BlueMarvel Inc. today announced the hiring of Dominic Schmitt, a former VP of Product Management and Client Services for TACODA, now a part of AOL, as its Vice-President, Media Platforms. Mr. Schmitt has also held positions at BarnesandNoble.com and Times Mirror Magazines prior to TACODA. For BlueMarvel, he will be tasked with extending the company's vision of high definition nature-based programming and marketing for television, Blu-ray Disc and HD DVDs, and IPTV.
"Dominic brings a unique blend of talents and experience in media, from both the advertising and the retail world, and he understands how our brand delivers a consistent and focused message to a broad-based audience of outdoor and nature-enthusiasts. As a nimble, startup media company, we will benefit from his thought leadership and direction in these and many other areas," says Des FitzGerald, CEO of BlueMarvel, Inc.
BlueMarvel, based in Rockland, Maine, is the leading producer of what it calls "Experiential HDTV". Its creative chief David Conover is the creator of Discovery HD Theater's "Sunrise Earth" series. Sunrise Earth, now in its fourth year, has received critical acclaim as a standard bearer for the distinct viewing experience afforded by high definition, as described in a recent front page feature article in USA Today ("HDTV's clarity gives rise to new channels," http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/2007-11-25-HDTV-main_N.htm, Nov. 25).
"BlueMarvel is building a wealth of nature-based programming that is uniquely suited for HD television," says Schmitt, who will be co-located in New York and Maine. "It is exciting to be a part of an energetic group delivering the best quality product in its class. There are few companies where you can help generate awareness of our natural world in such a positive manner, while also re-defining television and the internet video viewing experience."
As Mr. Conover points out, "Dominic grasps the importance of delivering a high quality experience and nurturing customer relationships across many touch-points. We welcome his background and connections in both traditional and new media."
While at TACODA, Schmitt developed audience management and behavioral targeting techniques for clients such as the New York Times, the Weather Channel, About.com, Tribune Interactive, and iVillage. TACODA's behavioral ad network now serves ads to over 125 million people across 4000 websites. The company was purchased by AOL in September of this year for a reported $275 million.
BlueMarvel opened its new offices, headquartered in the mid-coast town of Rockland, Maine, on October 1 of this year.