EX-10.III.A.1: SERIP PLAN

Exhibit 10(iii)(A)(1)

THE INTERPUBLIC SENIOR EXECUTIVE
RETIREMENT INCOME PLAN

Amended and Restated
Effective January 1, 2007

Senior Executive Retirement Income Plan

Table of Contents

Introduction and Plan Highlights			1
Eligibility and Effective Date of Participation Agreement			2
Your Benefit			3
Benefit Increases			3
Rehire			3
Vesting			3
General Rule			3
Vesting of Benefit Increases			4
Forfeiture			5
Payments Under the Plan			6
When Payments Start			6
Reduction for Starting Payments Before Age 60			6
Form of Payment			6
Disability			7
Death Benefits			7
Amount, Form, and Time of Death Benefit			7
Designating Your Beneficiary			8
Change of Control			8
Special Vesting and Payment Rules			8
Deferred Compensation Trust			10
Reduction of Benefits After a Change of Control			10
Miscellaneous			11
Plan Administration and Review of Decisions			11
Participation Agreement, Amendment, and Termination			11
Successors to Interpublic			12
Coordination with Other Benefits			12
Nature of Your Plan Benefit and Plan Assets			12
Assignment and Alienation			13
Withholding and Other Tax Consequences			13
Authority to Determine Payment Date			13
Compliance with Tax Code § 409A			13
Mailing Address			13
Overpayments			14
Incapacity and Minor Status			14
Continued Employment			14
Liability Limited			14
Titles and Headings Not to Control			14
Severability			14
Variations in Plan Terms			15

Senior Executive Retirement Income Plan		Table Of Contents

Senior Executive Retirement Income Plan

Complete Statement of the Plan			15
Claims and Appeals			15
Initial Claims			15
Appeals			16
Other Rules and Rights Regarding Claims and Appeals			17
Glossary of Key Terms			18

Senior Executive Retirement Income Plan		Table Of Contents

Senior Executive Retirement Income Plan

This pamphlet sets forth the basic terms of The Interpublic Senior Executive Retirement Income Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2007. Capitalized terms used in this pamphlet are defined in the Glossary of Key Terms, at the end of the pamphlet.

The Plan is sponsored by Interpublic and has been in effect since August 2003. Your rights and responsibilities under the Plan are also governed by your Participation Agreement with Interpublic. Your Participation Agreement incorporates this pamphlet by reference—which means that this pamphlet is part of your Participation Agreement.

The Plan is unfunded and is designed primarily to provide deferred compensation for a select group of senior management employees of Interpublic and its Subsidiaries. The Plan is excepted from most of the requirements of ERISA.

The benefits provided under the Plan are offered to secure your goodwill, loyalty, and achievement, as well as to attract and retain other executives of outstanding competence. The Plan does not, however, give you the right to continue in the employ of Interpublic or its Subsidiaries, or to receive annual compensation of any particular amount.

Key features of the Plan include the following:

	•		Eligibility to participate in the Plan must be approved by the Compensation Committee. (See “Eligibility and Effective Date of Participation Agreement.”)
	•		The amount of your benefit under the Plan, expressed as an annual benefit starting at age 60 and continuing for 15 years, is set forth in your Participation Agreement. (See “Your Benefit.”) However, your Participation Agreement may provide for payment for 10 years, and special rules apply after a Change of Control. (See “Form of Payment” and “Change of Control.”)
	•		You may forfeit (or lose) any part of your benefit under the Plan that is not vested when you terminate employment. Subject to special rules that apply after a Change of Control, your benefit under the Plan generally vests over ten years, and any increase in your benefit generally vests over seven years from the effective date of the increase. However, even after your benefit becomes vested, you will forfeit your benefit if you violate the non-competition or non-solicitation provisions of your Participation Agreement. (See “Vesting.”)
	•		In general, Interpublic will begin to pay your vested benefit under the Plan during the first month that starts on or after the later of (1) the second anniversary of your Termination of Employment or (2) your 55th birthday. If payments start before you reach age 60, the amount of your monthly benefit will be reduced by 5% for each year by which your age is less than 60 when payments start. (See “When Payments Start.”)

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			Special rules apply (a) if you die before payments start and (b) in the event of a Change of Control. (See “Death Benefits” and “Change of Control.”)
	•		The Plan is not funded. This means that the promise to pay benefits under the Plan is not backed up by a trust fund or by any other dedicated assets and that, as a Plan participant, you are a general unsecured creditor of Interpublic. Although special rules apply in the event of a Change of Control, those rules do not change your status as a general unsecured creditor. (See “Change of Control” and “Nature of Your Plan Benefit and Plan Assets.”)
	•		Your benefits under the Plan are in addition to, and independent of, any benefits to which you may be entitled under other benefit plans sponsored by Interpublic.

