Marketing Week articles from April 2008

Marketing Week archives from April 2008

Unilever global marketing chief wins power struggle.(appointment of Simon Clift)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Management reshuffle sees Simon Clift handed overall responsibility for all agency relationships Unilever has elevated the role of global chief marketing officer Simon Clift, as first predicted in Marketing Week (MW March 13), who will...

Stella, Hovis hype premium positioning as wheat soars.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Inbev is hiking the price of Artois beer by 5p a pint, despite facing a continued year-on-year decline in volume as it struggles to maintain its premium positioning. The wholesale price hike encompasses both on and off-trade and is...

Top BA marketers roll up sleeves to clear T5 chaos.(British Airways PLC)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... British Airways has been forced to draft its top marketers onto the shopfloor as part of the efforts to alleviate the chaos at Terminal 5. Tiffany Hall, BA's head of marketing and distribution, and Stuart Beamish, head of loyalty, in charge...

Industry players welcome 'momentous' step for radio.(Global Radio S.A. acquires GCap Media PLC)
April 3, 2008... The commercial radio industry is braced for a "momentous week", according to industry observers. Global Radio's #375m acquisition of GCap Media has been welcomed by the industry as the second real wave of consolidation. This has been...

The waiting game is over as Global pounces on GCap.(GCap Media PLC)
April 3, 2008... It could go down as the day it all changed, the day the foundations of the first real radio super group were laid, or as one industry insider puts it, the day Global Radio became the saviour of UK commercial radio. Yesterday's...

IN BRIEF: Phd appointment.(Euan Hudghton )(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... ITV1 marketing controller Euan Hudghton is leaving to lead new business and marketing at media agency Phd. Hudghton's duties will include those of PHD head of business development, Natasha Taylor, who is set to leave the agency. ...

IN BRIEF: Sup appointment.(Annelies Van Den Belt )(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... ITV broadband managing director Annelies Van Den Belt is leaving the company to join Russian online media company Sup as general manager. Lastminute.com co-founder Dominic Cameron, an ITV advisor, will replace her on an interim basis... ...

IN BRIEF: Northern Rock to retain brand identity.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Northern Rock, the beleaguered bank that was nationalised earlier this year, will retain its brand identity and focus on marketing as part of its restructuring plan. The bank unveiled a summary of its rescue plan earlier this week. ...

IN BRIEF: ASA Council appointment.(Advertising Standards Authority (United Kingdom) appointed laureate Andrew and Louisa Bolch)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... The Advertising Standards Authority has appointed poet laureate Andrew Motion to the ASA Council, along with Louisa Bolch, former editor for science programming at Channel 4. They take up their roles on April 12. Copyright: Centaur...

IN BRIEF: Chrysler appointment.(Nigel Land)(DaimlerChrysler UK Ltd.)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Chrysler has appointed former Nissan marketer Nigel Land as its marketing director. Land, who was most recently running his own marketing consultancy, will oversee marketing for the Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge brands. Copyright: Centaur...

IN BRIEF: New range of drinks.(GlaxoSmithKline PLC)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... GlaxoSmithKline-owned Ribena is launching its first new range of drinks, Ribena 100% Pure Juices, in three years. The launch will be supported by TV, radio and digital ads. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

LG Electronics marketing chief leaves for Euro role.
April 3, 2008... LG Electronics' top marketer Mark Bernard is leaving the company after just over two years. A former Casio marketer to helped relaunch the brand for the youth market, Bernard will step down from LG at the end of the month to take up an...

Sony Ericsson communications head takes over WTA tour duties.
April 3, 2008... Sony Ericsson has handed its communications chief Aldo Liguori responsibility for its #50m sponsorship of the WTA women's tennis tour following the departure of top marketer Dee Dutta (MW last week). Liguori, who is corporate...

Co-op green director quits to become consultant.(Simon Williams)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... The Co-operative Group is losing veteran marketer and the architect of its green and ethical brand positioning Simon Williams after 20 years at the retailer. Williams, director of corporate affairs and social goals, will leave this...

Fever-Tree natural cola prepares for summer start.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Fever-Tree, an independent premium drinks company, is launching a natural cola brand in the UK market this summer. It will aim to capitalise on the trend towards health and well-being in the drinks sector. PepsiCo recently launched...

Nissan raises Thomas to top Euro role in shake-up.(Nissan North America Inc.)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Nissan has promoted former UK marketing chief Simon Thomas to its top European marketing role as part of a restructure. Thomas, who was previously vice-president of sales operations for Nissan Europe, has been handed responsibility for...

E.on to install green smart meters.
April 3, 2008... Utility giant e.on is set to steal a march on rivals with the imminent launch of smart meters in consumers' homes. The energy company has announced it is in the process of installing 7,000 metersin the East and West Midlands in a pilot...

ASA rejects mistreatment concerns over dog in VW ad.(Advertising Standards Authority)(Volkswagen Polo )(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... A VW Polo ad featuring a singing dog has sparked 500 complaints to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), but the regulator says it will not investigate. The 30-second execution by DDB London features a Jack Russell "singing" in the...

Analysis: Cola launch puts extra fizz into Red Bull strategy.
April 3, 2008... Red Bull, for so long the king of the energy drink sector, is entering uncharted territory with the launch of a premium, 100% natural cola called Red Bull Simply Cola. It is the first standalone launch from Red Bull outside its flagship...

