TikTok, a social media platform that has grown rapidly over the course of the past year, has selected Omnicom Media Group’s PHD as its global media agency of record following a review. PHD will be tasked with handling media planning and buying duties across all channels in international markets outside of China, working closely with…
The NFL will kick off its upcoming season with a new media agency partner. The league has drafted Omnicom Media Group’s OMD to its media agency roster without a review, sources knowledgable about the account confirmed to Adweek. The agency will be responsible for handling media buying and planning for the league’s games. Havas Media…
Less than one day after Adweek reported that the world’s largest PR firm, Edelman, ended its contract with private prison company The Geo Group, the former client fired back. The Geo Group is both America’s largest operator of private prison facilities and a top contractor for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Several of its…
Earlier this month, independent public relations firm Edelman terminated a potentially lucrative contract with for-profit corrections company The Geo Group, a top contractor for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, after less than two weeks, according to four people with extensive knowledge of the business who spoke to Adweek on condition of anonymity. These sources,…
McDonald’s has hired the New York office of independent agency Wieden + Kennedy for a major upcoming project, according to several parties with direct knowledge of the matter. This news comes as the world’s biggest restaurant brand completes a comprehensive review of its U.S. marketing strategy. Sources say the W+K work will concern the McDonald’s…
After facing weeks of criticism from employees for the company’s work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Ogilvy CEO John Seifert sent a memo to staff today informing them that the agency will continue its work with the law enforcement organization. “Some of you feel strongly that we should stop working for CBP,” he wrote…
Real estate giant Re/Max, which comprises over 125,000 agents in more than 110 countries and territories, is searching for a new home for its U.S. media buying and planning services. “Re/Max engages in this process every few years to remain competitive and ensure it continues to partner with the agency that will deliver maximum results…
Kroger, the largest grocer in the United States and the second-largest retailer behind Walmart, has named its first-ever creative agency of record. After a review process conducted by the brand, without the help of a search firm, DDB New York will take on creative duties for the flagship company and the brands under its banner….
Ebay has consolidated its media account with WPP, naming MediaCom as its global media agency of record. MediaCom has been the brand’s media agency of record in Europe and Australia, while Publicis handled the business in North America. The appointment follows a closed review between MediaCom parent company WPP and Publicis. According to a source…
The U.S. Army plans to significantly reduce the size of its marketing department, according to internal communications and statements provided by an Army representative. The civilian team handling recruitment marketing work for the Army will be less than one-third its previous size, and annual fees for the armed forces division’s new ad agency, DDB, could…
Home workout pioneer Bowflex is muscling in on the smart fitness trend by hiring its first-ever creative agency of record. A name once defined by late-night infomercials and peak ’90s spots featuring miraculously hairless and muscular models is enlisting new creatives to shift its marketing from highlighting product features to redefining its brand. Bowflex, owned…
Merkle, a performance marketing agency owned by Dentsu Aegis Network, has acquired a majority stake in India-based Ugam, a global analytics company. The acquisition is one of the firm’s largest transactions to date, according to the Columbia, Md.-based Merkle. Ugam, which will now be followed by the moniker “a Merkle Company,” will continue to be…
Private investment firm Bain Capital has acquired 60% of Kantar, a data and insight consultancy owned by WPP. WPP confirmed it plans to sell a majority stake in Kantar in October of last year. In June, Bain Capital emerged as the exclusive bidder for the research firm, valued at $4 billion. According to WPP, the…
WPP’s Ogilvy this week moved to address internal controversy about its ongoing work for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the largest law enforcement agency of the Department of Homeland Security. An email from global chairman and CEO John Seifert appeared to be an attempt to quell growing concern among employees in recent days after a…
The Gap, or the banner brand of retail conglomerate Gap Inc., recently chose Johannes Leonardo to lead its creative marketing efforts, an agency spokesperson confirmed today. “We are working with Gap to help meet their business objectives and re-establish the brand’s cultural relevance once more,” read a statement from the representative. Spokespeople for the Gap…
Pepsi has chosen TBWAChiatDay New York as lead creative agency for the Mountain Dew brand following a closed, Omnicom-only review. “We enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with BBDO New York and are grateful for the partnership,” Mountain Dew vice president of marketing Nicole Portwood said in a statement confirming the switch. “We’re excited about…
University of Phoenix has transferred its creative account from 180LA to TBWAChiatDay Los Angeles and RAPP. “University of Phoenix is proud of the incredible work produced by 180LA to promote the University as a leading provider of quality higher education for working adults. This partnership will continue until the end of the current contract,” a…
In an unusual move, pharmaceutical company Allergan has halted the transition of its U.S. media buying and planning business to Publics Groupe’s Spark Foundry and instead is sending the account to GroupM’s Mindshare, sources familiar with the matter told Adweek. The sudden shift comes after Allergan concluded a review by selecting Spark Foundry as its…
The National Rifle Association has halted “live TV” programming on NRATV, its online streaming network. CEO Wayne LaPierre said in a statement on the NRA’s website that the organization is “undergoing a significant change in our communications strategy.” The move marks the latest breakdown between the NRA and longtime agency Ackerman McQueen, which handled programming…
McCann New York has won lead creative duties for TGI Friday’s without a formal review. MullenLowe’s Winston-Salem, N.C., office previously handled creative duties for the chain, which started working with the IPG agency in 2018. Earlier this year, MullenLowe created a TV and digital campaign called “TGIF*IT” that encouraged diners to forgo their New Year’s…
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