Mediacom
Confectionary giant Mars awarded its global media planning account to WPP's Mediacom earlier this week after a consolidation review. The company, which has a global annual spending estimated at $1.5 billion, has, until now, been handled by Publicis Group's Starcom, who were believed to be the other finalist in the review. Mars has stated that they will not be changing their assignments on media buying, and say that “Starcom remains a key strategic partner in the critical area of media buying.” This marks the second piece of business MediaCom has taken from Starcom in recent months, after they won Starcom's A-B InBev's US media planning and buying account back in October.
Mars awarded its global media planning account to WPP's MediaCom earlier this week after a consolidation review
In a statement, Mars, which is ranked as the 3rd largest privately held company in the US, said: “In 2015, Mars, Incorporated will be transitioning to a single global media planning agency, Mediacom. Mediacom was selected in a closed agency review. This move was not a reflection of the in-market performance of our existing media planning partners. With the constant change in the media landscape, this model will allow us to better collaborate across our global business to drive efficiency, effectiveness, and coordination in our media planning. This change brings our planning model in line with our existing global creative agency structure, and will allow us to further focus media as a growth driver. We are excited about the opportunities for collaboration on the growth agenda of our brands between Mars, Mediacom, BBDO and DDB.”
WPP
WPP has made another high profile digital acquisition, this time in the form of the Mexican agency Clarus Digital. The move not only expands WPP's presence in Latin America, but adds yet another digital agency to its roster. Clarus employs 112 people and works with clients such as Telcel and Aeromexico. It was founded in 2009 and is based in Mexico City, where it is responsible for its clients' full-service digital marketing and media buying.
Publicis Healthcare
The Publicis Healthcare Communications Group has been named as a “Best Place to Work” for LGBT employees by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index. PHCG was ranked as a perfect 100, the second time it's received a perfect score from the foundation, which creates the CEI index as an annual national benchmark tool for corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered employees.
Publicis Healthcare has been named as a “Best Place to Work” for LGBT employees by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Corporate Equality Index
The network, which is the largest health-oriented agency network in the world, joins companies such as Apple, Google and Facebook, as well as fellow recognised Publicis Groupe companies, including Leo Burnett, DigitasLBi, Razorfish, Starcom MediaVest, and ZenithOptimedia. Nick Colucci, CEO of the PHCG, said they are “Deeply committed to creating an inclusive environment for our employees,” take “Great pride in knowing” their efforts have been recognised, and will “Continue to inspire progress” going forward.
Anomaly
It was announced yesterday that Johnnie Walker has appointed Anomaly as its global creative agency after an account review, effectively casting off its 15 year relationship with BBH. Nigel Bogle, founder of BBH, which has held the $40 million account since 1999, said “This is obviously disappointing news, but we'll keep walking.” Guy Escolme, global brand director at Johnnie Walker, said they were “Hugely impressed by the far-reaching creative vision which Anomaly proposed, and with the strategic thinking that lies behind its development.” He added that he believes “A new and exciting era lies ahead for Johnnie Walker,” and that in Anomaly they have a partner who will help them “Take fresh strides with stunning creative that will support the brand’s future global growth.”
