Straightline Expanding its Program Management Practice Area

NEW YORK, Oct. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Straightline announces the expansion of its Program Management practice area as part of the firm's ongoing commitment to exceptional client service and the efficient management of client brand engagements. Under the leadership of Mary Somma, Director of Program Management, the department is expected to continue to grow in 4Q 2011 and early 2012 in response to client needs.

Mary, who joined Straightline in June 2011, is responsible for ensuring all of Straightline's programs are efficient and streamlined, and for managing and mentoring her department team members. She reports to Jessica Orkin, Straightline's Managing Director. "My goal is to demystify the branding process and give clients a high level of confidence about what is often a career-defining experience."

"Mary's skills are the perfect complement to our evolving offering," says Michael Watras, President and CEO of Straightline. "She brings rigor and a strategic approach to our Program Management practice. Our clients are loving working with her."

Before joining Straightline, Mary was a Director of Program Management at Interbrand. There she managed the highly successful global rebranding of Xerox. Other clients include CSC, EMC, Nice 'n Easy, and State Farm. In addition to her client lead role, Mary helped to define and systematize the program management function. Prior to Interbrand, Mary served as Director of Program Management at Arnell where she managed the OrangeWorks partnership with Home Depot.

Mary came to consulting from the client side. As Director, Program Management at Revlon she redefined the global creative process establishing a multi-disciplinary approach that integrated product development, package development, editorial, marketing, and visual design. Mary also managed more than 50 product/brand launches and their accompanying in-store promotions. She holds a B.A. in English from Hofstra University and an M.A. in Literature from the University of Vermont.

About Straightline:

Straightline, founded in 1994, is a strategic brand consulting firm that builds value for market leaders and emerging companies around the world by creating and implementing powerful brands.  The firm is frequently called on to help companies successfully navigate times of great change – from M&A activity to rapidly changing market conditions and evolving business strategies – with strategic brand tools that help galvanize employees, amplify competitive advantages and position for sustainable growth. Clients include some of the world's leading enterprises, including Xerox, Madison Square Garden, Pfizer, Thomson Reuters, Time Warner and T-Mobile.

WWW.STRAIGHTLINENYC.COM  

Contact:  Jessica Orkin, Managing Director
212 941 0700 / [email protected]

SOURCE Straightline