Marketing Week articles from April 2004

Marketing Week archives from April 2004

What makes a body beautiful?(This Week)
April 1, 2004... On the marketing Richter scale, a breakaway from the Field Marketing Council ostensibly rates 'small earthquake in Chile' status. Nevertheless, it raises some interesting issues about trade bodies as a whole, and the way they are perceived. ...

Sainsbury's to beat Coke to big launch: another blow for Coca-Cola as Sainsbury's beats it to market with the launch of mid-cal cola.(News)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Sainsbury's is planning a spoiler on Coca-Cola's next big launch by being the first player in the mid-calorie cola market. Sainsbury's move, which comes just two weeks after the drinks giant was forced to ditch its new water brand Dasani...

Confusion at Unilever as Indian division relaunches Pears in UK.(News)
April 1, 2004... In a bizarre twist, Unilever is to relaunch Pears with a promise of marketing support just months after the venerable soap brand was pulled from the market. The brand will be relaunched with a range of liquid soap products, including hand...

Sony appoints European marketing chief.(News)(David Patton)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Sony has handed European marketing responsibilities, which include control of a 20m [pounds sterling] ad spend, to PlayStation marketing chief David Patton as part of an overhaul of the company's European management team. Patton will be...

M&S office switch puts jobs at risk.(News)(Marks and Spencer PLC)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Marks & Spencer's marketing department could to be hit by more than 30 redundancies as the troubled retailer is expected to scale back on head office staff when it moves offices later this year. Its new head office in Paddington is...

Littlewoods takes on M&S marketer for stores role.(News)(Littlewoods Organisation PLC, Marks & Spencer, Matt Stead )(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Littlewoods has appointed Marks & Spencer head of marketing for womenswear Matt Stead as marketing director of its Littlewoods branded stores. News of Stead's departure from M&S comes shortly after the extension of Vittorio Radice's duties...

Boots launches Basics range to entice back superstore shoppers.(News)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Boots is launching a range of value products, called Boots Basics, as part of a fightback against the low prices offered by supermarket rivals. The low-price health and beauty range has been Introduced as part of an initiative to change...

Asda appoints corporate marketing head.(News)(ASDA Group PLC, Jason Sharpe )(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Asda has appointed a new head of corporate marketing, who will report to marketing director Chris Pilling. Jason Sharpe joins the Asda marketing team on April 20, replacing Elaine Robinson who has moved to a new position in store...

Cow & Gate firm appoints top marketer.(News)(Nutricia appointed Alistair Bradley )(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Baby and toddler food company Nutricia has appointed former Diageo marketer Alistair Bradley as marketing director. He replaces Will Ghali, who left the company earlier this year. Bradley will be responsible for developing the Cow & Gate...

Cussons rejigs marketing teams.(News)(PZ Cussons (UK))(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... PZ Cussons has overhauled its UK and international marketing teams following the departure of marketing chief Dominic Box to Premier Foods. Cussons has folded Box's position of UK marketing director into an overall sales and marketing role....

UEFA to shake up its cup brand.(News)(Union of European Football Associations)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... UEFA, the European football governing body, is to overhaul its UEFA Cup brand next year as a first step towards finding headline sponsors for the annual competition. The revamp has been sparked by worries within UEFA that the cup is being...

AOL has launched a 20m [pounds sterling] multimedia advertising campaign to support the UK launch of AOL 9.0.(News)(America Online Inc.)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... AOL has launched a 20m [pounds sterling] multimedia advertising campaign to support the UK launch of AOL 9.0. The campaign, which launches on April 5, is the first work for AOL by agency Grey London, which took over the account in February...

Pole position at Bullrun for ex-Diesel man.(News)(Paul Poole)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Ex-Diesel marketing chief Paul Poole has been appointed to the new position of marketing director at global motor racing event Bullrun, which styles itself "the world's most glamorous rally". Poole will oversee the development of the brand...

Gallaher extends Silk Cut brand to take in 'slim' line.(News)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Gallaher is to introduce the UK's first mainstream "slim" cigarettes, as the first non-core extension to its flagship Silk Cut brand, next month. Silk Cut Slims cigarettes are narrower and longer than regular Silk Cut, and packs will carry...

Shop Direct appoints Additions brand chief.(News)(Nell Samson )(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Shop Direct has appointed former Freeserve marketer Nell Samson as brand director for its Additions Direct catalogue brand. Samson, who was chief marketing officer at Freeserve and at Shell International, will report to Shop Direct direct...

