Recent Press Releases - Article

USA RELEASE: LEWIS RESIGNS AS CHAIRMAN OF VISIBLE RESULTS USA; WILL PROVIDE STRATEGIC CONSULTING SERVICES TO CLIENTS, INCLUDING FORMER FIRM

KANSAS CITY, KS (7/25/02)

Gerald Lewis, the veteran retail and consumer marketing consultant, has resigned as Chairman of Visible Results USA to provide management level consulting to a limited number of US and international companies in the retailing and consumer goods marketing fields. In this capacity, he will continue to serve the Kansas City-based firm, which is a member of The Visible Results Group of Companies, a world leader in the provision of thermal read/write loyalty card solutions to retailers and other branded marketers.

Mr. Lewis joined the Auckland, NZ-headquartered Visible Results in May 2001, to guide the introduction of the patented Visible Results GraphiCardT loyalty technology into the US retailing, foodservice and hospitality markets. He maintains an equity position in the US unit. He came to the firm shortly after retiring as Chief Executive (and former principal owner) of CDI Group Inc., a New York-based international retail consulting and design organization that was acquired in 1999 by Miller Zell of Atlanta. At CDI, he gained the reputation as a leader in the development, design and implementation of retail concepts, programs and facilities.

During his more than 28 years at the firm, Mr. Lewis personally provided ongoing guidance and consultation services for such major companies as Mobil Oil (US and overseas), Royal Ahold's Stop & Shop supermarkets, Heron International (UK), Statoil (Scandinavia, Ireland and Poland), Amerada Hess, Texaco, Seicomart (Japan), Emro/Superamerica, Kao Corporation (Japan) and Paz Oil (Israel). He also authored "Profitable Roadside Retailing-Making It Happen," a book on convenience retailing published by The Petroleum Marketing Education Foundation; wrote numerous articles; and was a featured speaker at conventions and meetings throughout the US as well as in the UK, Austria, Hungary, Argentina and Japan.

Before joining CDI, Mr. Lewis worked extensively in consumer goods marketing as both a corporate executive and consultant. From 1966 to 1970 he served as President and Chief Executive of Indian Head Hosiery Company, the manufacturer and marketer of Fruit of the Loom panty hose, which, during his tenure, became the leading brand of panty hose in the US. In 1968 he was elected as the youngest-ever chairman of the board of the National Association of Hosiery Manufacturers. Mr. Lewis has also been involved in the development and marketing of an extensive range of other products, including books, compact discs, cosmetics, diapers, intimate apparel, men's/boy's/children's hosiery, musical sound modification equipment, and shoe cleaning products.

"I have had a great experience working with Michael Whittaker and his dynamic young team at Visible Results, and am delighted that I will be able to continue to assist them," said Mr. Lewis. "However, after helping them structure their program for this toughest of all markets and introducing them to some of the movers and shakers in the convenience store, petroleum and supermarket industries, it is time for me to move on. 9/11 changed a lot of things for me. I want to concentrate on doing the things I enjoy most and do best: providing strategic guidance and assistance to senior management at Visible Results in addition to a handful of other clients I like and respect. This will also enable me to limit my travel. Although, as one friend put it, I am past my 'sell-by date,' I have found that I am not ready to fade away. I keep seeing the same developments that have been recycled several times during past decades touted as 'the next big thing' and feel I have a great deal to offer in helping clients avoid a lot of wheel spinning and focus on the things that really count."

In addition to serving a limited client list, Mr. Lewis continues to be available for speaking engagements and as a guest columnist. "Gerry made invaluable contributions to our organization during the past year, not the least of which was helping us gain an understanding of the unique US market," said Michael Whittaker, President and CEO of the Visible Results Group of Companies. "His outstanding reputation and credibility in the marketplace gave us immediate, high level entrée into some of the leading companies in the supermarket, convenience store and petroleum sectors. We look forward to continuing to benefit from his counsel and market knowledge in the years ahead."

About Visible Results

Headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, the Visible Results Group of Companies has, since its inception in 1997, emerged as one of the world's leading customer relationship firms, serving a growing client base across convenience, fast food, fuels and the general retail industry. The company currently operates programs in eight countries globally, including the USA, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Spain, Columbia and China, with operators in several more countries due to launch their first programs in 2002. A total of 3 million individuals worldwide hold loyalty program membership cards based on Visible Results' GraphiCardT technology and CRM infrastructure. Transactions completed through all programs total a collective 1.6 million monthly, while worldwide spend through programs has reached US $21 million monthly.

Press Contacts: At Visible Results USA, Brandi Dixon, Vice President, (913) 851-9400, e-mail: bdixon@visibleresults.com; at Visible Results Group of Companies, Michael Whittaker, President and CEO, (800) 273-5793, e-mail: mwhittaker@tag.co.nz; at Parness & Associates Public Relations, Bill Parness or Lisa Kreda, (732) 290-0121; Gerald Lewis, (646) 215-7741, e-mail: glewis@c-man.net.