Chief Marketer Staff

• Agencies

  Piaggio, Hasbro Roll Out ‘Transformers’ Promotions

  Piaggio Group Americas is kicking off a marketing campaign tied to Paramount Pictures’ upcoming release of “Transformers” for its Vespa scooter brand.

• Scion Holds Hunt on Second Life to Benefit MS

  Car maker Scion is using a scavenger hunt on virtual world Second Life to activate it sponsorship of an event to benefit the national Multiple Sclerosis Society.

• Agencies

  Sephora and the Balm Run Package Design Contest

  Beauty retailer Sephora and beauty brand theBalm are running a contest that lets consumers design packaging.

• AOL Names AT&T Exec New Marketing Chief

  Internet company AOL has named John Burbank chief marketing officer, a newly created position.

• News Brief

  GOODY’S FAMILY CLOTHING: will launch a new fashion line by actress Ashley Judd

• PRC Recommends Sticky Note Test Extension

  The Postal Regulatory Commission Thursday recommended a one-year extension of the U.S. Postal Service’s repositionable (sticky) notes (RPNs)test. If successful, the program will allow sticky notes to be placed on the outsides of mailing pieces for a fee.

• Publicis to Acquire Business Interactif

  Publicis Groupe plans to acquire 49% of hte shares of Business Interactif, a French online advertising agency, for more than $273 million in cash and stock.

• Element Fusion Acquires Web Business from 4site

  Element Fusion, an online design and development firm, has acquired the Web site development business from 4site Solutions for an undisclosed sum.

• Transcontinental Income and Revenue Rise

  Transcontinental Inc. posted net income of $34 million for the second quarter, a 2% increase over net income of $33.7 million in the prior year.

• Direct Group Names Ryan COO

  Direct Group has named Chris Ryan to the newly created position of chief operating officer.