Win Hiscox account
VCCP was chosen as a creative European partner for Hiscox earlier this week. The agency has been tasked with creating a fresh multimedia campaign to promote the insurance provider's online subscription platform, which is dedicated to small and medium sized businesses. The pitch was run by Le Hub, and involved a number of other high-profile European agencies, but VCCP claimed the account because of the agency's presence in France and Germany, where it hopes to make more of an impact. Hiscox has also appointed PHD France to handle media planning in buying throughout the continent, with Vizeum handling media in the UK.
VCCP was chosen as a creative European partner for Hiscox earlier this week
Thomas Heindl, European head of direct marketing at Hiscox, said the company's primary ambition is “To grow further in Europe, and particularly to build a stronger awareness of our brand in key markets such as France and Germany.” He added that they chose VCCP and PHD, not only for their expertise in both regions, but because they were “Already working together in other markets.” He feels that “VCCP will be able to make Hiscox's brand image much stronger and more powerful than it is today.” And the alternative approach of PHD, meanwhile, he believes will take an alternative approach, and that their “Competence in media intelligence” suits their needs as a specialist insurer.
Top AAR new business report. Again
The 2014 AAR report, which measures which agencies have performed best with new business, has been topped by VCCP for the first year in a row, with the agency picking up 20 new opportunities in 2014, compared to closest rival M&C Saatchi, who picked up 19. Adam&Eve/DDB, DLKW Lowe and Karmarama were tied in third place with 13. VCCP also claimed the most new-business wins, with 13 new accounts putting it at the top of the podium. The one area where VCCP didn't fare so well was in pitch conversion rates, but given the fact that clients rarely award their business to an agency without a formal pitch these days, it's not much of a worry for an agency as large and respected as VCCP. The numbers (in the graphs below) might suggest that agencies participating in fewer pitches are more likely to have a better pitch conversion ratio, but take into account that these agencies (such as the 100% leader Mcgarrybrown) are generally smaller, independent firms.
New Innovation Lead on the way
Will Harvey will be joining VCCP at the beginning of March as Inspiration Lead, leaving his role as Creative Lab Technologist at Ogilvy Labs. Harvey, who has worked previously at Apple and Rave Live, and studies at the Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication, took to Twitter to tell his followers that he was “Very excited to be joining VCCP from the start of March as Innovation Lead,” as the next stage of his career.
Appoint new executive creative director in Australia
VCCP Sydney has announced the appointment of Mark Harricks as executive creative director for Australia, as the agency continues to expand its influence in the Australian market. Harricks is one of the region's most awarded and respected creative leaders, and joins VCCP having built his reputation at JWT, DDB and Clemenger BBDO. As ECD, he'll be working with Dean hunt to lead the agency's creative output for clients such as Compare the Market, Appliances Online and also ING Direct, that appointed VCCP as its lead creative agency late last year.
VCCP Sydney has announced the appointment of Mark Harricks as executive creative director for Australia
Harricks has been recognised at numerous industry awards, including Cannes, D&AD, Spikes, One Show, The Clios and AWARD. He has also been invited to judge at Cannes, OneShow, Clios and AWARD, where he also serves as a chairman. VCCP Sydney managing director Peter Grenfell said that his new hire's extensive track record speaks for itself, and believes “He’s going to be a fantastic creative leader at VCCP.” Harricks is also, his new employer insists, “A thoroughly nice guy, which is equally important.” He feels that “With this team in place, this is an agency who can and will compete with the very best.”
Lend the “Power of Support” to O2
In a new campaign for O2, VCCP urge consumers to show their support for the England rugby team in the Six Nations tournament. The campaign is built around an inspiring spot narrated by Sean Bean, which examines the power of support in everyday situations, and how that support could help our national team punt their way to victory in this year's tournament, which got off to a dazzling start last weekend with a deserved victory against Wales. The ad is running now online and on video-on-demand, and is part of O2's “Wear the Rose” campaign.
And one more to mention... VCCP has made the 2015 Annual Shortlist for their campaign for Airbnb: Wall and Chain. Check out more of the shortlisted winners here. Help them win People's Choice by Liking their project on their profile.
