Credit: Vitaly Gariev via Unsplash
AdNews wraps up the most recent pitch wins and news.
EssenceMediacom retains NRL media account
EssenceMediacom has retained the National Rugby League media account after a competitive pitch, extending a partnership that began in 2022.
The agency has worked with NRL on audience growth across men’s and women’s competitions, record attendances at major events and the code’s push into the US.
Its pitch centred on integrating NRL’s first-party data into planning and measurement, underpinned by EssenceMediacom’s data, tech and analytics proposition and backed by WPP Media’s sport and entertainment unit.
Zenith and Special join Honda agency village
Honda Australia has overhauled its agency roster as it gears up for a major expansion in 2026, adding new hybrid models, the return of the Prelude and its first battery electric vehicle.
The company has created an agency village to sharpen its marketing, communications and digital output across a crowded automotive market.
Zenith Media Australia will lead media, Special Australia takes on automotive creative, and Burson continues on PR and corporate communications. Howatson+Co stays on the motorcycle and power equipment business.
Honda Australia general manager of brand, marketing and customer experience, Eva Barrett, said the new structure positions the business to compete harder.
Howatson+Company wins ABN Group creative account
Howatson+Company has been named creative agency of record for ABN Group, working across its Boutique Homes and Homebuyers Centre brands.
Since launching in 1978, ABN Group has expanded from a single home building company into a market leader comprising 17 companies that provide a wide range of services, including new home design and construction, commercial construction, land development, mortgage broking, custom kitchen design and specialist construction services.
Enigma wins Australian Pork media pitch
Australian Pork has appointed Enigma to handle domestic fresh pork marketing after a statutory review run by consultancy Madclarity.
The agency takes over the media account in the new year, replacing Slingshot after eight years on the account.
The remit includes the long-running Get Some Pork On Your Fork work.
Enigma chief media officer and partner Justin Ladmore said the brand’s ambition appealed to the team.
Involved Media wins Animals Australia media account
Involved Media has won Animals Australia’s media account after a competitive pitch, adding the animal protection group to its growing client roster, AdNews revealed.
The agency will handle media buying across all channels for the not-for-profit.
Animals Australia campaign director Lisa Chalk said the work is aimed at shifting public understanding.
The appointment comes on the back of what has been a strong year of new business for Involved Media, with the independent agency picking being appointed to oversee media on prominent brands CareSuper, Fever-Tree, R U OK? and now Animals Australia.
Kaimera wins National Film and Sound Archive
Independent media agency Kaimera has been appointed media agency for the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA).
The NFSA, which tells the national story by collecting, preserving and sharing Australia’s audio visual media, aims to become one of the world’s most distinctive cultural institutions.
It has tasked Kaimera with developing a media strategy to drive brand awareness and education, build trust and advocacy, and increase online engagement with the NFSA’s collection.
NFSA chief marketing officer Nicole McPeake said the NFSA is focused on ensuring its collection represents and explores Australian creativity, identity, audio visual formats and cultural curiosity.
Bashful retains Liquourland creative account
Independent creative agency Bashful has been reappointed Liquorland’s lead creative agency, following a competitive multi-agency pitch.
The win sees Bashful continue to partner with Coles Liquor Group as the retailer undertakes brand transformation.
Coles Liquor Group has announced the consolidation of its three retail banners, Liquorland, First Choice Liquor Market, and Vintage Cellars, under a single, unified Liquorland brand.
The partnership will see Bashful continue to lead Liquorland’s brand platform, integrated campaigns, and in-store experience, from communications and content to digital.
Grapevine wins Don Smallgoods social media account
Sydney's pure play FMCG social media agency Grapevine has added Don Smallgoods to its portfolio.
Grapevine will manage social strategy, content creation, influencer and community engagement for Don.
The win marks another major milestone for Grapevine, following the appointment as the social media agency for Abbott's Bakery earlier this year.
Grapevine has helped grow brands including Carman's, Emma & Tom's, Jalna, Pic's and La Banderita from the ground up, and delivered viral success for Avalanche, Abbott's Bakery and five:am as part of work with leading food companies including George Weston Foods, Lion, Fonterra and Costa Group.
Connected Media wins Virgin Active pitch
Connected Media has been appointed lead media agency for Virgin Active in Australia after a competitive pitch.
The agency will handle strategy, planning, buying, optimisation and reporting across all channels.
Virgin Active operates nine gyms in Australia, including a 2,500sqm social wellness club at Bondi Westfield with fitness, recovery and co-working facilities.
The brief focuses on driving membership growth through stronger lead generation and brand activity.
Emotive wins retirement platform North
Super and retirement platform North has appointed Independent creative agency Emotive to lead its brand transformation and upcoming market relaunch.
The win tasks Emotive with developing a new brand platform, go-to-market strategy, and creative campaign.
This appointment follows Emotive’s recent wins, including Perfection Fresh and Billson’s, and sees North join a roster that includes Google, Audible, Revlon, Breville, Mount Franklin, Wotif and more.
NATION wins Adelaide’s new city brand
Adelaide creative agency NATION has been appointed by the Adelaide Economic Development Agency (AEDA) to lead the development of a new city place brand.
NATION managing director and co-owner Joe Godsell said the agency is proud to have been selected for a project of such significance.
The project will be led by recently appointed brand & strategy director, Harley Augustine, alongside NATION’s team of strategists and creatives to shape the brand’s positioning, purpose and narrative.
AEDA executive manager, marketing & tourism, Michael Rossi, said the new brand will play a vital role in aligning the city with the state’s broader strategic direction.
It will also support priority sectors such as investment attraction, business events, retail, hospitality, education, technology and tourism.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.