Credit: Vitaly Gariev via Unsplash
AdNews wraps up the biggest pitch news and wins from the fortnight.
Special Group joins KFC Australia portfolio
Special Group has been appointed to join the creative agency portfolio for KFC Australia, AdNews can confirm.
The agency will join incumbent Ogilvy, who has held the creative account since 1994, and the broader WPP Network.
The brand also works with media agency Essencemediacom.
“At KFC, we’re constantly looking for world-class creative partners who can help us build the brand in bold, culturally relevant ways," said KFC Australia chief marketing officer, Vanessa Rowed.
Prospa has appointed Bench Media its full-service media agency across Australia and New Zealand, following a competitive pitch.
Bench will handle planning and buying and manage media investment across both markets.
The agency will work with Prospa’s in-house team to build brand awareness among small business owners and support loan growth and new products.
Prospa has funded more than 50,000 businesses across Australia and New Zealand and provided more than $5bn in small business loans.
Bastion wins Geely Auto Australia’s media and creative accounts
Bastion has picked up the creative and media account for Geely Auto Australia after a competitive pitch, tasking the agency with supporting the Chinese carmaker's local launch and expansion.
The integrated brief spans strategy, creative, media and communications.
Anna Cherry, managing director of media at Bastion, said the focus would be on building commercial results.
"Geely entered Australia with confidence and clear intent,” Cherry said.
The win follows a run of activity at Bastion, including the launch of Bastion DBX and Bastion Media, acquisitions of Daymark and Catch, and senior hires across Australia, New Zealand and the US.
Australian Retirement Trust pitches creative account
Australian Retirement Trust (ART) is reviewing its creative account, AdNews has confirmed.
The incumbent was M+C Saatchi, which has held the account since 2023, but it has decided not to re-pitch the account, according to insiders.
The 'Awaken Your Super' campaign by M+C Saatchi reported a 60% increase in new customer applications and increased engagement from existing customers since the campaign launched in April last year.
The campaign had 2.9 times the ad attention and brand consideration impact compared to the superannuation category average.
ART teamed up with specialist brand and communications insights agency Luma Research which analysed the ad using four metrics.
WA Construction Training Fund launches agency tender
Western Australia's Construction Training Fund has extended its search for a marketing and communications agency to handle creative, digital and social media services.
The statutory authority wants a single agency to provide end-to-end services across four areas: creative advertising and production, website services, SEO and social media.
The contract runs for three years from March with two one-year extension options, potentially extending to five years.
Shortlisted agencies may be required to complete a practical task and deliver a presentation to key stakeholders.
Bastion Aotearoa wins KFC New Zealand creative account
Bastion Aotearoa has been appointed KFC New Zealand's creative agency following a competitive RFP process, AdNews can reveal.
Bastion Aotearoa joins Special PR and PHD Media as KFC New Zealand’s agency partners. The agency has worked with KFC in other markets.
"With a big year ahead for the brand, we’re excited to keep building on what KFC does best - big, bold, creative ideas, with our customers front and centre," according to a statement from Restaurant Brands.
KFC is currently in pitch for a creative agency in Australia, which is near close. The confirmed agencies in the pitch include Special and current incumbent Ogilvy.
Carat retains Revo Fitness media account
Carat has retained the Revo Fitness media account in a three-year deal running to 2029, as the gym chain continues a national expansion.
Revo's growth has included the acquisition and rebrand of Victoria's Crunch Fitness locations.
Carat's Western Australia team has handled media strategy across membership campaigns and multi-state market entries since the pair began working together.
Carat will continue to manage media planning and buying across Revo's national network, covering membership acquisition, retention and brand positioning.
The Australian Ballet appoints Untangld
Strategy studio Untangld has been appointed to deliver an evolved brand and messaging strategy for The Australian Ballet.
The new business adds to a series of partnerships across Australia and abroad, including Royal Australian Mint, Perry Ellis / Nike, Legal & General, King Living and Dimple Color.
"The Australian Ballet stands at the intersection of art, movement and meaning. It's a brand that embodies both heritage and progress," said Untangld co-founder James Needham.
“To help chart its next chapter is a privilege and a unique opportunity to reimagine how one of Australia's most admired cultural institutions can engage a wider audience while staying deeply rooted in its story.”
Optimise Media wins ZEEKR media account
Optimise Media has been appointed as the media agency for ZEEKR Australia, taking responsibility for consolidated media strategy, planning and buying from this month.
ZEEKR, a premium electric vehicle brand under Geely Automobile Holdings, selected the Sydney- and Melbourne-based independent agency following a competitive pitch process.
Optimise distinguished itself through its experience growing emerging brands and its innovative brand measurement solutions delivering measurable outcomes from media investment.
Launched in Australia in 2024 as a tech-luxury brand focused on innovation and sustainability, ZEEKR has expanded rapidly both locally and globally.
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