While DDB regional CEO John Zeigler declined to comment on the shift, he said: “We do work with them in a number of markets on strategic projects and we are looking at working more with them.”
The account is not expected to move until July. DDB secured the US Lipton account from JWT in 2004, and also handles parts of the European business.
The account is not expected to move until July. DDB secured the US Lipton account from JWT in 2004, and also handles parts of the European business.
It is believed that the shift is accompanied by a greater focus from the Unilever brand on global work. Tribal DDB earlier secured Lipton’s regional interactive brief.
The win comes as the Omnicom agency names new market chiefs in Japan and Hong Kong. Former JWT Tokyo executive vice-president Takashi Takeda comes aboard as CEO of DDB Tokyu Agency Creative.
Takeda, who will report to Zeigler, helped develop the ‘Juken’ (college entrance exam) campaign for Nestl?s Kit Kat brand. KitKat picked us the Platinum prize at both the 2005 and 2006 Asian Marketing Effectiveness Awards.
“In Japan, DDB is an influential creative icon within the country’s creative circles, thanks to its famous work on brands such as VW Beetle and Budweiser,” said Takeda.
“However, it is not yet a large and well-recognised agency brand (here). My primary job is to update the agency function to meet client needs with creative and innovative ideas. By providing the best creative solution, we can be a competitive player in this market, particularly as our overall competencies become more relevant in today’s changing media climate.”
Meanwhile, David Singapore MD Richard Thomas will depart the agency to become CEO of DDB Hong Kong in April, succeeding new managing director of global clients Tim Evill (Media, 9 February.)
“We are changing the focus of our Hong Kong agency,” said Zeigler. “Our client mix has shifted in favour of China. Richard is someone who is young and aggressive and able to build the momentum of our business.”
