Warren Hunter Named DMA Financial Services Council Direct Marketer of the Year

February 28, 2008 — As the rest of the business community contorts itself to fit some perceived mold of what it should be, Warren Hunter, chairman and chief executive officer of DMW Worldwide, sticks to a straightforward philosophy: Keep it simple and to the point. And the philosophy seems to be working. Today, the Direct Marketing Association’s (DMA) Financial Services Council announced that Hunter is its 2008 DMA Financial Services Council Direct Marketer of the Year.

Hunter will receive the award on March 18, during the Financial Services Council Awards Luncheon. The luncheon is part of the program at the 32nd Annual DMA Financial Services Conference, which will take place March 16–18, 2008, at Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale, FL. The conference will provide leading direct marketing strategies for professionals in the insurance, banking, and other financial services industries.

“Warren Hunter is an extraordinarily innovative person, one who is constantly giving back to the direct marketing community,” said Kenneth P. Ebeling, DMA senior vice president of member and segment services. “His ideas are so clear and understandable, yet creative and sound, that to listen to him speak is to say ‘Of course. Why didn’t I think of that?’ ”

The award honors marketers who demonstrate a pattern of consistent contribution which achieves a high level of competence — if not expertise — in one or more disciplines such as: product development, research, marketing, management, education, sales, administration or technical innovation in the fields of actuarial science, underwriting or the like. “Warren’s accomplishments during his more than 35 years of experience in direct marketing and advertising not only meet, but exceed the requirements for receiving this DMA distinction,” Ebeling declared.

2008 DMA Financial Services Council Direct Marketer of the Year: Warren Hunter

Bringing client-side perspective to his work, Hunter joined DMW in 1988, and is responsible for leading the agency’s strategic business initiatives. Under his leadership, DMW has become nationally known for its expertise in all facets of direct marketing for a variety of vertical industries, including insurance and financial services, consumer products, business-to-business, fund-raising, telecommunications, and utilities.

Prior to joining DMW, Hunter had been vice president of direct marketing for BlueCross and BlueShield of Florida. He also served as vice president of direct marketing for World Book Insurance Group and vice president of marketing for National Liberty Corporation.

Hunter is a highly rated speaker and recognized author on various subjects related to direct and database marketing strategy and tactics. He is an active member of the Professional Insurance Marketing Association (PIMA), and DMA — serving on the ECHO Committee and as former chairman of the DMA Direct Marketing Agency Council.

Hunter’s qualifications may be summed up in the words of his nominating form: “During a time when many others have faltered, the DMW story is one of triumph — much of which is attributable to the wisdom and leadership of its leader, Warren Hunter. Warren’s legacy in the direct marketing industry — particularly in the insurance and financial services specialties — is not only his ability to drive successful marketing programs, but the passion, dedication, and admiration of his colleagues as well.”

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