Eligibility and Effective Date of Participation Agreement

The Plan is designed to benefit the most senior U.S.-based management of Interpublic and its Subsidiaries. You are eligible to participate in the Plan only if your participation is approved by the Compensation Committee.

If you are eligible to participate in the Plan, you will become a participant after you execute your Participation Agreement. Your Participation Agreement and any amendment to your Participation Agreement will become effective on the date prescribed below:

•

If you have not participated in the Plan or any other Executive Defined Benefit Arrangement:

	Ø		If you return your signed Participation Agreement to Interpublic within 30 days after your participation in the Plan is approved by the Compensation Committee, your participation will be effective as of the first day of the first month that starts after you return your signed Participation Agreement.
	Ø		If you return your signed Participation Agreement to Interpublic more than 30 days after your participation in the Plan is approved by the Compensation Committee, your participation will be effective as of January 1st of the first calendar year that starts after you return your signed Participation Agreement.

•

If you have participated in the Plan or any other Executive Defined Benefit Arrangement, your Participation Agreement (or any amendment to your Participation Agreement) will be effective as of January 1st of the first calendar year that starts after you return your signed Participation Agreement (or amendment) to Interpublic. For example, if you have participated in the Plan since 2005, you are informed on August 15, 2008, that you are eligible to receive a benefit increase, and you sign and return an amended Participation Agreement on August 27, 2008, the effective date for the benefit increase will be January 1, 2009.

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Senior Executive Retirement Income Plan

Your Benefit

Your benefit under the Plan is expressed as an annual benefit, payable for 15 years starting at age 60 or older. Your Participation Agreement sets forth the benefit amount. However, as explained under “Reduction for Starting Payments Before Age 60,” below, the amount of your annual benefit will be reduced if payment starts before you reach age 60.

Your annual benefit is subject to forfeiture until it becomes fully vested. The vesting rules are described under “Vesting,” below. Also, special rules apply after a Change of Control. (See “Change of Control,” below.)

Benefit Increases

The amount of your benefit may be increased from time to time. Any increase in your benefit will be set forth in an amendment to your Participation Agreement or in a new Participation Agreement.

Any increase in your benefit will be prospective and will be subject to special vesting rules (described under “Vesting,” below). If it becomes fully vested, your annual benefit under the Plan will be the sum of —

	•		the benefit stated in your initial Participation Agreement; plus
	•		each subsequent increase.

Each benefit increase vests separately. For more information, see “Vesting,” below.

Rehire

If you leave Interpublic and its Subsidiaries, and later return to a senior management position that is approved for participation in the Plan, you will be treated as a new hire. You will not receive credit for your prior participation in the Plan.

Vesting

General Rule

You will forfeit (or lose) any portion of your benefit that is not vested upon your Termination of Employment (determined as if you continued working through your Severance Completion Date). In general, your benefit under the Plan will begin to vest after you participate in the Plan for three years, and will become fully vested after you have participated in the Plan for ten years. However, special rules apply after a Change of Control. (See “Change of Control,” below.)

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Senior Executive Retirement Income Plan

In general, benefits under the Plan will vest according to the following schedule:

Years of Participation Since
Effective Date of First		Portion of Benefit
Participation Agreement		that is Vested
Fewer than 3			0	%
At least 3, but fewer than 4			30	%
At least 4, but fewer than 5			40	%
At least 5, but fewer than 6			50	%
At least 6, but fewer than 7			60	%
At least 7, but fewer than 8			70	%
At least 8, but fewer than 9			80	%
At least 9, but fewer than 10			90	%
10 or more			100	%

	•		If you had an ESBA, up to three years of participation in your ESBA will count as years of participation in the Plan.
	•		If (a) your employment with Interpublic and its Subsidiaries is terminated involuntarily without Cause or (b) you resign from employment with Interpublic and its Subsidiaries for Good Reason, the vested portion of your benefit will be the portion that would have become vested if you had continued working for Interpublic through your Severance Completion Date.

Vesting of Benefit Increases

If your benefit is increased (as described above), the change in your benefit (the increase) will generally vest over seven years after the effective date of the increase. Subject to special rules that apply after a Change of Control, each increase in your benefit will vest according to the following schedule:

Years of Participation Since		Vested Portion
Effective Date of Increase		of Increase
At least 1, but fewer than 2			10	%
At least 2, but fewer than 3			20	%
At least 3, but fewer than 4			30	%
At least 4, but fewer than 5			40	%
At least 5, but fewer than 6			50	%
At least 6, but fewer than 7			75	%
7 or more			100	%

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Senior Executive Retirement Income Plan

	•		Vesting of each increase in your benefit begins on January 1st of the first calendar year that starts after you return your signed amendment or new Participation Agreement to Interpublic. Participation in an ESBA and prior participation in the Plan do not count toward the vesting of any benefit increase.
	•		If (a) your employment with Interpublic and its Subsidiaries is terminated involuntarily without Cause or (b) you resign from employment with Interpublic and its Subsidiaries for Good Reason, the vested portion of your benefit increase will be the portion that would have become vested if you had continued working for Interpublic through your Severance Completion Date.

