Neutrogena task for China handed to WE Marketing

<P>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.</P> <P><BR>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. </P> <P>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.</P> <P><BR>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.</P> <P><BR>It's understood a significant part of the work -- due to break in the coming months -- will include branding components for Neutrogena.</P>