Danone to launch Volvic 'functional' brand.(News)(Danone Waters)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Danone Waters is preparing to launch a product called Volvic Revive, to grab a share of the "functional waters" market from rivals such as Lucozade Sport Hydro Active. Insiders suggest the new product could be on the shelf by the summer,...

US marketer takes Nissan global post.(News)(Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A., Steven Wilhite )(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Nissan Motor Company has appointed Steven Wilhite as its global marketing chief, following a top-level management reshuffle. He replaces Jean-Jacques LeGoff, who returns to Renault. Renault, which has a 44 per cent controlling stake in...

Electrolux takes on the outdoors.(News)(new product)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Electrolux, the home appliances giant, is launching its first own-brand outdoor product. The launch of Automower, a robotic lawnmower, is part of a strategy aimed at strengthening the Electrolux umbrella brand. The move is likely to spell...

Cadbury makes bid for premium market.(News)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Cadbury is launching a premium extension to its boxed-chocolate brand Roses to challenge upmarket brands and high-end offerings from retailers. The Roses Luxury Collection, which will be launched later this year, will use the Roses logo...

Premier Foods.(Digests)(John Steel resigned)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Premier Foods general marketing manager John Steel has left the company to set up a marketing consultancy. His replacement has yet to be appointed.

Gillette.(Digests)(Edward Shirley promoted)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Gillette has reshuffled its senior marketing team, promoting Edward Shirley to president of international commercial operations, from senior vice-president of the global value chain and global marketing resources.

Sainsbury.(Digests)(J Sainsbury PLC, Sara Weller promoted)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Sainsbury's deputy managing director Sara Weller is to take up the role of managing director at Argos (Profile, page 26).

Ford.(Digests)(Jan Valentic resigned, Jim O'Connor promoted)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Ford vice-president of global marketing Jan Valentic has resigned to join WPP agency Young & Rubicam Brands, where she will be in charge of the Microsoft account. Her duties will be taken on by Jim O'Connor, group vice-president of marketing,...

Wyeth Consumer Healthcare.(Digests)(Katherine Brown appointed)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Wyeth Consumer Healthcare has appointed Katherine Brown, a category director at sister company SMA Nutrition, as its marketing director, She will run the company's 6m [pounds sterling] advertising pitch.

Marks & Spencer.(Digests)(new product)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Marks & Spencer is launching a lingerie range called Truly You, which features laces and satins.

Next.(Digests)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Next is to cut the direct marketing spend for its Next Directory catalogue because of diminishing response rates.

The John Lewis Partnership.(Digests)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... The John Lewis Partnership is considering a move into other financial services products, such as household contents insurance, following the launch of its credit card last week.

Masterfoods.(Digests)(Fiona Dawson appointed)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Masterfoods has appointed UK managing director and head of sales Fiona Dawson as vice-president of European marketing for snack food. There are no plans to replace her in the UK role.

Toyota.(Digests)(Toyota Auto Body Company Ltd., marketing)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Toyota has revamped its brand identity with a new three-dimensional chrome logo and a new tagline: 'Today, tomorrow, Toyota'. It is also launching a 6m [pounds sterling] advertising offensive for its new Corolla Verso compact MPV

Hipp Organics.(Digests)(new product)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Hipp Organics, the baby food company, is launching a dried baby food range it claims is cheaper than non-organic alternatives. The range includes cereals and puddings.

The Advertising Standards Authority.(Digests)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... The Advertising Standards Authority has censured French Connection for sending out an unsolicited FCUK mail order catalogue, which features T-shirts that state 'Sexy as FCUK' and 'Inter-Course Activities FCUK Polytechnic'.

British Airways.(Digests)(Dale Moss will resign)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... British Airways director of worldwide sales Dale Moss will retire in June. The UK marketing mare reports to Moss's department.

McCann to face 11m [pounds sterling] Norwich Union review.(Agencies)(McCann-Erickson Inc.)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Norwich Union is reviewing its 11m [pounds sterling] brand, life and pensions advertising account, held by McCann-Erickson. It is not known whether Norwich Union, the UK's largest insurer, will consolidate all its advertising work into a...

Banks Hoggins O'Shea/FCB wins Yeo Valley Organic ad business.(Agencies)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Yeo Valley Organic has appointed Banks Hoggins O'Shea/FCB to handle its 1m [pounds sterling] advertising business. It is understood that the agency beat design company Tonic. Somerset-based Yeo Valley has yet to confirm its advertising...

