Ikon extends Pfizer media work
Ikon Sydney has expanded it's media duties with Pfizer, winning strategy, planning and digital work in a closed pitch. For the past four years, Match Media handled the work, while Ikon managed Pfizer's offline media buying account. Ikon takes over the full account on 1 May. Nielsen estimates Pfizer spends about $10 million a year on media. In a press release, Ikon Sydney managing partner Pat Crowley said: "We appreciate Pfizer recognizing our strong strategic and digital capabilities and the team are excited about where we can take the Pfizer brands going forward."
A "horrible mistake"
Nike and Gatorade-sponsored Abby Wambach, who was also a speaker at the recent Adobe Summit, has been arrested for drink driving.
The retired US football champ, who was lauded as the best women's player in the world prior to hanging up her boots, is the latest sports star to be caught breaking the law, causing alarm for the brands they are associated with.
Taking to Twitter she said: "Those that know me, know that I have always demanded excellence from myself. I have let myself and others down," she wrote.
"I take full responsibility for my actions. This is all on me. I promise that I will do whatever it takes to ensure that my horrible mistake is never repeated. I am so sorry to my family, friends, fans and those that look to follow a better example."
See here for: Sharapova doping: 'Sponsors will exit'
Vamping up
Vamp, the social media tech startup which is backed by Qantas and Fairfax Media director and ex-Leo Burnett CEO Todd Sampson, plans to list on the Australian Stock Exchange sooner than expected.
Vamp, which leverages the power of Instagram and its social influencers help spread the word and increase the reach of a brand, was launched by startup foundry Digital4ge late last year.
While in October it said it planned an IPO during the first half of the calendar year, today’s Sydney Morning Herald says its expected to list mid-May.
Its digital influencer marketing service connects brands with some of the biggest names on Instagram from General Pants and Smirnoff to Uniqlo and Hotels Tonight.
Sssh
According to Neurogadget, Facebook Messenger is reportedly working on improving the privacy and security of its millions of users by adding more chatting options.
Hot on the heels of the encryption case between Apple and the FBI, its says reports claim that Facebook Messenger wants to introduce an equally encryption-focused chat option that will see users enjoy conversations in private.
OOH industry reports quarterly uptake in profits
The Out-of-Home (OOH) industry has wrapped up the first quarter of 2016 posting an increase of 18.2% on net revenue to $177.1 million year-on-year, up on the $149.8 million recorded in the first quarter in 2015.
The increase follows on from the all-time high revenue growth at the end of 2015, when revenue increased by 17.0% on 2014.
Monthly results have continued to surpass expectations with the industry posting an increase of 13.4% for January and 20.7% for February year-on-year.
March figures show an increase of 19.6% year-on-year, with net revenue of $70.1 million. These increases continue to reflect across all formats: billboards, street furniture, retail/lifestyle/other and transport.
Digital revenue is sitting at 35.6% of total net revenue year-to-date, which is an increase on the recorded 20.2% for the same period last year.
Virgin Australia renews commitment to MFF
Virgin Australia has renewed its commitment to Melbourne Fashion Festival (MFF) as the event’s principal partner and naming rights partner for a further term.
The partnership, which commenced in 2014 as a three-year contract, will continue beyond 2016 as a part of renewed agreement to deliver the prestigious event, the Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival.
Dare Iced Coffee partners with Hamish & Andy
Dare Iced Coffee has announced a partnership with radio stars Hamish & Andy, in a deal that involves advertising, custom content creation and sponsorship of all Hamish & Andy's joint digital content.
Lion Dairy and Drinks marketing director Nicola Richardson says the partnership matches Dares irreverent identity and will use the pairs digital presence for native content.
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