(SPRINGFIELD, Mass.) — MassMutual Financial Group has announced the selection of Mullen as advertising agency-of-record to handle integrated marketing communications, including advertising, direct-response, and interactive marketing. Mullen's mediaHUB unit was selected to handle media planning and buying for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). The decision follows an agency review conducted by the client from March through May.

"Mullen demonstrated a thorough understanding of our business and a comprehensive approach to marketing communications across all media and disciplines," said Jeff Sawyer, MassMutual's vice president for national advertising and branding. "We're excited about the opportunity to work with Mullen, and we look forward to collaborating with them to help consumers better understand MassMutual's unique strengths and offerings in a crowded financial services marketplace."

Mullen succeeds Lowe Worldwide, which had served as MassMutual's lead agency since 1999. Mullen will be responsible for brand positioning, creative development, media strategy and go-to-market communications for the MassMutual brand and all related products and services. Yearly media spend is initially estimated to total approximately $15 million.

"We've been admirers of MassMutual for many years, and are delighted that they selected Mullen based on the strength of the agency's strategic positioning, integrated full-service capabilities and distinctive style," said Joe Grimaldi, chief executive officer of Mullen. "MassMutual is an outstanding company, operating in a highly competitive category. We'll bring every resource we have to bear to help MassMutual grow and prosper."

About Mullen
Mullen is a full-service agency and an independent brand within the Interpublic Group of Companies. Mullen's client portfolio includes General Motors, XM Satellite Radio, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Stride Rite Children's Group, Progress Energy, Royal Ahold, Turner Broadcasting System, LendingTree, 3Com, T.J. Maxx, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Sealy, Sprint-EMBARQ and Wachovia. Headquartered in Wenham, Mass., the agency operates offices in Winston-Salem, N.C., Detroit, Mich. and Pittsburgh, Pa. For more on Mullen, visit www.mullen.com.