Lowe has created a television campaign for the Vauxhall Movano heavy van, the first time a Vauxhall van has been advertised on TV since 1992.(Agencies)(Lowe and Company Communications Inc., Vauxhall Motors Ltd.)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Lowe has created a television campaign for the Vauxhall Movano heavy van, the first time a Vauxhall van has been advertised on TV since 1992. The ad will break on April 6 during a Champions League football match on ITV, and will run for a...

DfT awards online brief to Euro RSCG.(Agencies)(Department for Transport, Euro RSCG London)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... The Department for Transport (DfT) has appointed Euro RSCG London to handle a 1m [pounds sterling] advertising project to develop an online travel planning site, following a two-way pitch against WCRS. This is the agency's first assignment...

28m [pounds sterling] Lexus shift from Saatchi UK.(Lexus GB)(Saatchi and Saatchi Team One)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Luxury car marque Lexus has moved its entire 28m [pounds sterling] European advertising business into a Saatchi & Saatchi subsidiary in Brussels called Team 1. Richard Nunn, who was recruited from FCB Asia Pacific to run the business,...

TBWA/Edinburgh wins 2m [pounds sterling] Base London task.(Agencies)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Base London, the footwear and fashion brand, has appointed TBWA/Edinburgh to handle its 2m [pounds sterling] advertising account. The appointment, overseen by brand manager Becky Munslow, was made without a pitch following a credentials...

TBWA/London.(Digests)(Lever Faberge contract)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... TBWA/London has created a 13m [pounds sterling] ad campaign for Lever Faberge's detergent Persil featuring footballer Michael Owen and other undisclosed celebrities...

... TBWA/London.(poster campaign)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... ... TBWA/London has created a poster campaign for John Smith's Extra Smooth Bitter featuring Englelbert Humperdinck.

The Bridge.(Bridge Advertising Agency (Glascow, Scotland))(Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... The Bridge has been appointed to handle the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service's advertising business, replacing the now defunct Faulds Advertising. MediaCom has been appointed to handle media planning and buying.

Delaney Lund Knox Warren.(Digests)(Teletext Holidays contract)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Delaney Lund Knox Warren has developed a 5m [pounds sterling] campaign for Teletext Holidays, which includes TV, press, outdoor and online advertising. The ads feature Dr Teletext, a megalomaniac character Obsessive about the best value...

Ogilvy & Mather.(Digests)(contracts)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Ogilvy & Mather has created a 2.5m [pounds sterling] ad campaign to support Lever Faberge's Dove Firming range, which features ordinary women rather than models.

Miles Calcraft Briginshaw Duffy.(Travelocity campaign )(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Miles Calcraft Briginshaw Duffy has created a new TV execution for its Travelocity campaign with Alan Whicker. It features Whicker with the voice of Welsh comedian Rob Brydon.

DDB Worldwide and OMD.(Digests)(Save the Leatherback Turtle, contracts)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... DDB Worldwide and OMD have created a pro bono global campaign for Save the Leatherback Turtle. It aims to persuade consumers not to eat swordfish, shark and tuna.

Mother.(Digests)(contracts, Cinema Marketing Agency / Orange PLC)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Mother has created a multi-million pound cinema, press, radio and outdoor campaign to support the tie-up between mobile operator Orange and the Cinema Marketing Agency. The promotion sees Orange customers benefiting from a two-for-one cinema...

Abbott Mead Vickers.BBDO.(Digests)(7Up International advertising contract)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Abbott Mead Vickers.BBDO has revived 7UP brand icon Fido Dido for a 1.5m [pounds sterling] marketing campaign to include on-pack and digital activity.

Saffron.(Digests)(Lloyd's of London contract)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Saffron, the brand consultancy, is conducting a brand overhaul for the Lloyd's of London insurance market amid fears that it is being eclipsed by individual insurance brands.

Dynamo.(Digests)(Country Life butter advertising contract)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Dynamo sales promotion agency has created an instant win promotion for Country Life butter. It offers five consumers the chance to win a garden makeover if they find a winning wrapper.

Love.(Digests)(epinx.com, Love Advertising Inc. contracts)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Love, the Manchester-based agency, has been appointed to develop a 1.5m [pounds sterling] press, outdoor and online advertising campaign for new online electronics retailer epinx.com. PHD Compass will handle media planning and buying.

Classic FM signs the Pru for programme funding.(Media)(Prudential Corporation PLC)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Classic FM, the GWR-owned national commercial station, is launching its first advertiser-funded programming with insurance company Prudential. The deal will also include advertorials about the importance of financial planning. Composer's...