Forfeiture

You will forfeit any portion of your benefit that is not vested upon your Termination of Employment (determined as if you had continued working for Interpublic through your Severance Completion Date). Any unvested benefit and years of participation that accrued before your Termination of Employment will not be reinstated, even if you are rehired. In addition, you will forfeit your vested benefit if you violate the non-competition or non-solicitation provisions of your Participation Agreement.

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Senior Executive Retirement Income Plan

Payments Under the Plan

When Payments Start

Subject to special rules that apply after a Change of Control (see “Change of Control,” below), Interpublic will start paying your vested benefit during the first month that starts on or after the later of —

	•		the second anniversary of your Termination of Employment or
	•		your 55th birthday.

For example, if your employment with Interpublic and its Subsidiaries terminates on June 15, 2015, at age 56, Interpublic would make the first payment in July 2017.

Reduction for Starting Payments Before Age 60

If Interpublic starts paying your vested benefit before you reach age 60, your vested benefit will be reduced by ⁵/₁₂% for each full calendar month (5% per year) by which the date as of which payments start precedes your 60^th birthday. For purposes of this rule, the date as of which payments start is the first day of the month in which the first payment is due.

Form of Payment

Subject to special rules that apply after a Change of Control (see “Change of Control,” below), the vested portion of your benefit under the Plan will be paid in one of the following forms, as set forth in your Participation Agreement:

	•		Monthly installments for 15 years or
	•		Monthly installments for 10 years.

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If you receive your benefit in installments for 10 years, your annual vested benefit will generally be larger than if you receive your benefit in installments for 15 years, but the total amount of your vested benefit will be discounted to reflect the value of accelerating payment. The amount of the discount will be calculated using the Plan Interest Rate.

The amount of each monthly installment will be ¹/₁₂th of your vested annual benefit.

After you return your executed Participation Agreement, the Plan does not allow you to change the form in which your vested benefit will be paid.

Disability

If you become disabled while employed, you will continue to accumulate years of Plan participation until your Termination of Employment. Payments will start after your Termination of Employment in accordance with the payment timing rules described in this pamphlet. (See “Payments Under the Plan,” above.)

The date of your Termination of Employment will be determined in accordance with the Plan’s definition of “Termination of Employment.”

Death Benefits

Amount, Form, and Time of Death Benefit

If you die before your vested benefit is paid in full, a beneficiary (or beneficiaries) whom you select will be entitled to receive the remainder (if any) of your vested benefit in a lump sum. The amount of the lump-sum payment will be the present value of the portion of your vested benefit

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Senior Executive Retirement Income Plan

that has not yet been paid, determined using the Plan Interest Rate. Interpublic will pay the lump sum within 90 days after your death.

Designating Your Beneficiary

You may designate one or more primary beneficiaries to receive any unpaid portion of your vested benefit after your death. You may also designate one or more contingent beneficiaries, who would receive any remaining payments if all of your primary beneficiaries die before all payments have been made. You may change your beneficiaries at any time before your death by filing a new beneficiary designation form with Interpublic’s Human Resources Department.

If you are married on the date of your death, your beneficiary will be your spouse, unless you specify a different beneficiary. You may not designate a beneficiary other than your spouse, however, without your spouse’s written consent.

In the absence of an effective beneficiary designation (or if none of your primary or contingent beneficiaries are living), the remainder of the vested portion of your benefit (if any) will be distributed, in the form set forth above, to the first of the following to survive you:

	•		Your spouse;
	•		Your children (to be divided equally);
	•		Your parents;
	•		Your brothers and sisters (to be divided equally); or
	•		The executors or administrators of your will.

The form for making your initial beneficiary designation is attached to your Participation Agreement. You may obtain new beneficiary designation forms from Interpublic’s Human Resources Department.

Change of Control

Special Vesting and Payment Rules

The Plan has special rules that apply if your employment with Interpublic and its Subsidiaries terminates within two years after Change of Control.

Special Vesting Rule

The Plan’s special vesting rule applies only if:

•

As of December 31st of the year in which the Change of Control occurs:

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	Ø		You will be age 55 or older and
	Ø		Your benefit under the Plan will be within two years of full vesting (i.e., your benefit will become fully vested by December 31st of the second calendar year that starts after the Change of Control), and

•

Within two years after a Change of Control, (a) your employment with Interpublic and its Subsidiaries is terminated involuntarily without Cause or (b) you resign from employment with Interpublic and its Subsidiaries for Good Reason.

If you meet the conditions described above, then upon your Termination of Employment, your benefit under the Plan will immediately be fully vested.

