The Direct Marketing Association’s International Council has announced its 2007 honors.
This year the council will present James Thornton, managing director of Mailing Lists Asia, with its Lifetime Achievement Award, and Daniel Rutenberg, director of marketing for International Airline Passengers Association, with its International Direct Marketer of the Year Award.
Mailing Lists Asia was founded in Hong Kong in 1983 as the first international list brokerage based in Asia. While list specialization remains a core component of the company’s services, it also outsources direct mail printing, laser addressing and lettershopping from carefully chosen suppliers in Manila, India, China, and Bangkok.
Before entering international direct marketing, Mr. Thornton was engaged in periodical publishing. He owned UK-controlled circulation tabloid Export Times, which he launched in 1969. He launched Business Traveller in 1976 out of Export Times’ cash flow. In 1981 he went to Asia to launch an Asia-Pacific edition of Business Traveller, which achieved a paid circulation of 18,000 within three issues.
The International Airline Passengers Association is a membership organization with more than 45 years of experience in the travel industry in providing products and services to frequent travelers.
Mr. Rutenberg joined IAPA in 1991 and is directly responsible for all marketing activities in the Americas. He has developed direct marketing operations for IAPA in the region. He also was responsible for the association’s Membership Service Department for the Western Hemisphere. His involvement in both marketing and customer service has allowed him to implement loyalty programs for the IAPA.
This year’s honors will be presented at an awards luncheon during the DMA International Council’s 2007 International Day on June 18 at the Harvard Club in New York City.
