Publicis agencies net Panasonic brief

JAKARTA - Panasonic has handed the creative and media account estimated to be about US$4 million to Saatchi Group agencies and ZenithOptimedia after a creative five-way pitch that involved Hakuhodo, Matari Advertising, Macs909, Dwi Sapta and incumbent Euro RSCG.

The shift sees incumbents Euros RSCG and MPG losing its grip of the lucrative Panasonic account it has handled for the last six years. 

The creative account will be handled jointly by Saatchi Lab and Saatchi & Saatchi.

In response to Media, Saatchi Group agencies represented by Shanti Persada, GM of Saatchi Lab and Dini D. Makmun CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi said, “New business wins are always motivating for the whole agency. It reassures our strategic and creative strength, and notches up our spirits in tough times like this.”

Asked why the pitch was called in the first place, the spokesperson said, “Every brand, especially high price ticket items, is facing great challenges in this economic turmoil. They were looking for an agency who can help them to raise the game.” 

Partha Kabi, managing director of Zenith Optimedia Indonesia said, "It is a tough year for this industry (electronics, white goods, home appliances) and we are extremely proud of the fact that the client has entrusted the media responsibility on us in these challenging times. It just goes to show the faith and trust the client has in our abilities to deliver on their objectives."