The National Heart Foundation has selected Host/Havas as its new creative agency following a competitive pitch, AdNews can reveal.
Host/Havas will lead the development of a new marketing stategy and creative direction for the not-for-profit organisation, including a major brand push in early 2019.
The aim of the work will be to inspire Australians in the fight against heart disease, which is Australia’s single leading cause of death, and will be their first campaign in a number of years.
Newly appointed chief marketing officer Chris Taylor, who joined the organisation from Woolworths in March, will spearhead the brand refresh.
“Heart disease has lost its fear factor in recent years. So, if there’s one message we need to get across to Australians, it’s that heart disease can strike at any time and does not discriminate. Delivering this message will be a key focus for us, in working with Host/Havas, to reinvigorate our market positioning and creative platforms," Taylor said.
The pitch process was split into two phases with seven agencies chosen to present a three-year brand strategy in the first round. In the second phase, three agencies presented their creative ideas.
“The team at Host/Havas demonstrated they are much more than a typical creative agency. The calibre of their strategic and creative thinking, their open and collaborative way of working and their ability to think outside of traditional communications, makes them an excellent choice to help lead the Heart Foundation deliver on its next three-year strategic plan," Taylor said.
One Green Bean was also appointed by Heart foundation to lead its PR.
It's one of the first major wins for Host/Havas since the two agencies merged last year and CEO Laura Aldginton was placed at the helm.
Aldington adds: “We spend a lot of time in our industry reminding ourselves that we’re not saving lives, so the chance to actually do so for the Heart Foundation is beyond motivating. We are thrilled and can’t wait to get started.”
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