OMAHA -- NetShops Inc., a leading developer and operator of specialty niche e-commerce Web sites, today announced the appointment of Ash ElDifrawi, 41, as the company's first Chief Marketing Officer. In this role, ElDifrawi is responsible for management of the company's overall marketing strategy, including online marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), brand marketing, strategic planning and corporate communications.

Ash ElDifrawi has more than 15 years of marketing, general management, and strategy experience, and is specialized in the areas of online marketing, brand building, strategic marketing and new product development. Prior to joining NetShops, ElDifrawi was a Google Executive, leading all Brand Advertising efforts for Google and YouTube. ElDifrawi managed a cross functional team of over 60 marketing, operations and sales professionals out of the company's Chicago office. He was also the architect of the Google Brand Accelerator (GBA), a cross functional organization focused on delivering relevant and impactful display and video online advertising to F1000 brand advertisers.

"As our company continues to grow at a significant rate, it became clear we needed strong marketing leadership to take us to the next level. Ash will lead all our marketing efforts to ensure consumers fully understand NetShops unique value proposition, as well as, building strong equity in our brand with consumers and advertisers to ensure sustainable long term growth," said Carter Cast, NetShops CEO.

Prior to Google, Ash ElDifrawi spent several years at William Wrigley Jr. Company where he was Managing Director of the Global Enjoyment Platform and oversaw the $1+ billion global brand portfolio including Extra, Life Savers, Creme Savers, Doublemint, Solano and Juicy Fruit. ElDifrawi came to Wrigley from McKinsey, where as a Management Consultant, worked with the world's leading companies in solving a multitude of problems in the areas of operations, marketing, and strategy.

A former Clinical Psychologist, ElDifrawi earned his BA in biology and MA in sociology from the University of Chicago, and went on to gain his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. ElDifrawi is also an accomplished writer and film- maker.

About NetShops Inc.

In 2006, NetShops was named the nation's 13th fastest growing company in America by Inc. Magazine. It currently ranks No. 104 on 2007 Internet Retailer Top 500 list. The company was founded by Doug Nielsen, Mark Hasebroock and Julie Mahloch when they acquired the Web site Hammocks.com and started selling hammocks online. They soon recognized a tremendous opportunity in developing multiple, specialty e-commerce Web sites, each selling a specific line of products. NetShops now owns and operates over 200 online stores in categories ranging from binoculars to barstools to hammocks for every part of the customer's home -- living room, bedroom, bath, kitchen, office, garage, yard, garden and more. NetShops, Inc. is privately held and funded by Insight Venture Partners and Sequoia Capital. The company employs approximately 300 people and is based in Omaha, Neb. NetShops' corporate Web site is www.netshops.com.