CommBank-owned Bankwest has appointed WPP AUNZ to handle all its marketing communications, AdNews can reveal.
WPP AUNZ Group will manage all of Bankwest’s communication needs via a central holding group model, integrating various agencies from within the group, including its current media agency Ikon Communications.
The Sydney and Perth-based roster includes Ikon, Ogilvy Sydney, The Brand Agency, VML, PPR, PRISM, PLAY Events, Kantar and Hogarth.
“We’re excited by the opportunity to broaden and deepen our relationship with Bankwest through the development of this unique agency model, it’s about giving the team access to the best talent wherever it sits in the group, without the complexity of managing multiple agency relationships," WPP AUNZ CEO Mike Connaghan says.
The win for WPP AUNZ shows its global model of 'horizontality' is becoming increasingly of interest to brands.
Bankwest GM of customer communications and brand Nichole Banks says the holding group model best suited Bankwest’s focus on tailoring campaigns and communications.
The move follows a holding group review that included Publicis, Omnicom, Havas and M&C Saatchi, AdNews understands.
Incumbent creative agency Host held the Bankwest account for 10 years, last re-inking that deal in 2010. The decision to review its relationship with Host came prior to the news it was merging with Havas.
“We’ve enjoyed ten good years with Bankwest and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank them for their long standing partnership. We're excited by how 2018 is shaping up for us and we wish the Bankwest team the best of luck with everything for the year ahead too," Host/Havas CEO Laura Aldington says.
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