The WPP agency pipped rival Omnicom Media Group to the account - Malaysia's second largest - following a four-month review called earlier this summer (Media 31 May). "It was a very 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 Group M'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.
