Credit: Bill Stephan via Unsplash
AdNews wraps up the biggest pitch news and wins from the fortnight.
Zenith wins Coty media account
Zenith has won the Australian media account for Coty, the global beauty giant behind brands including Hugo Boss, Gucci, Calvin Klein, Burberry, CoverGirl and Sally Hansen, AdNews revealed.
The appointment ends Havas' tenure on the business, which held the account since its 2020 acquisition of independent agency HYLAND, which brought Coty into the Havas network.
The appointment consolidates Coty's relationship with Zenith, which already handles the company's global media business.
Coty invested US$1.57 billion (A$2.4 billion) in advertising and promotional activity globally in FY25, according to company filings.
Medibank reviews media account
Medibank has launched a review of its media account.
The review is the first in six years, when Medibank last tested the market and retained Carat, which is still the incumbent.
“As part of our standard market testing process, we have commenced a tender for our media buying agency,” a Medibank spokesperson told AdNews.
“The process is expected to run for around two months and we look forward to engaging with a range of agencies about our media strategy."
The account also covers ahm, encompassing two of the country's largest health insurance brands.
Akcelo wins Yoto global media account
Akcelo has been appointed global agency of record for London-based kids’ audio company, Yoto, following a competitive pitch process.
The formed partnership will see Akcelo work closely with Yoto’s leadership team to support the brand across its global markets, including the UK, US, Canada, France and Australia.
The remit spans global brand strategy, creative platform development and integrated campaign execution.
"From the outset, it was clear that Yoto wasn't just looking for an agency, they were seeking a partner that thinks like they do, one that understands their customers inside out and can help build a distinctive, emotionally resonant creative platform to support the next stage of growth," said Akcelo CEO and founder, Aden Hepburn.
BMF and Kerfuffle win Asahi creative
Asahi Beverages has appointed Kerfuffle and BMF as creative partners, following a competitive pitch.
Under the remit, Kerfuffle will lead Carlton, Great Northern, Vodka Cruiser, Woodstock and Schweppes, while BMF will lead work for Victoria Bitter, Hard Rated, Solo and Solo Energy.
This follows the announcement earlier this week that Mindshare would become Asahi’s new media partner.
This also arrives as BMF and Endeavour Group part ways after winning the account in 2024.
Asahi Beverages GM portfolio and brand marketing Lauren Fildes said "we’re grateful for the time, energy and creativity all agencies brought to the competitive process and we congratulate our new partners on their appointment.”
Japanese Film Festival back out to pitch
The Japan Foundation, Sydney, is searching for an agency to run PR and marketing for the 2026 Japanese Film Festival, with a $94,000 budget on the table and just 12 days to submit, AdNews reveaedl.
The brief spans campaign management, creative production, media buying, PR and weekly performance reporting across Google Analytics, Data Studio and Meta Ads Manager.
Running from September 26 to December 20 across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Canberra, the festival screens around 35 titles split between a paid Latest Releases program and a free Special Series.
Advertising spend is restricted to the ticketed program only.
D3 wins Vitaco’s New Zealand media account
Independent Auckland media agency D3 has picked up the Vitaco media account in New Zealand following a competitive pitch.
D3 will handle media strategy, planning, buying, analytics and data technology across Vitaco's brand portfolio, which includes Healtheries, Musashi, Nutra-Life and Athena.
Vitaco, a health and wellness company with operations across Australia and New Zealand, selected D3 for its independent operating model and senior-led delivery.
Simon Cheape, head of marketing at Vitaco, said the company wanted an agency capable of managing a diverse portfolio across a complex media landscape.
Kerfuffle wins Bulla Dairy Foods creative
Australian dairy company Bulla Dairy Foods has appointed independent creative agency Kerfuffle to lead creative and brand across the portfolio.
Bulla has previously worked with Hotglue, acquired by Havas, The Bridge, Grey Melbourne and retired Publicis Mojo.
This is the second win for Kerfuffle this week, having been appointed as part of the creative account for Asahi.
“The team at Kerfuffle brought a really strong mix of strategic thinking, creativity and chemistry throughout the process,” said Bulla head of marketing, Daria Kargopoltseva.
Hello wins FUJIFILM Australia photo imaging account
Hello has been appointed integrated agency partner for the Photo Imaging division of FUJIFILM Australia, covering brand, creative and media strategy, along with execution across creative, social, PR, experiential, creator, media and partnerships.
The agency of record remit includes the division's Instax, Fujifilm Photos and QuickSnap brands.
The appointment followed a competitive pitch process.
"We were blown away by the creativity and connected thinking demonstrated by Hello. Their ability to develop a strong brand strategy and carry a big idea consistently through the line was particularly impressive,” said Mark Little, national marketing manager at FUJIFILM Australia.
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