Credit: Hudson Graves via Unsplash
AdNews wraps up the biggest pitch news and wins from the fortnight.
Publicis Group wins Samsung media account
Samsung has appointed Publicis Groupe to its media account following a competitive review, with creative agency Cheil to retain its creative remit.
“Samsung Australia recognises the efforts of every participating agency in its recent roster review, and can confirm the process has now concluded," Samsung Electronics Australia told AdNews.
"We welcome Samsung’s global media agency of record, Publicis Group to the local agency village; and can confirm Cheil will continue creative work alongside our existing roster that spans a number of disciplines.
"We would also like to extend our gratitude to the incumbent, Clemenger Group, for a successful seven years of partnership, and wish the entire team every future success.“
Zenith wins Tourism Australia media account
Zenith Media, part of Publicis Media Australia, has been appointed to media services for Tourism Australia under an initial 3-year agreement from July 2026, following a competitive tender process.
The campaign budget is worth about $130 million.
Come and say G'day, Chapter two, was launched last month in key international tourism markets via creative shop Droga5, part of Accenture Song, and with media buying by UM.
The competitive tender process opened in September 2025.
Tourism Australia managing director Robin Mack emphasised the importance of high impact campaigns in driving demand for Australia.
“The campaigns Tourism Australia creates and delivers in key international markets are central to driving consideration and intention to travel to Australia,” Mack said.
Omnicom Media has been named global media agency of record for technology and consulting company IBM following a competitive review.
The appointment includes media planning and buying responsibilities across the Americas, EMEA, Japan and APAC regions.
The incumbent WPP reportedly decided not to contest the account.
IBM's global media spend was about $190 million in 2025, according to COMvergence. But the current account is expected to be higher.
The pitch win expands an existing relationship between IBM and Omnicom Media in EMEA, awarded in January 2025.
UM has extended its contract with AGL Energy in a multi-year deal, effective immediately.
The extension marks the second time UM has retained the account.
UM will continue as AGL's media agency, covering strategy, media, and digital and traditional planning and buying across AGL's product portfolio.
The agency first won the business in a competitive pitch in 2022, on top of an existing relationship stretching back eight years.
"AGL sets the standard for what great clients look like - ambitious, collaborative, and focused on real business impact, and as we move into our next phase together, we're ready to keep pushing boundaries and accelerate transformation,” CEO of UM Australia, Stevie Douglas-Neal, said.
Kaimera wins City of Newcastle media account
City of Newcastle has appointed Kaimera to lead media strategy, planning and buying for its cultural portfolio, including flagship arts festival New Annual and Newcastle Art Gallery.
Following a competitive tender process, Kaimera will oversee integrated media activity across offline and digital channels.
The appointment encompasses New Annual, which attracted more than 50,000 attendees in 2025, and Newcastle Art Gallery.
Together, the assets sit at the heart of Newcastle's growing cultural economy, which contributed approximately $565 million in direct value to the local economy in 2023-24.
WA Government overhauls media account
The Western Australian Government has overhauled its media arrangements, handing five agencies a new panel, including independent Longreach Media.
The panel covers media bookings, buying and planning for government accounts including the Department of Premier & Cabinet, Lotteries Commission, Road Safety Commission and WA Tourism.
303, OMD WA, The Brand Agency and Longreach Media will share Media Strategy and Trading (Campaign) services while Initiative takes on Non-Campaign Advertising.
The arrangement will run from July 1 to June 30, 2030, with an option to extend to 2036.
The Iconic appoints Emotive creative agency
The Iconic has appointed independent creative company Emotive as its creative agency, following a competitive pitch.
Dentsu was the incumbent, who held the account for four years. They did not re-pitch.
"Got You Looking has been an important platform for The Iconic, helping rebuild energy, distinctiveness and momentum around the brand," said The Iconic chief marketing officer, Joanna Robinson.
"As we move into our next phase of growth, the opportunity is to make that platform work even harder.
Emotive will partner with The Iconic as its creative agency, building on the success of 'Got You Looking' as the business enters its next phase of accelerated growth.
Yango wins Farizon’s Australian media account
Yango has won the media account for Farizon's Australian launch, with the agency to handle strategy, planning and buying for Geely's electric commercial vehicle brand.
Jameel Motors, the Australian distributor for Farizon, appointed the independent agency following their work together on the recent launch of the Farizon VE7 electric van.
Jameel Motors wants Yango to connect the brand with fleet operators and small business owners as it expands its dealership network, with a focus on lead generation and brand awareness.
Yango general manager of growth Amy Carr said the VE7 launch proved what the two companies could achieve together.
Vamp wins ChapStick influencer marketing account
Vamp has won the influencer marketing account for ChapStick in Australia, following a competitive pitch.
The six-month deal starts immediately and Vamp will run influencer marketing and paid media for the lip care brand, after developing the initial brief into an influencer programme.
"Partnering with ChapStick in Australia to supercharge their creator marketing is very exciting," chief revenue officer at Vamp, Steve Wright, said.
"This win reflects the strength of our strategic and creative approach, designed to deliver real impact and value."
Dentsu WA wins MercyCare media account
Dentsu Western Australia has been appointed media agency for MercyCare, a not-for-profit provider of aged care, disability services, early learning and family and community services in WA.
The partnership starts July 1 and covers media strategy, planning and buying to build awareness of MercyCare's services.
Dentsu will work alongside Chapter, MercyCare's creative agency from 2024 and the agency behind the "When Life Needs" campaign in 2025.
Dentsu client partner Charles Dangibeaud said MercyCare has a long history of making a difference in the lives of Western Australians.
Wavemaker wins SATC’s major events media account
Wavemaker Adelaide has won the South Australian Tourism Commission's major events media account, beating rival agencies in a competitive pitch.
The WPP Media agency will handle media strategy, planning and buying across SATC's major events portfolio, including the Santos Tour Down Under, Tasting Australia presented by Journey Beyond, LIV Golf, AFL Gather Round, the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant and the Norwood Food & Wine Festival.
The win extends Wavemaker's relationship with the South Australian government, which recently renewed the agency's place on the state's Master Media Scheme for a 17th year.
Wavemaker will work with SATC and its creative partners on media planning across the events calendar. Major events are a key part of South Australia's visitor economy.
Clemenger BBDO wins Stan pitch
Clemenger BBDO has been appointed creative agency for streaming service Stan, following a competitive pitch.
Stan, owned by Nine Entertainment, is Australia’s locally owned streaming platform.
“Sometimes pitch processes tell you everything you need to know about the brand, business and people, right in the first meeting,” said Clemenger BBDO Co-CEO, Sheryl Marjoram.
“This was one of those pitches, and we’re incredibly proud to have won. We gelled with the team, their ambition for Stan and their commitment to creativity instantly.”
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