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AdNews wraps up the biggest pitch news and wins from the fortnight.
Coca Cola launches global media review
Coca-Cola has launched a global media review covering most of its top markets, setting up a battle between incumbent WPP Open X and Publicis Groupe.
The review covers media, data science and technology and will be facilitated by independent consultancy Mediasense.
A Coca-Cola spokesperson told AdNews the review is driven by a desire to modernise how it reaches consumers, moving away from traditional media planning toward technology-led approaches, including agentic tools.
"As part of the design work, we will be conducting an agency partner capability review process with WPP and Publicis focused on media, data science and technology involving most of our top markets around the world," the spokesperson said.
The only markets excluded are North America, where Coca-Cola moved its media business to Publicis in 2025, and Japan and Korea, where it works with Dentsu.
Accenture Song wins Australia Post media account
Australia Post has named Accenture Song as its media agency of record, following a competitive pitch.
The partnership, which starts today, hands Accenture Song responsibility for Australia Post's media strategy, planning, activation and performance. The appointment is driven by Australia Post's focus on data, technology and AI-enabled media.
Wavemaker was the incumbent and held the account for seven years.
Aimee Dixon, Australia Post general manager of marketing, said the agency's capabilities set it apart.
"The team's strategic media thinking, capability across AI-led innovation, data and technology, and clear focus on performance made them stand out during the process,” Dixon said.
Howatson+Co wins CommBank media account
Commonwealth Bank has appointed Howatson+Company its external creative agency partner following a competitive pitch process.
The incumbent was M+C Saatchi, which had worked with the bank since 2012.
The account is thought to be worth around $8 million in revenue.
Howatson+Company will work alongside CommBank’s in-house agency team to lead brand strategy and creative direction, while partnering closely with the bank’s marketing teams on campaigns across the business.
CommBank CMO Jo Boundy said customer expectations are changing rapidly, requiring brands to evolve how they create more connected, relevant and effective communications and experiences.
Dentsu wins Tabcorp media account
Tabcorp has appointed dentsu to handle its media planning and buying following a closed pitch, ending a long-term relationship with OMD.
The wagering and racing entertainment company's portfolio includes TAB, which operates across more than 3,500 pubs and clubs nationally, Sky Racing and gaming services brand MAX.
Kent Madders, Tabcorp's general manager of marketing, said dentsu's technology and automation capabilities were a key factor in the decision.
"Through the pitch process, we were impressed with the strategic approach dentsu presented to not only navigating the changing advertising landscape within wagering over the coming months and years, but also to enhance Tabcorp's brand positioning in the market,” he said.
"We were also particularly excited by Dentsu's technology and automation capabilities, as we look to further optimise our media strategy to deliver more personalised communications and experiences for our customers.”
Mindshare takes Asahi media account
Asahi Beverages has appointed Mindshare as its media agency following a competitive pitch, with the partnership kicking off July 1.
PHD was the incumbent.
Mindshare takes on national media strategy, planning and buying across Asahi's brands including Carlton, Victoria Bitter, Great Northern, Hard Rated and Schweppes.
The beverage company has a separate creative agency pitch still under way.
Jarrod Holt, GM consumer experience at Asahi Beverages, said Mindshare's pitch stood out.
"We were extremely impressed by Mindshare's vision for the partnership and can't wait to see it come to life," Holt said.
Clemenger out of Samsung creative and media pitch
The pitch for Samsung Australia's creative and media accounts has narrowed with incumbent agency Clemenger BBDO dropping out.
The Omnicom agency has handled Samsung’s creative and media business in Australia since 2020 as part of a multi-year relationship.
Samsung confirmed the review remains active, with agencies moving through the next stage of the process.
“Samsung Australia recognises the efforts of every participating agency in its recent roster review; and can confirm the process continues, with all involved agencies notified of the next stage,” a Samsung Australia spokesperson told AdNews.
“No further comment will be provided at this time.”
Opera Australia pitches media account
Opera Australia has gone to market to find a new agency to handle paid media across digital and traditional channels, AdNews revealed.
