Y&R and Leo Burnett, which has worked with Malaysian telcos Maxis and Celcom in the recent past, join a field including Grey, DDB International and JWT.
The agencies have presented to the client, and await a decision expected by the end of this month.
The agencies have presented to the client, and await a decision expected by the end of this month.
McCann walked away from the business earlier this month (Media, 10 January) after a four-year tenure.
One source close to the review suggested that while DiGi was happy with McCann’s creative work, a pitch was called because of “resource and chemistry issues”.
The client did not return Media’s calls at press time.
DiGi is Malaysia’s fastest-growing mobile telco in a market led by Celcom and Maxis. The company’s cachet with the country’s youth has fuelled its success, particularly in the lucrative pre-paid sector.
DiGi’s rapid growth provoked Maxis to review its creative arrangements last year. DiGi’s above-the-line creative account, held by Naga DDB, also boosted the brand in 2007. DiGi was awarded gold at last year’s Asian Marketing Effectiveness awards in the most effective use of advertising category.
Meanwhile, former agency McCann has hired Abhinav Sharma from BatesAsia to head up its planning department following the departure of Pratik Thakar.
Sharma spent two years at Bates where he worked on accounts including 100 Plus and Nokia. Prior to Bates, he had a spell at Leo Burnett in India where he was general manager, and at FCB in Bangalore, also as general manager.
One source close to the review suggested that while DiGi was happy with McCann’s creative work, a pitch was called because of “resource and chemistry issues”.
The client did not return Media’s calls at press time.
DiGi is Malaysia’s fastest-growing mobile telco in a market led by Celcom and Maxis. The company’s cachet with the country’s youth has fuelled its success, particularly in the lucrative pre-paid sector.
DiGi’s rapid growth provoked Maxis to review its creative arrangements last year. DiGi’s above-the-line creative account, held by Naga DDB, also boosted the brand in 2007. DiGi was awarded gold at last year’s Asian Marketing Effectiveness awards in the most effective use of advertising category.
Meanwhile, former agency McCann has hired Abhinav Sharma from BatesAsia to head up its planning department following the departure of Pratik Thakar.
Sharma spent two years at Bates where he worked on accounts including 100 Plus and Nokia. Prior to Bates, he had a spell at Leo Burnett in India where he was general manager, and at FCB in Bangalore, also as general manager.
