McDonald's, Australia's third biggest advertiser, is looking to appoint an additional creative agency through a competitive pitch, AdNews can confirm.
The main agency-of-record account will continued to be held by DDB Sydney which was appointed 55 years ago.
This is not a global pitch and sources say the brand will chose from the pool of globally aligned agencies.
In 2020, the restaurant company consolidated its creative account with DDB Sydney in 2020, moving its digital and social account from VMLY&R and expanding the DDB's remit to cover both creative and social media.
Industry rumours that the account would move have been circulating all year.
Sources also tell AdNews that Akcelo has been slowly doing more campaign work for the brand, recently launching the Grimace Shake in Australia.
McDonald’s Australia told AdNews it is currently recruiting for an additional creative agency partner from its existing global agency roster.
"The successful agency will become part of our award-winning agency village, as we look to deliver highly effective and culturally relevant campaigns that drive our brand and business forward," the McDonald's spokesperson said.
"It is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure we have the best partners and capabilities in place and follows on from our recently completed CRM pitch process earlier in the year.
"We expect this process to be completed before the end of 2024."
DDB Sydney is also currently defending Westpac.
DDB's Mango is the brand's PR agency and Omnicom media agency OMD is the local media agency.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.