If you do not meet both of the conditions above, but (a) your employment is terminated involuntarily without Cause or (b) you resign for Good Reason, the vested portion of your benefit under the Plan will be the portion of your benefit that would have become vested if you had continued working for Interpublic through your Severance Completion Date.

Special Payment Rules

After a Change of Control, the time and form in which your benefit will be paid (regardless of the reason for your Termination of Employment) will depend on when your Termination of Employment occurs, as follows:

	If Your Termination of Employment			If Your Termination of Employment
	Occurs On or Before the Second			Occurs After the Second Anniversary
	Anniversary of the Change of Control			of the Change of Control
	Subject to the “Delay of Payment to Top-50 Employees” (described below), Interpublic will pay your unreduced (age 60) benefit in a lump sum within 30 days after your Termination of Employment.			Interpublic will pay your unreduced (age 60) benefit at the time and in the form set forth in your Participation Agreement.

If your benefit is paid in a lump sum (because your Termination of Employment occurs within two years after the Change of Control), the amount of the lump sum will be determined as follows:

	•		If your benefit under the Plan is fully vested (including vesting under the special vesting rule described above), the amount of the lump-sum payment will be the then-present value of your unreduced benefit, if paid in monthly installments over 15 years, starting on the first day of the first month that starts on or after the later of (a) the second anniversary of your Termination of Employment or (b) your 60th birthday.
	•		If your benefit under the Plan is not fully vested, the amount of the lump-sum payment will be the then-present value of the vested portion of your benefit if paid in monthly installments over 15 years, starting on the first day of the first month that starts on or after

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the later of (a) the second anniversary of your Termination of Employment or (b) your 55th birthday.

The interest rate for this calculation will be the Plan Interest Rate.

Delay of Payment to Top-50 Employees

If Interpublic determines that you are a Top-50 Employee, payment of your vested benefit will be delayed until the earlier of (a) the first day of the seventh month that starts after your Termination of Employment or (b) the first day of the first month that starts after your death (the “Delayed Payment Date”). Any amount that was scheduled to be paid to you before the Delayed Payment Date will be paid to you on the Delayed Payment Date. (If no payments are scheduled to be made until after the Delayed Payment Date, this paragraph will not apply.)

Deferred Compensation Trust

Before a Change of Control, Interpublic must contribute to a Deferred Compensation Trust an amount equal to the then-present value of the sum of all benefits that would become payable under the Plan if Interpublic terminated all participants’ employment without Cause immediately after the Change of Control. The amount to be contributed will be determined by an Outside Auditor engaged by Interpublic at Interpublic’s expense.

For purposes of calculating the amount to be contributed to a Deferred Compensation Trust, the Outside Auditor will make the following assumptions:

	•		The assumed annual rate of interest and discount rate will be the rate of interest to be credited to accounts (as described under “Your Benefit,” above) for the year in which the Change of Control occurs, and
	•		Payment of the benefits described above will be due within 30 days after the Change of Control.

Assets that Interpublic or any Subsidiary contributes to the Deferred Compensation Trust are subject to the claims of the creditors of Interpublic or the Subsidiary (as the case may be) in the event of its bankruptcy or insolvency. The Deferred Compensation Trust will not change your status as a general unsecured creditor of Interpublic.

Reduction of Benefits After a Change of Control

It is possible that some or all of the benefit you receive after a Change of Control will be treated as an “excess parachute payment” that is subject to a 20% excise tax under Section 4999 of the Tax Code. If an Outside Auditor determines that any amount payable to you under the Plan is reasonably likely to trigger the 20% excise tax, your benefit under the Plan will be whichever of the following amounts results in a larger net benefit to you, after taxes (as determined by the Outside Auditor):

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Senior Executive Retirement Income Plan

	•		Your full benefit under the Plan, all or part of which might be subject to a 20% excise tax, or
	•		Your benefit under the Plan, reduced to the extent the Outside Auditor determines is necessary to avoid triggering the 20% excise tax.

Interpublic will engage and pay the fees for the Outside Auditor to perform these calculations.

Miscellaneous

Plan Administration and Review of Decisions

The Plan’s administrator is the MHRC. Before a Change of Control, the Plan’s administrator has complete and exclusive discretionary authority and responsibility to administer and interpret the Plan’s governing documents (including the authority to make findings of fact and to resolve ambiguities and inconsistencies in the Plan’s language, and to correct any inadvertent omissions). All decisions of the Plan’s administrator are considered to be final and controlling. Review by a court of any decision of the Plan’s administrator will be subject to the following standard of review:

	•		Before a Change of Control, the standard of review will be the “arbitrary and capricious” standard, which means that the court will defer to the MHRC’s decision (or the decision of any successor to the MHRC), and will not overturn that decision unless the court concludes that the decision cannot be supported by the relevant facts and applicable law.
	•		After a Change of Control, the standard of review will be “de novo,” which means that the court may overturn the MHRC’s decision (or the decision of any successor to the MHRC) if it disagrees with the decision.

