SHANGHAI: Johnson & Johnson skincare brand Neutrogena has awarded its China PR business to market newcomer WE Marketing Group, despite the agency not having a PR practice.
According to industry sources, WE Marketing beat incumbent agency Apex and Burson-Marsteller in the three-way shootout which took place a few months ago, with the decision announced last month.
The win -- the first piece of J&J business for WE -- means the agency will now build a PR practice in China, to complement its existing marketing and advertising offering.
Helen Lo, WE planning director, said the agency was chosen by Neutrogena for a number of reasons. "WE Marketing was selected because of our strategic thinking, consumer insights and passion for the business," said Lo.
It's understood a significant part of the work -- due to break in the coming months -- will include branding components for Neutrogena.