The tender is for a retained media agency to plan, buy and optimise paid media investment across digital and traditional channels.
The process appears to be a select tender, with the confidentiality deed confirming agencies have been invited to respond rather than the RFP being open to the full market.
The appointed agency will work with Opera Australia's marketing and communications team across paid search, paid social, programmatic, video, out-of-home, audio, print and partnerships, alongside performance analytics and innovation.
The brief covers both short-term revenue delivery, ticket sales and ROI, and longer-term goals around audience growth, brand development and capability building.
Mediahub and 303 win Australian Cancer Research Foundation pitch
Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) has appointed Mediahub and sister agency 303 to help drive overall awareness and bolster donations.
Appointed following a pitch, 303 and Mediahub’s combined work will span always on digital, strong search plus engagement around key donation moments as prominent elements of ACRF’s campaign activity.
“As the only Australian charity focused specifically on cancer research, ACRF has a clear differentiator,” said 303 and Mediahub general manager media Kylie Macey.
“In a sector filled with worthy causes, it can prove difficult to cut-through and convey this message in a way that really sticks with a variety of audiences.
“We’re looking forward to working closely with the ACRF team to meet this challenge, and ensure their valuable work is both recognised, and rewarded.”
Ryvalmedia Sydney wins Avant Mutual media account
Ryvalmedia Sydney has been appointed to lead media strategy, planning and buying for Avant Mutual across paid search, paid social and programmatic channels.
Avant Mutual is a member-owned doctors' organisation with a 130-year history and Australia's largest medical indemnity insurer, protecting more than half of Australia's doctors.
Bianca Falloon, general manager of Ryvalmedia Sydney, said she was thrilled to be working with a brand that played such an important role in protecting Australia's doctors.
"The alignment was clear from the start, with a shared focus on performance, innovation and growth, and we're excited to build on the strong momentum already underway," she said.
Dentsu picks up Tourism and Events Queensland offline media
Tourism and Events Queensland has handed dentsu its offline media buying account, consolidating all media planning, digital and offline buying with the agency under a contract extended to March 2028.
The deal, which runs two years beyond the original agreement struck in March 2023, gives dentsu Queensland a unified media remit across TEQ's activity.
Kim McConnie, TEQ group executive marketing, said the consolidation was about speed and consistency.
"Media plays a critical role in how we build Queensland's brand, drive visitation and support the broader tourism and events industry. dentsu Queensland has proven to be a strong strategic partner, bringing deep media expertise, a collaborative approach and a clear understanding of the Queensland tourism landscape,” she said.
Howatson+Company appointed ShakNinja ANZ creative agency
Howatson+Company has been appointed creative agency of record for global product design and technology company SharkNinja's Australia and New Zealand business.
Aby Shukla, managing director of SharkNinja Pty Ltd, said the agency impressed at each stage of the process.
"The Howatson+Company team impressed us with their understanding of the customer, full funnel comms planning and creative impact. At each stage of the process, they demonstrated their perfect cultural fit with our business," he said.
Chris Howatson, founder and CEO of Howatson+Company, said the agency was proud to support SharkNinja's next phase of growth.
Omicom wins Baiada poultry pitch
Australian poultry business and the company behind Lilydale Free Range and Steggles, Baiada, has appointed Omnicom Oceania, following a competitive pitch process.
The partnership, anchored by Clemenger BBDO and Hearts & Science, brings together capabilities including strategy, media, creative, CX, shopper marketing, earned, MarTech and measurement.
The announcement marks the first Australian client partnership launched under the Omnicom Oceania banner.
Baiada previously worked with creative agency M+C Saatchi and Havas Worldwide.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing appoints Think HQ creative agency
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has appointed Think HQ to deliver a nationwide community engagement roadshow aimed at increasing participation in Australia’s National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP).
Think HQ is tasked with developing and executing national engagement activities designed to encourage eligible Australians aged 45-74 to complete and return their free bowel cancer screening kits.
A major focus of the work will target under-screened communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audiences, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, and people living in regional and remote areas.
Think HQ has also been appointed as the creative agency for the NBCSP promotion campaign.
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