The MHRC has authority to delegate any of its duties and responsibilities under the Plan as it deems appropriate. In addition, the MHRC may engage one or more persons to render advice with regard to any of its administration responsibilities. Any final decision by a delegate of the MHRC will be treated for purposes of the Plan as a decision of the MHRC.

Participation Agreement, Amendment, and Termination

Your Participation Agreement sets forth specific terms relating to your benefit under the Plan. Your Participation Agreement, including any amendment to your Participation Agreement, is valid only if it is executed on behalf of Interpublic by Interpublic’s Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer or his designee.

Although Interpublic intends to continue the Plan indefinitely, Interpublic reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan at any time, and from time to time, either retroactively or prospectively, without your consent. However, unless necessitated by a change in applicable law, an amendment or termination may not —

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	•		reduce the amount of your vested benefit as of the later of (a) the effective date of the amendment or termination or (b) the date the resolution to amend or terminate the Plan is adopted; or
	•		result in a change to the form or time for paying your benefit under the Plan, unless Interpublic determines, based on the advice of outside counsel, that a change in the form or time of payment will not trigger adverse tax consequences.

In addition, any resolution to amend or terminate the Plan that is adopted or becomes effective during the three years following a Change of Control may not take away any of your rights, or relieve Interpublic of any of its obligations under the Plan, including those set forth in the section entitled “Change of Control,” above.

Subject to the restrictions set forth above, any amendment or termination of the Plan may be adopted by resolution of the Compensation Committee. In addition, the MHRC —

	•		may make any amendment required to comply with federal or state law (including any tax law that could result in adverse tax consequences), or that is desirable to improve the administration of the Plan, if the amendment does not materially affect the level of benefits provided under the Plan to or on behalf of any participant; and
	•		has discretion to accelerate payment to the extent that Interpublic or the MHRC determines, with the advice of outside counsel, is permitted without violating the requirements of Section 409A of the Tax Code.

Successors to Interpublic

Interpublic shall require any successor to its business or its assets to assume the Plan expressly, absolutely, and unconditionally, and to administer the Plan in accordance with its terms. After a Change of Control, all references to Interpublic and its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to refer to Interpublic’s successor and its Subsidiaries.

Coordination with Other Benefits

Your benefit under the Plan is designed to be in addition to any benefits you earn under other benefit plans sponsored by Interpublic and its Subsidiaries. Except as expressly provided in another plan or in this Plan, your right to a benefit under the Plan will not affect the benefits under any other plan.

Nature of Your Plan Benefit and Plan Assets

The obligation to pay your vested benefit under the Plan is a liability of Interpublic. Benefits under the Plan are not insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, and any assets that Interpublic or a Subsidiary sets aside to fund your vested benefit under the Plan, whether in a Deferred Compensation Trust or otherwise, will remain available to creditors of Interpublic or the Subsidiary (as the case may be) in the event of its bankruptcy or insolvency.

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Assignment and Alienation

In general, your right to a benefit under the Plan (and the corresponding rights of your beneficiaries) may not be assigned, transferred, alienated, encumbered, or otherwise subject to lien. However, the Plan will comply with domestic relations orders that are determined to be “qualified domestic relations orders” under ERISA.

Withholding and Other Tax Consequences

Interpublic may deduct from amounts paid or due to a participant under the Plan any income, employment, excise and other taxes that it reasonably determines are required to be withheld by any government or government agency, including any taxes on income that is currently subject to tax even though it is not currently paid or payable to you. You (or your beneficiaries) are responsible for satisfying any remaining tax obligations, to the extent that amounts withheld (if any) are insufficient.

Authority to Determine Payment Date

To the extent that any payment under the Plan may be made within a specified number of days on or after any date or the occurrence of any event, the date of payment shall be determined by Interpublic in its sole discretion, and not by any participant, beneficiary, or other individual.

Compliance with Tax Code § 409A

Your benefit under the Plan is subject to Section 409A of the Tax Code, which became effective January 1, 2005, and imposes restrictions on deferred compensation arrangements like the Plan. Interpublic intends to operate, administer, and interpret the Plan in accordance with Section 409A. If the Compensation Committee or the MHRC determines in good faith that (a) any aspect of the Plan is inconsistent with the restrictions imposed by Section 409A (including guidance interpreting Section 409A) and (b) an amendment to the Plan could reduce or eliminate adverse tax consequences under Section 409A, the Compensation Committee or the MHRC may amend the Plan without your consent to the extent that it determines, based on the advice of outside counsel, the amendment is necessary to reduce or eliminate such adverse tax consequences.

