Agency reviews on three major accounts were announced yesterday …
Czech car marque Skoda, once derided as the epitome of wheezing Eastern European auto technology, is to review its entire European advertising account – annual spend unstated. These days Skoda is no longer seen as a joke, thanks to the remarkable image turnaround engineered by its parent Volkswagen. Skoda’s recently appointed general manager Detlev Schmidt is said to feel that the marque’s advertising – currently handled by Grey Worldwide in Prague – requires a more creative approach. The review will be conducted under the baton of German selection consultancy Ten Hovel Communications and pitch invitations are expected to go out to three network agencies. Grey has been asked to repitch alongside FCB Frankfurt and a third, as yet unidentified, agency group. A decision is expected at the beginning of December.
News source: AdAge Global
Software giant Adobe Systems of San José California has whittled the contenders for its $20 million account to just two finalists – although word is that another two shops may join the fray. Two California shops are named as finalists: Goodby, Silverstein & Partners in San Francisco, and Deutsch, Los Angeles. It is not known whether incumbent Young & Rubicam of San Francisco will also be named as a survivor.
News source: Advertising Age - Daily Deadline
Massachusetts-based office products firm Staples is said to have put its media planning and buying account up for grabs. The actual value of the business is uncertain, insiders putting it at around $50m. However, this is well below last year’s spend when Staples’ ad budget passed the $110m mark. Incumbent Pro Media of Natick, Massachusetts will defend the business which excludes creative duties handled by Cliff Freeman & Partners in New York.
News source: Advertising Age - Daily Deadline
News sources: As above
