Credit: Ian Stauffer via Unsplash
AdNews wraps up the biggest pitch news and wins from the fortnight.
WPP Media retains L’Oreal account
WPP Media agency Wavemaker has retained the L'Oréal media account for Australia and New Zealand, AdNews revealed.
The account covers L'Oréal's portfolio of beauty, skincare, haircare and fragrance brands including L'Oréal Paris, Maybelline, Garnier, Lancôme, CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, Kiehl's, YSL Beauty, Giorgio Armani and Viktor & Rolf.
"This win is a strong reflection of WPP Media and how we bring our capabilities together in new ways to help clients unlock truly limitless growth," CEO of WPP Media ANZ Aimee Buchanan told AdNews.
"What’s most exciting is the model we’ve built together with L’Oréal, designed not for where the business is today, but for where it’s going next. It brings together the best of our people, data, technology and specialist capabilities across the group, and shows how we can shape the future of marketing in partnership with our clients."
EssenceMediacom wins Michael Hill pitch
Michael Hill has appointed WPP Media’s EssenceMediacom its media agency partner across Australia, New Zealand and Canada, following a competitive review.
The appointment marks the next evolution of Michael Hill’s marketing model, bringing together media, commerce, data and AI-enabled capabilities.
Michael Hill thanked Omnicom Media Group for its partnership over the past five years. The company is grateful for the team’s expertise, commitment and contribution to the brand’s continued success.
The EssenceMediacom partnership will be supported by a bespoke WPP Media team, bringing together specialist expertise around a single integrated model.
Jo Feeney, chief marketing officer, Michael Hill, said the company is focused on building a marketing model that is more connected, more agile and better equipped for the future.
Australian Unity reviews media account
Australian Unity has put its media account under review just one year after extending its partnership with Initiative, AdNews revealed.
A spokesperson for Australian Unity confirmed the review was part of a regular assessment of its accounts.
“Australian Unity is currently reviewing its media agency arrangements,” the spokesperson told AdNews.
“From time to time, we review our agency partnerships to make sure we have the right support in place to meet our evolving business and communications priorities.
“The review is still underway and no decisions have been made. As it's an active commercial process, we won't be sharing any further details at this stage.”
Independent media agency Speed has won Xero’s Australian media account following a competitive review.
The appointment sees Speed take on Xero's media strategy, planning and buying requirements locally, with the agency working alongside D3 to service the business across Australia and New Zealand.
Noisy Beast was the incumbent on the account.
Kevin Allen, media strategy manager at Xero, said the brand ran a thorough process before landing on the agency.
"We are a deeply analytical business, so we embarked on a rigorous process to find an agency who could not only execute our media requirements but provide unique and business focused insights,” Allen said.
Ogilvy wins Lite n' Easy pitch
Ogilvy has been appointed agency of record for Lite n' Easy, following a competitive pitch.
The agency will handle strategy, creative, CX, social and influencer work for the brand, drawing on its multicultural, health and behavioural science expertise.
The incumbent was Hardhat, now part of Thinkerbell.
Ogilvy Network ANZ CEO Kirsty Muddle said the agency was looking forward to working with the Lite n' Easy team.
"Lite n' Easy is one of Australia's great health brands, and a company that has helped countless Australians eat well and feel their best for many decades,” she said.
“We're excited to help it navigate this transformative moment. Our deep expertise in health gives us a strong understanding of the broader ecosystem surrounding weight management and healthy eating, from consumers through to healthcare professionals and emerging healthcare channels and beyond.”
Havas Media wins Spin Master media account
Havas Media has been appointed media agency of record for children's entertainment company Spin Master, following a competitive pitch.
The agency will handle media strategy, planning and buying across Spin Master's brand portfolio, including Bitzee, PAW Patrol, Hatchimals, Melissa & Doug, Rubik's Cube, Cool Maker and Kinetic Sand, plus licensed properties Monster Jam and Gabby's Dollhouse.
Havas Media ANZ chief executive Kate O'Ryan-Roeder said the appointment reflected the agency's approach.
"We're incredibly proud to be partnering with Spin Master, a brand synonymous with creativity, innovation, and global growth," O'Ryan-Roeder said.
SMEG has appointed independent media agency Yango as its media strategy, planning and buying partner, following a pitch process.
Yango will take on SMEG's media responsibilities across the Australian market, covering paid media strategy, channel planning and buying.
The agency's brief includes driving brand growth and connecting SMEG with premium audiences in a competitive retail market.
Amy Carr, managing director at Yango, said the appointment reflected the agency's ability to help premium brands scale.
"Winning this account speaks directly to our ability to help premium brands navigate, scale and succeed in today's dynamic market," Carr said.
This is Flow retains Workwear Group media account
This is Flow has retained the Workwear Group media planning and buying account following a competitive pitch.
The agency continues its partnership with Workwear Group's KingGee, Hard Yakka and NNT brands. Workwear Group supplies workwear, footwear and accessories to businesses across Australia, New Zealand and international markets.
This is Flow CEO Jimmy Hyett said the agency had grown up with the brands.
"We grew up with these brands, seeing how they represent Australia in so many ways - hard work, determination and strong values,” Hyett said.
Auckland Council’s creative panel up for pitch
Auckland Council has launched a tender for a refreshed panel of creative agencies, AdNews can reveal.
The council’s tender covers strategic planning, audience insight, creative concepting, design, video, digital and social services.
Auckland Council said it wants a flexible network of agency partners to complement its in-house team, matching agencies to projects based on individual strengths.
Media buying and placement sit outside the deal unless required for a project.
Incumbent agencies on the creative panel include Motion Sickness, Ogilvy, Federation, and Clemenger Group, which utilises Clemenger UnLtd and OMD.
Paper Moose wins GloBird pitch
GloBird Energy has appointed Paper Moose creative agency, following a competitive pitch.
Paper Moose is tasked with evolving the energy retailer's brand platform.
GloBird Energy supplies electricity and gas to more than 300,000 customers across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.
The company is looking to build on its growth and drive greater brand awareness across the eastern states.
"Right from the start it was clear that Paper Moose understood our brand ethos and attitude, and they brought a brilliant brand platform idea to the table,” said GloBird Energy founder and CMO, John McCluskey.
Windsorborn wins Police Bank pitch
Police Bank has appointed Windsorborn as its growth partner following a competitive pitch, with the agency leading integrated creative and media strategy for the member-owned bank.
The appointment coincides with the launch of a new brand platform, strategy and visual identity built around the hero line "Here for our own," reflecting the bank's commitment to supporting those who protect and serve.
The refreshed identity features a suite of police officer and community illustrations across all channels and touchpoints.
The platform will roll out across brand and performance campaign media and member communications throughout 2026.
Renewal SA seeks creative agency
Renewal SA, part of the South Australian Government, is seeking a creative agency to help with its Playford Alive urban renewal project.
The selected agency will be responsible for the tasks and services including supporting continuity of marketing delivery across campaign activity, brand assets and project communications.
The successful agency must have an understanding, and experience in, implementing marketing campaigns across multiple platforms including radio, press, digital, onsite signage, outdoor, media, social media and other non-traditional marketing as required.
Demonstrated expertise within digital, online and social media platforms is critical.
The Playford Alive project was announced in 2008 as a partnership between Renewal SA, SA Housing Trust (the Trust), and the City of Playford.
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.