Although the Plan has been subject to Section 409A since January 1, 2005, the plan documents in effect before January 1, 2007, were not amended to reflect the requirements of Section 409A. For the period from January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2006, Interpublic and the MHRC have discretion to override the terms of the Plan to the extent that either Interpublic or the MHRC determines is necessary or appropriate to comply with the requirements of Section 409A.

Mailing Address

After you terminate employment with Interpublic and its Subsidiaries, you will receive periodic correspondence related to your benefit (if any) under the Plan. It is your responsibility to notify

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Interpublic’s Human Resources Department of any changes in your mailing address or in the mailing address of any of your beneficiaries (or contingent beneficiaries). Failure to update your address could delay payment of your vested benefit.

Overpayments

If an overpayment of benefits is made under the Plan, the amount of the overpayment may be set off against future payments under the Plan until the overpayment has been recovered. If no future payments are scheduled, you will be required to return the overpaid amount, and Interpublic may pursue any legal or equitable avenue to effectuate recovery.

Incapacity and Minor Status

If any individual entitled to a payment under the Plan is a minor, or is physically or mentally unable to care for his or her affairs, and another person or institution is maintaining custody over the individual entitled to receive the payment, payments under the Plan may be made, for the benefit of the individual entitled to payment, to the custodial person or institution, as applicable. If a court has appointed a guardian or representative of the individual entitled to payment, payment will be made to the guardian or representative. Any such payment will discharge the Plan’s liability, as if the payment were made to the individual entitled to payment.

Continued Employment

Nothing in the Plan gives you the right to continue in the employment or service of Interpublic or its Subsidiaries, or to receive annual compensation in any particular amount. Conversely, nothing in the Plan gives Interpublic or any Subsidiary the right to require you to remain in its employ.

Liability Limited

Except as and to the extent otherwise provided by applicable law, no liability will attach to or be incurred by the shareholders, directors, officers, or employees of Interpublic and its Subsidiaries under or by reason of any of the terms and conditions of the Plan.

Titles and Headings Not to Control

The titles and headings of sections of the Plan are for convenience of reference only. In the event of any conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than the titles or headings, will control.

Severability

If any provision of the Plan is held illegal or invalid for any reason, other provisions will be unaffected. The Plan will be construed as if any illegal or invalid provision were never inserted.

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Variations in Plan Terms

Your individual Participation Agreement may contain provisions that conflict with or are otherwise inconsistent with the terms set forth in this plan document. If so, the terms of your Participation Agreement will control.

Complete Statement of the Plan

This pamphlet and your Participation Agreement are a complete statement of your rights under the Plan. Any question regarding your rights under the Plan must be resolved by applying the terms of the Plan document and your Participation Agreement. External evidence of intent or meaning will not be relevant.

Claims and Appeals

The Plan has specific procedures for making a claim for benefits. You must exhaust this claim and appeal process before you can file a lawsuit in court. The claim and appeal process has two levels: (1) the initial claim and (2) review on appeal. They operate as follows:

Initial Claims

1.

Any benefit claim must be in writing and should be mailed to the MHRC, at the following address:

IPG Management Human Resources Committee
1114 Avenue of the Americas, 19^th Floor
New York, NY 10036
Attn: Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer

2.

The MHRC will generally review and decide each claim within 90 days after the claim is received. If the MHRC needs more time to decide your claim, the MHRC will notify you, and may extend the review period by up to an additional 90 days.

	Ø		The time period within which the MHRC must decide your claim starts on the date the MHRC receives your claim, even if you do not submit all of the information needed to resolve your claim. However, if the MHRC needs more information to resolve your claim, you and the MHRC may agree to extend the period for making the decision. If you do not provide any requested information by the deadline that the MHRC sets, the MHRC will decide your claim based on the information it has as of the deadline. This might result in your claim being denied.
	Ø		If your claim is not resolved within the time periods described above, you may consider your claim to have been denied. You may (a) contact the MHRC to

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determine whether your claim has, in fact, been denied, (b) file an appeal with the MHRC (following the procedures set forth in the “Appeals” section, below), or (c) bring a lawsuit under Section 502(a) of ERISA.

3.

If your claim is wholly or partially denied, the MHRC will issue a written decision. The decision will include —

	Ø		the specific reason or reasons for denial of your claim;
	Ø		references to the specific Plan provisions upon which the denial is based;
	Ø		a description of any additional material or information necessary to perfect your claim, and an explanation of why the material or information is necessary;
	Ø		an explanation of the appeal procedures and the applicable time limits; and
	Ø		a statement of your right to file a lawsuit under Section 502(a) of ERISA if your claim is denied after the MHRC reviews its initial decision.