Gulf Air reviews media business.(Media)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Gulf Air is reviewing its media planning and buying account as the airline looks to drive revenues following the downturn caused by the conflict in the Gulf last year. The airline normally invests 1.5 [pounds sterling] to 2m [pounds...

Newsquest set to replace Mail on Sunday as London distributor for The Business.(Media)(Newsquest Media Group Ltd.)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... The Business, the financial weekly newspaper owned by the Barclay brothers, is negotiating a distribution deal with Newsquest Media to deliver 100,000 free copies direct to targeted London homes. The deal with the regional press publisher,...

Diet Coke to promote Film Fest weekend.(Media)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Coca-Cola Great Britain is to build on its links between Diet Coke and the film industry with a Diet Coke Film Fest promotion that will encourage UK customers to vote for their favourite movie of all time. The public will be asked to vote...

Mastercard opts out of music deal.(Media)(Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... The Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards is searching for a headline sponsor following Mastercard's decision to withdraw from its multi-million pound involvement with the annual ceremony. Mastercard has sponsored the event since 2000 and the...

IPC Media launches teen version of Now.(Media)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... IPC Media is adding to the already crowded teen magazine market with the launch of TeenNow this week. A spin-off of its successful celebrity magazine, Now, the teen title will aim to rival EMAP's Sneak. TeenNow, to be priced at 1.50...

ITV.(Digests)(Independent Television)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... ITV is launching a pay-per-view television experiment over the internet, with classic episodes of The Bill to be made available to broadband subscribers.

Hennes & Mauritz.(Finance)(Universal McCann account)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Hermes & Mauritz is reviewing its 2m [pounds sterling] UK media account out of Universal McCann.

Renault.(Digests)(Regie Nationale des Usines Renault)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Renault has extended its long-term sponsorship of Channel 4 drama to the end of the year. The new deal negotiated by Carat will feature credits and break bumpers for the Renault Espace, using the line 'The best seats in the house'.

EMAP's.(Digests)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... EMAP's Sneak teen magazine is returning to TV with a new ad campaign in April. The ads were created by Mother.

The Sci-Fi Channel.(Digests)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... The Sci-Fi Channel is unveiling a new identity from April 5 that aims to broaden the perceptions of the channel by including references to its fantasy and paranormal shows.

FCUK.(Digests)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... FCUK is considering turning its digital radio station (FCUK FM), which launches this week, into a permanent in-store feature that will carry third-party advertising.

Dennis Publishing.(Digests)(new product)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Dennis Publishing is to launch its men's magazine Maxim in China in an attempt to cash in on the increasing affluence of 25- to 35-year-old males.

Five.(Digests)(partnership with Arts Council England )(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Five is teaming up with the Arts Council England to broadcast shows on arts events and activities across the UK.

Hollinger International.(Digests)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Hollinger International executives were due to debate which bids for the Telegraph Group, or the total assets of the holding company, would go through to a second round as Marketing Week went to press. Both Richard Desmond and US newspaper...

IDS.(Digests)(Interactive Digital Sales)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... IDS has signed up Veet to sponsor the UK and US versions of the show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, which are broadcast on Living TV.

The Radio Advertising Bureau.(Digests)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... The Radio Advertising Bureau has revealed that commercial radio increased its share of advertising from 6.6 per cent in 2002 to 6.9 per cent last year.

Maiden Group.(Digests)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Maiden Group, the outdoor ad company, has reported a drop in pre-tax profits from 6.4m [pounds sterling] last year to 5.3m [pounds sterling] on turnover that increased from 82.1m [pounds sterling] to 88.1m [pounds sterling].

Totesport.(Digests)(Totesport)(England and Wales Cricket Board)
April 1, 2004... Totesport has confirmed its deal with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to become the sponsor of the totesport League, formerly known as the National Cricket League (MW last week).

Woolworths.(Digests)(Mark Trinder, Clive Austin appointed)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... Woolworths head of marketing communications Mark Trinder and Kraft Foods media controller Clive Austin have been elected as chairman and vice-chairman of the Incorporated Society of British Advertisers' TV Action Group.

Magazines home in on house-proud women: the buoyant housing market of the past few years seems to have re-ignited the home interest magazine sector, as publishers set their sights on thirtysomething female readers.(Media Analysis)
April 1, 2004... Magazine publishers are returning to the old staples of hearth and home in a fresh effort to capture that most elusive of readers, the thirtysomething woman. The explosion of enthusiasm, surrounding DIY programmes, such as BBC's Changing...

