fbpx

Clemenger BBDO mops up a couple of M&C Saatchi’s clients—UPDATED

Clemenger BBDO has benefitted from the capitulation of M&C Saatchi in this market, winning Rabobank and taking over as the interim agency for NZ Police. 

Clemenger BBDO’s Philip Andrew was unable to comment. But as all of M&C Saatchi’s clients were Wellington based, and given the impressive performance of Clemenger BBDO in recent years, it’s not entirely surprising. 

As for the other clients, it’s thought the NZ Fire Service is still being serviced by M&C Saatchi. And the Ministry of Justice recently went through a big RFP so a lot of work currently sits with Insight. It also recently launched the Fines campaign via M&C Saatchi, so it’s not expected to have too much more on the agenda in terms of advertising. 

In April, the M&C Saatchi international head office confirmed that it was pulling out of New Zealand and transferring ownership to local management. Although the official handover period had been scheduled for July, former co-chief executive and executive creative director Dave King joined WhybinTBWA last month. And Tony Burt, M&C Saatchi’s current chief executive, confirmed he will be following in King’s footsteps and moving elsewhere. 

“I’m not looking to continue with M&C Saatchi’s clients, nor the agency as it is,” said Burt in an email. “Our clients have all been made aware of this. Instead, I’m exploring a few interesting opportunities that I’ve been presented with.”

He confirmed the shift of the NZ Police account to Clemenger BBDO (it’s thought a full RFP will be conducted at some stage) and said: “Cam and James have been absolutely fantastic clients for M&C Saatchi over the years and together we’re produced some incredible work together, which was recognised with two Gold Effies we received last year, one being for ‘New Zealand’s Hardest Challenge’ which we were all very proud of,” he says. 

Campbell Moore, the senior marketing advisor for NZ Police, explained that Clemenger was brought on as the interim agency, because NZ Police already works with the agency on certain projects. 

“NZ Police has enjoyed a successful recruitment marketing partnership with M&C Saatchi since the highly effective ‘better work stories’ campaign commenced in 2006,” he said. “The imminent closure of M&C Saatchi means we are in discussions with Clemenger BBDO about assuming a caretaking role. Police already works with Clemenger on road safety activity and it makes sense to extend their role while we evaluate our longer term needs for recruitment marketing. As always, our priority is to recruit the best young people to serve our communities.”

About Author

Avatar photo

One of the talented StopPress Team of Content Producers made this post happen.

Comments are closed.