Appeals

	1.		Within 60 days after you receive a written notice of denial of your claim (or the end of the time period for deciding your claim), you may file a written request with the MHRC, at the address shown above, for a full and fair review of its initial decision (an “appeal”).
	2.		In connection with a request for review, you may —

	Ø		submit written comments, documents, records and other information relating to your claim; and
	Ø		receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information that the MHRC determines is relevant to your claim.

3.

The review on appeal will take into account all comments, documents, records and other information that you submit, regardless of whether the information was considered in the initial benefit determination. The MHRC will generally decide your appeal within 60 days after your request for review is received. If the MHRC needs more time, the MHRC will notify you, and the MHRC may extend the review period by up to an additional 60 days.

Ø

If the MHRC needs more information to decide your appeal, the period within which the MHRC must decide your appeal will automatically be extended. The length of the extension will be equal to the number of days from when the MHRC sends you a request for additional information until the earlier of (a) the date the MHRC receives the requested information or (b) the due date that the MHRC establishes for providing that information.

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Ø

If your appeal is not resolved within the time periods described above, you may consider your appeal to have been denied. You may (a) contact the MHRC to determine whether your appeal has, in fact, been denied and/or (b) bring a lawsuit under Section 502(a) of ERISA.

4.

If your appeal is wholly or partially denied, the MHRC will render a written decision. The decision will include —

	Ø		the specific reason or reasons for the decision;
	Ø		references to the specific Plan provisions upon which the decision is based;
	Ø		an explanation of your right to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information that the MHRC determines is relevant to your claim for benefits; and
	Ø		a statement of your right to bring a civil action under Section 502(a) of ERISA.

Other Rules and Rights Regarding Claims and Appeals

	•		You may authorize a representative to pursue any claim or appeal on your behalf. The MHRC may establish reasonable procedures for verifying that any representative has in fact been authorized to act on your behalf.
	•		The Plan will be interpreted and enforced in accordance with the applicable provisions of ERISA and federal tax laws that apply to nonqualified deferred compensation. To the extent that state-law issues arise, New York law (exclusive of choice of law provisions) will govern.

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Glossary of Key Terms

Cause		Cause for your employer to terminate your employment with Interpublic and its Subsidiaries, which will exist if —
		• you materially breach a provision in an employment agreement between you and Interpublic or a Subsidiary, and you do not cure that breach within 15 days after you receive written notice from your employer of the breach;
		• without written approval from Interpublic’s Board of Directors or the person to whom you report directly, you (a) misappropriate funds or property of Interpublic or a Subsidiary or (b) attempt to secure any personal profit related to the business of Interpublic or a Subsidiary;
		• you engage in conduct that Interpublic determines constitutes fraud, material dishonesty, gross negligence, gross malfeasance, insubordination, or willful misconduct in the performance of your duties as an employee of Interpublic or a Subsidiary, or you willfully fail to follow Interpublic’s code of conduct, unless your actions (or failure to act) are taken in good faith and do not cause material harm to Interpublic or a Subsidiary;
		• you refuse or fail to attempt in good faith (a) to perform your duties as an employee of Interpublic or a Subsidiary or (b) to follow a reasonable good-faith direction of Interpublic’s Board of Directors or the person to whom you report directly, and you do not cure the refusal or failure within 15 days after you receive written notice from your employer of the refusal or failure;
		• you commit, or are formally charged or indicted for allegedly committing, a felony or a crime involving dishonesty, fraud, or moral turpitude; or
		• you engage in activities that are clearly prohibited by Interpublic’s policy prohibiting discrimination or harassment based on age, gender, race, religion, disability, national origin or any other protected category.
Change of Control		A change in (a) the ownership or effective control of Interpublic or (b) the ownership of a substantial portion of Interpublic’s assets, each as defined in rules and regulations under Section 409A of the Tax Code. Subject to certain limited exceptions, a Change of Control of Interpublic would generally occur if —
		• a person or group acquires more than 50% of the total fair market value or voting power of Interpublic’s stock;
		• during a 12-month period, a person or group acquires 30% or more of the total voting power of Interpublic’s stock;
		• during a 12-month period, a person or group acquires 40% or more of