The secret of media planning's success lies in its accountability: it is the media planning industry's accountability, despite unpopularity in some quarters, that makes it attractive to clients.(Media Comment)
April 1, 2004... The media planning industry is becoming more and more creative. With several new strategic planning companies being launched, there are widespread calls for new metrics to be made available to measure the communication outcomes and outputs....

GfK: a broadcast media survey of radio & TV audiences.(Illustration)
April 1, 2004... NATIONAL RADIO STATIONS November 3rd-February 22nd * Weekly Previous National BBC Radio Reach ** Results Stations in 000s % ...

Phone providers draw their lines in the land: as BT is forced to slacken its grip on the residential network, its competitors are exploiting their chance. But the old monopoly's strong-arm tactics reveal a pugnacious opponent.(News Analysis)
April 1, 2004... The first salvoes in the latest battle between landline telephone companies were fired last week when Carphone Warehouse announced free calls for customers of its TalkTalk fixed-line service. But the sparkle that surrounded Carphone...

Will breakaway body find itself left of field? What is experiential marketing? Some would argue that it's field marketing in another guise, but fledgling trade body the Brand Experience Association claims otherwise.(New Analysis)
April 1, 2004... A lot of people have trouble even pronouncing the phrase, but those involved in "experiential marketing" believe hat its has grown sufficiently in stature over the past decade to justify setting up its own trade body. Now a group of...

Sponsorship influence can be measured.(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2004... Who says that there is no "scientific measurement" to access the real influence that sponsorship has on consumers? (Ben Pincus, Letters, MW last week) Millward Brown has for many years carried out sophisticated and sensitive measures of...

Go down the high street and spend.(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2004... In response to Mr Starkey's comments last week (Letters, MW last week), I would like to point out that TalkSport is not being ageist; we are being bottist. The reason we are hostile to large, flabby arses is that they belong to people who...

Camelot is doing well, thanks ...(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2004... Last week's Cover Story "Achilles' Heel" was confusing, inaccurate and contradictory. "Under Siege Once Again" screamed the headline, before claiming that UK legislation "prevents others from competing effectively". You appear to be...

... And it is not 'Under Siege'.(Letter to the Editor)
April 1, 2004... Even though WCRS has passed the National Lottery baton to Abbott.Mead Vickers.BBDO, I must help to redeem the reputation of my ex-client from the ravages of your out-of-control keyboard (MW last week). I was surprised at the lack of recognition...

Jeans industry torn in two: after reaching a low point in the mid-Nineties, the jeans industry has enjoyed a period of growth. But as an increasing number of value and premium ranges crowd the market, will the middle-market brands such as Wrangler and Levi's be able to maintain their dominance?(Cover Story)
April 1, 2004... Denim is undeniably tough, but our love affair with branded jeans may be get ting threadbare. Just five years after the resurgence of jeans as a cool fashion item, sales are slowing and the market has become increasingly fragmented. Brands...

Into swann's shoes: Sara Weller may not be one of marketing's most flamboyant characters, but she is known to be one of its most talented. As she prepares to take on her next challenge as Argos managing director, Amanda Wilkinson looks beyond the cool exterior that has earned her a reputation as an ice maiden.(Profile: Sara Weller)
April 1, 2004... It is a curious fact that Sainsbury's Supermarkets deputy managing director Sara Weller and its new group chief executive Justin King began their careers at Mars as part of the same graduate intake. But just as the two were to be reunited...

A beer ad that's a bit Nia the knuckle.(Diary)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... In the old days, companies were named after their founder--and run by his descendants--and marketing comprised simple slogans--"Buy Hopkins' excellent boot polish" and pictures of scantily clad women. In some parts of the world...

If you're a client of MediaCom, and you noticed a slight dip in service levels on Monday March 8, you'll be glad to know it wasn't because the staff had been out on a weekend drinking session--although they may have wished they had.(Diary)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... If you're a client of MediaCom, and you noticed a slight dip in service levels on Monday March 8, you'll be glad to know it wasn't because the staff had been out on a weekend drinking session--although they may have wished they had. In fact, 74...

Celebrities sell, but has Hamish sold out?(Diary)(Brief Article)
April 1, 2004... The Diary thinks Hamish Pringle needs a holiday. He's been living his art too long. His latest book, Celebrity Sells, is out, but Pringle seems to have been taking its precepts too literally, and is trying to sell his book by being a celebrity,...