring of Octagon Worldwide, a restructuring that includes new responsibilities for key Octagon executives and the appointment of two senior sports marketing veterans.

Following his one-year commitment to IPG, interim CEO, Les Delano, has now stepped down. Delano has been a consultant to both IPG and Octagon Worldwide for over 30 years and will now revert to his previous role of Consultant/Director to Octagon Worldwide.

According to Dowley, two key Octagon executives will take charge of critical business units. Karl Bistany will serve as President of Octagon Television Worldwide while Phil de Picciotto will serve as President of Athlete Representation Worldwide. Both executives will report to Dowley.

‘We will provide Karl and Phil the resources they need to grow these two critical areas of Octagon’s business,’ said Dowley. ‘They are now more important to Octagon’s growth and success than ever before.’

Octagon presently represents more than 800 athletes, broadcasters and models including; Lleyton Hewitt, Anna Kournikova, Davis Love III, John Elway, Mia Hamm and Lenny Krayzelburg. The company produces more than 500 hours of original programming and distributes over 4000 hours on an annual basis.

Tim Moufarrige has been reassigned from his current position in Asia/Pacific. He has been named President, Europe and is responsible for Europe, Middle East and Africa and will report to Mark Dowley. The company is currently searching for a replacement for the Asia/Pacific region.

Dowley also confirmed the appointment of Rick Dudley, as President of Octagon, North America. Prior to joining Octagon, Dudley spent five years as the President of NHL Enterprises. He was also a Senior Vice President at the National Football League where he ran corporate sponsorship and marketing operations for 10 years and served in a similar capacity at Major League Baseball. Most recently, Dudley held an operating role at Ignite Sports and ran MHC Investments, a private equity investor in sports properties. Dudley will report to Dowley and replaces Mark Bingham.

Longtime industry veteran James F. ‘Curt’ Curtis, formerly a 16-year employee of IMG, will join Octagon as Chief Marketing Officer, a new position in the company. Curtis is best known for heading up the North American Marketing Group within IMG for 12 years. In his role as Chief Marketing Officer, Curtis will help Dowley better integrate existing Octagon projects and initiatives.

‘Octagon is already a powerhouse in sports marketing and representation and this infusion of top level talent coupled with the new responsibilities given to our existing key executives, makes us even stronger,’ Dowley said.

‘We are bullish on Octagon and its growth potential and feel these structural changes will help ensure we meet our short and long term goals,’ said John Dooner, Chairman and CEO of Interpublic Group.

For more details contact:

Ruth Wicks
SVP/Director of Public Relations
Octagon Worldwide Limited
Octagon House
81/83 Fulham High Street
London SW6 3JW
t +44 (0)20 7862 0063 f +44 (0)20 7751 2976
mob +44 (0)7900 246 586