The Most Important Global Ad Stories of the Week
PepsiCo kicks off a digital review in Europe, Google holds firm as Singapore tightens branded festival rules and Apple’s loss in China is a gain for local brands.
Happy Friday. Here are some of the most important regional stories from around the Campaign global network you may have missed this week.
PepsiCo kicks off review of European digital business
PepsiCo, which owns the Pepsi, Tropicana and Walkers brands, is reviewing its digital roster of agencies across Europe. The food-and-drink giant wants to consolidate the roster, which consists of agencies working on digital production, community management and data.
Omnicom’s Hearts & Science opens in Dubai
Omnicom Media Group has announced the MENA launch of its third agency network, Hearts & Science, which will join OMD and PHD in the region. The data-driven marketing agency launched six months ago in New York on the back of Omnicom’s Procter & Gamble business and subsequently won US telecoms provider AT&T.
Google appoints Ronan Harris as UK MD
Ronan Harris has been named the new managing director for Google across the UK and Ireland. He replaces Eileen Naughton who moved to California to become vice president of people operations in July.
Hong Kong digital advertising body aims to advance market
Driven by the need to set standards and measurements for digital marketing and grow the talent pool, seven of Hong Kong’s biggest digital players have teamed up to form the Digital Marketing Association of Hong Kong.
Brands go stir crazy as Great British Bake Off pulls in 14m viewers
Brands did their best to make the most of “The Great British Bake Off’s” popularity as the BBC cooking contest became the most watched show of the year Wednesday night.
M&C Saatchi and Etihad part ways
Etihad Airways has terminated its six-figure global advertising account with M&C Saatchi after five years, following a review. The United Arab Emirates’ national carrier will split creative duties between its incumbent agencies, including global digital and social marketing account holder Cheil, and its own in-house division.
Pizza Hut CEO planning to fix brand’s digital flaws
Pizza Hut’s UK chief executive says he is “very aware” that the brand’s digital profile is not good enough amid competition from new entrants such as Just Eat and Deliveroo.
Google holds firm as Singapore tightens rules on brand support of festivals
The new rules impact the annual Pink Dot festival, which has enjoyed strong brand support. The Ministry of Home Affairs said foreign brands “should not interfere” in “domestic issues.”
Heineken taps Publicis UK for global digital work
Heineken has appointed Publicis UK to its global digital agency roster for its eponymous beer brand. Publicis Worldwide is already the lead global creative agency for the brand, an account it picked up in September 2015, after the company split with Wieden & Kennedy.
Apple’s China loss is local brands’ gain
The technology giant’s significant China revenue slump, noted in its latest earnings report, comes as local brands Oppo and Vivo ascend.
Mahesh Samat returns to Disney as MD
Andy Bird, chairman, Walt Disney International, said, “Mahesh guided Disney in India in its early days, and we are thrilled with his decision to return to the organization he helped build.