UM has scooped planning duties - estimated at US$50 million - for Fanta and Sprite in Japan, in a move which breaks Dentsu’s AOR relationship with Coca-Cola in that country.
In addition, its Hong Kong office has taken charge of Coca-Cola’s $7 million media buying and planning account, including all of Coca-Cola’s local brands.
In addition, its Hong Kong office has taken charge of Coca-Cola’s $7 million media buying and planning account, including all of Coca-Cola’s local brands.
This move follows a review that included long-term incumbent Starcom and fellow roster agency Initiative.
The wins come as regional president David Morgan hands over the reins to the agency’s Australia chief executive Jeff Cressall after just over a year.
Morgan joined the IPG agency after a six-month stint at GroupM agency MEC and was named regional head in September last year following the departure of Allan Medforth. Morgan will relocate to London as UM’s chief client officer after 12 years in Asia.
“I’m sad to be leaving a place I’ve called home for the past 12 years, but I’m excited to be joining Nick (Brien) to grow our global business as global chief client officer,” said Morgan.
Embarking on his first assignment in Asia, Cressall becomes a member of the network’s executive committee.
Although relocating to Singapore, he remains in charge of Universal McCann Australia. In Australia, general manager Henry Taier has been promoted to managing director and will report directly to Cressall.
“Jeff is a very accomplished, seasoned pro - and a very decent chap. I’m sure he’ll do a great job carrying the torch for Asia-Pacific,” Morgan commented.
“We’ve had a great run towards the end of the year, winning Coke in Hong Kong and Sprite and Fanta in Japan. It’s nice to be leaving the region in good shape.”