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		Interpublic’s assets (determined based on gross fair market value); or
		• during a 12-month period, a majority of Interpublic’s Board of Directors is replaced by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Board before the appointment or election.
Compensation Committee		The Compensation Committee of Interpublic’s Board of Directors.
Deferred Compensation Trust		The Trust Agreement Between The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc., Lintas: Campbell-Ewald Company, McCann-Erickson USA, Inc., McCann-Erickson Marketing, Inc., and Lintas, Inc. and Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company, originally effective June 1, 1990 (commonly referred to as the “Interpublic Rabbi Trust”) and/or any other trust agreement to which Interpublic is a party that is established to fund benefits under the Plan. The terms of any Deferred Compensation Trust are subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 409A of the Tax Code, and assets that Interpublic or a Subsidiary sets aside in any Deferred Compensation Trust will be subject to the claims of creditors of Interpublic or the Subsidiary (as the case may be) in the event of its bankruptcy or insolvency.
ERISA		The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
ESBA		An Executive Special Benefit Agreement with Interpublic.
Executive Defined Benefit Arrangement		An arrangement sponsored by Interpublic or a Subsidiary that is treated under Section 409A of the Tax Code as a “nonaccount balance plan.” In general, this includes any non-tax-qualified deferred compensation arrangement under which your benefit is not the balance credited to an account in your name. An ESBA is another Executive Defined Benefit Arrangement.
Good Reason		• You will be considered to have resigned for Good Reason only if:
		Ø You notify Interpublic in writing that one or more of the “triggering circumstances” listed below has occurred within 90 days after the circumstance(s) first occurs;
		Ø The triggering circumstance(s) is (are) not remedied within 30 days after Interpublic receives the notice; and
		Ø Your Termination of Employment is effective within two years after triggering circumstance(s) first occurs.
		• The following are the “triggering circumstances”:
		Ø Interpublic or a Subsidiary materially reduces your rate of base salary;
		Ø An action by Interpublic or a Subsidiary results in your authority, duties, or, responsibilities, being materially diminished;
		Ø An action by Interpublic or a Subsidiary results in the authority,

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		duties, or responsibilities of your supervisor being materially diminished, including a requirement that you report to a corporate officer or employee instead of the Board of Directors of Interpublic;
		Ø Interpublic or a Subsidiary materially diminishes the budget over which you retain authority;
		Ø Your principal place of work is moved more than 50 miles outside the city in which you are principally based, unless (a) you make the relocation decision or (b) you are notified in writing that Interpublic or your employer is seriously considering such a relocation and do not object in writing within 10 days after you receive the written notice; or
		Ø Interpublic or a Subsidiary materially breaches any employment agreement between you and your employer.
Interpublic		The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc., and any successor to The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc.
MHRC		Interpublic’s Management Human Resources Committee.
Outside Auditor		Either of the following firms:
		• The outside auditing firm retained by Interpublic in the last fiscal year that ends before a Change of Control, or
		• A national auditing firm acceptable to at least 75% of the Plan participants who are actively working for Interpublic or a Subsidiary immediately before a Change of Control.
Participation Agreement		The written agreement between you and Interpublic that documents the terms of your participation in the Plan.
Plan		The Interpublic Senior Executive Retirement Income Plan, as set forth in this pamphlet and your Participation Agreement, as either or both may be amended from time to time.
Plan Interest Rate		The average of the 10-year and 20-year U.S. Treasury yield curve annual rates (also known as “constant maturity rates”) as of the last business day of the immediately preceding calendar year, as published by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Debt Management.
Severance Completion Date		The last day of the calendar month that includes the end of the payroll period for which your last Severance Payment (if any) is paid. If you are not eligible to receive Severance Pay, or you receive Severance Pay in a lump sum, your Severance Completion Date is the date of your Termination of Employment.
Severance Pay		A payment or payments made under a severance plan or policy or an agreement with Interpublic or a Subsidiary upon or after your Termination of Employment as compensation for (a) terminating your employment involuntarily without Cause or (b) your resignation for

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		Good Reason.
Subsidiary		Any corporation or other entity that is required to be combined with Interpublic as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Tax Code. In general, this means Interpublic and all other entities of which Interpublic directly or indirectly owns 80 percent or more of the combined voting power or total value of shares.
Tax Code		The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Termination of Employment		The date your employment with Interpublic and its Subsidiaries ends, including the date on which you die, retire, quit, or are discharged. Subject to the next sentence, if you are on leave of absence, your Termination of Employment will occur on the later of (a) the first day that is more than six months after your leave started or (b) the first day after all statutory and contractual rights to reemployment with Interpublic or a Subsidiary expire. If the reason for your leave of absence is a medically determinable physical or mental condition that can be expected to last for six consecutive months or longer, and the condition causes you to be unable to perform the duties of your position or a substantially similar position, the six-month period described in clause (a) of the preceding sentence will be extended to 29 months.
		A sale of assets by Interpublic or a Subsidiary to an unrelated buyer that results in your working for the buyer (or one of its affiliates) will not, by itself, constitute a Termination of Employment unless Interpublic (with the buyer’s written consent) so provides in writing 60 or fewer days before the closing of the sale.
Top-50 Employee		A “specified employee” under Section 409A of the Tax Code, determined in accordance with Treas. Reg. § 1.409A-1(i). In general, as long as Interpublic is a public company (or, if Interpublic is acquired, the parent company is a public company), you will be a “specified employee” under Section 409A of the Tax Code if you are one of the 50 highest-paid officers of Interpublic (or, if Interpublic is acquired, the corporate parent) and its Subsidiaries.

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