Two agencies in the running for Vodafone’s creative account
Vodafone has whittled its shortlist down to two agencies after putting the account out to pitch at the end of last month, Mumbrella can reveal.
McCann Melbourne and Cummins & Partners will battle it out for the account.
Incumbent Ogilvy bowed out of the fight when the pitch was announced, with CEO David Fox saying at the time he was disappointed to hear of the pitch.
All of the contacted agencies declined to comment.
Ogilvy was behind the controversial ‘kidults’ campaign, which was one of the most complained about of 2013, with many people saying it sexualised children. It was also shortlisted in the Film Craft category at the Cannes Lions festival.
It has since worked on the population-coverage campaign.
Vodafone’s chief marketing officer Kim Clarke told the Association of Data Driven Marketing and Advertising (ADMA) conference at the end of last month that the troubled telco was beginning to get back on its feet after a turbulent period which saw the company become the least trusted brand in the sector.
“We have a thee year turnaround program and are half way through that,” she said, admitting that while it was making good progress “we still have a long way to go”.
A spokesperson for Vodafone has stressed the company is now in the final year of its three-year turnaround program.
Miranda Ward
Crossed fingers all round from the staff at Cummins and McCann -please don’t win, please don’t win
User ID not verified.
There’s a number of people at Vodafone who would have worked with Sean Cummins / Cummins Nitro back in the Hutchinson 3 days..
Tipping Cummins.
User ID not verified.
Both agencies are Melbourne based? And Cummins would rather be in NY and Adelaide than Sydney…. No Sydney agencies willing – or capable?
User ID not verified.
Agree with @South of the border – we’ve never seen a Melbourne agency last longer than 12 months on an account the size of Vodafone. Even with a force like Sean’s charm and charisma behind it.
McCann’s more multinational Sydney operation is actually better credentialed and equipped for the account. If they pitch from their Sydney office – maybe with some creative backing from Melbourne – they should be a clear favourite.
User ID not verified.
That’s no a shortlist…. it’s Hobsons choice!!!
User ID not verified.
They have burned so many agencies over the years there are not many left who want the business.
User ID not verified.