Sony-Ericsson taps Iris for BTL business

Sony-Ericsson has reportedly assigned the bulk of its regional below-the-line work to UK retainer agency Iris, which set up an office in Singapore last March.

The telco giant's BTL work has been handled by several agencies, including 10AM Communications; the move is not expected to affect its position. 10AM understands our brand very well," said Sony-Ericsson PR manager Poh Lee Koh. "However, we never had a retainer with them, or anyone."

BBH reportedly resigned the global above-the-line retainer account on learning that the telco had appointed brand consultancy Wolff Olins without informing them (Brand Republic, July 28).

Sources say the push for Iris is being driven by new Sony-Ericsson Asia-Pacific chief Lennard Hoornik. He took over from former president Kazuo Nakai, who now heads Sony Asia-Pacific.