The WPP agency pipped rival Omnicom Media Group to the account following a four-month review (Media, 31 May). “It was a close call,” said Unilever Singapore and Malaysia chairman/MD, Noel Lorenzana. “We thought Omnicom, which handles our business in parts of Europe, Canada and New Zealand, would be a good alternative to MindShare. But GroupM’s buying strength, its familiarity with our processes and our desire for a greater emphasis on planning and creativity, aided our decision.”
Unilever overtook Procter & Gamble last year as Malaysia’s second-largest advertiser, according to Nielsen Media Research, boosting ad spend from RM80 million to RM120 million. Lorenzana said he expected Unilever’s spend in 2008 to be consistent with 2007.
