New York–Privacy is a top priority for many direct marketers and interactive marketing companies, according to a recent study by The Direct Marketing Association (DMA). The study found that in 68% of responding companies, the president/CEO, or a chief privacy official who reports directly to the president/CEO, has the primary responsibility for privacy. The study also found that 47% of respondents sought outside consultants to develop privacy practices. What’s more, 60% of respondents say that those responsible for handling their privacy matters are also responsible for ensuring that companies that they do business with comply with their privacy policy.