It was revealed yesterday that Transport for London has ended its 15 year long relationship with M&C Saatchi, with TFL currently reviewing its ad account as part of a statutory review, which includes work for the Greater London Authority and its services (including the London Fire Brigade, the Met Police and the London Legacy Development Corporation). The review is open to agencies outside of the government roster, so it's officially open season on one of the largest governmental accounts in the UK! The news means that the last major campaign to be released by the agency for TFL was the “Don't die before you've lived” road safety campaign that reminded road users of the consequences of just one bad decision. In April M&C Saatchi also created a campaign for the company to raise awareness of sexual harassment on the Tube.
Transport for London has ended its 15 year long relationship with M&C Saatchi, with TFL currently reviewing its ad account as part of a statutory review
A spokeswoman for M&C Saatchi said: “We have worked with the team at Transport for London for the last 15 years and stood side-by-side with them through the 7/7 bombings, the London Olympics, the launch of Oyster and the Boris bike. We are very proud of our long list of creative and effectiveness awards. We wish them luck in the future.” There were ten agencies on the long-list last month: FCB Inferno, AMV BBDO, BBH, Engine, Leo Burnett, M&C Saatchi, Ogilvy & Mather, RKCR/Y&R, DLKW Lowe and VCCP. TFL is also reviewing its media business for which MEC is the incumbent. It is the first time the reviews are being run simultaneously. The process is being handled by AAR.
The review is open to agencies outside of the government roster, so it's officially open season on one of the largest governmental accounts in the UK
In significantly more positive news for the agency's global operations (we're all about weighing the good with the bad), M&C Saatchi has appointed Michael Canning as its new ECD for Sydney following the promotion of former ECD Ben Welsh as the network's creative chairman of Asia. Canning, who is originally from Sydney, joins from a role at LA's 72andSunny where he was part of the creative leadership. Canning's appointment follows the recent departure of Sydney ECD Ben Welsh, who was promoted as creative chairman of Asia for the M&C Saatchi network. The agency also recently appointed Andy DiLallo as Chief Creative Officer from a previous role at Leo Burnett. M&C Saatchi said Canning's appointment will enable DiLallo to focus on the growth of M&C's Sydney and Melbourne offices as well as key pieces of business in the region.
In significantly more positive, M&C Saatchi has appointed Michael Canning as its new executive creative director at its Sydney office
DiLallo said of Canning's appointment: “Michael has constantly created some of the industry’s most iconic and lauded work. Bringing him into the fold of M&C Saatchi is a testament to our commitment to offer clients the greatest competitive advantage creativity has to offer. In Michael's new role he will also help to shape, inspire, and lead a creative department with a single-minded focus to be the best bar none.” Canning added: “I’ve been lucky to work with some great people in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago in recent years. M&C Saatchi Australia is a company I have always respected for the impact it creates for big brands, and being asked to help lead a new chapter alongside this team has proved impossible to pass up. It’s a bonus that the global creative ambitions we share are based in Sydney.”