Codemasters to shift focus from action to family games.(Codemasters Software Company Ltd)(Nintendo Company Ltd.)
April 3, 2008... Video games company Codemasters is switching its focus from action titles towards family friendly games this year after signing a deal with girls trading card brand, Bella Sara. Under the licensing agreement, Codemasters will develop games...

Brand Vista to create identity for zoo aquarium.(Zoological Society of London)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is set to create a super brand for a new London aquarium, called Biota. Specialist brand consultancy Brand Vista is creating the identity for the #80m aquarium, backed by ZSL. ZSL is also...

London Youth Games seeks ceo and sponsorship boost.(chief executive officer)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... The London Youth Games is hunting a chief executive and sponsors as it seeks to build its brand in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics. The annual event, which helped launch the careers of athletes including cyclist Bradley Wiggins, sprinter...

Analysis: LG scores own goal by staying in Samsung's shadow.(LG Electronics Inc.)
April 3, 2008... The decision by LG Electronics to enter into a naming rights sponsorship deal with the NEC Arena in Birmingham (MW last week) is being seen by many as an attempt to emulate the success of O2's #6m-a- year naming rights deal with the former...

Homeform to review #20m planning and buying work.(HomeForm Group)(Brilliant Media Ltd.)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Homeform Group, the parent company of Moben Kitchens and Dolphin Bathrooms is reviewing its #20m planning and buying account. A number of agencies are understood to have been approached, but it is not known if incumbent Brilliant Media...

New Balance adds Phd to roster ahead of relaunch.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Athletics brand New Balance has appointed Phd to handle its global media planning and buying, as it prepares to undergo a major relaunch. The Omnicom-owned agency joins sister agency BBDO on the roster. The appointment marks the first time...

New campaign: Citroen pushes German connection.
April 3, 2008... French car marque Citroen is ramping up its "Unmistakeably German" advertising drive with a poster and TV campaign for the C5 model breaking this week. The campaign has been created by Euro RSCG London. The C4 posters continue to promote...

IN BRIEF: Lambrini brand advertising.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... BJL has been appointed by wine and spirits company Halewood International to handle the advertising for the Lambrini brand. The agency won the pitch against Connectpoint and Propaganda. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

IN BRIEF: Twinings reviewing ad account.(R. Twining and Company Ltd.)(Lowe (London, England))(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Twinings, the tea brand owned by Associated British Foods, is reviewing its #4m advertising account. Incumbent Lowe London is understood to have declined to repitch for the business. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

IN BRIEF: M&C Saatchi buys remaining 5.5% of Walker Media.(M&C Saatchi London)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... M&C Saatchi has bought the remaining 5.5% of Walker Media it did not previously own. M&C will pay Walker's co-founder and chairman Phil Georgiadis #4.8m in cash and shares for his 4.75% stake in the business, but he will remain with the...

IN BRIEF: Allianz shortlist.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... DraftFCB, Tullo Marshall Warren, Archibald Ingall Stretton and Joshua have been shortlisted to pitch for Allianz's direct marketing account. The review is being overseen by The Observatory. The winning agency will work on the insurer's UK...

IN BRIEF: Conchango being acquired.(EMC)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Conchango, the digital agency, is being acquired by IT company EMC for #42m. The agency's board has unanimously recommended EMC's offer to its shareholders. The deal is expected to go through this month. Copyright: Centaur Communications...

IN BRIEF: Baileys ad account.(JWT London)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... JWT has won the #40m global advertising account for Baileys following a pitch against Leo Burnett, Fallon and incumbent Bartle Bogle Hegarty. The business moves back to JWT after five years with BBH. Copyright: Centaur Communications...

Global Radio to relaunch The One Network under the Heart brand.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Global Radio is understood to be considering relaunching GCap Media's The One Network under the Heart brand if the planned takeover gets the green light. It is understood that Global plans to use the deal to expand its flagship brand....

ITV set to roll out ITV Quiz online entertainment brand.(independent television)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... ITV is launching a new quiz brand, ITV Quiz, just months after the broadcaster was forced to axe its controversial ITV Play because of "negative publicity". ITV Quiz is being soft-launched on ITV.com, the broadcaster's internet...

Bauer seals radio deal with Lucozade.(Lucozade Sport)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Bauer Advertising, the sales arm of media owner Bauer, has signed a deal with sports drink Lucozade Energy across a number of its former EMAP radio stations including Kiss and Kerrang! The cross-platform, month-long deal marks the first...

Gov't image copyright warnings risk harming social network sites.(government)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... The Home Office Task Force on Child Protection on the Internet's recommendations about copyright warnings in a forthcoming report could discourage the use of social media, warn experts. The report includes recommendations on warning...

BSkyB overhauls Sky Bet to promote link to masterbrand.(British Sky Broadcasting Group PLC)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... BSkyB is overhauling its Sky Bet gaming and betting business in order to drive growth across its portfolio of products and emphasise the "entertainment" link with the masterbrand. The satellite broadcaster is putting Sky Bet, Sky Poker,...

New campaign: VW website wins award for DDB.
April 3, 2008... Tribal DDB won February's Internet Advertising Bureau and MDAS Creative Showcase Award with the launch of Volkswagen.co.uk. This heralded a new approach in the web's role in selling cars for Volkswagen, built to offer the most realistic...

IN BRIEF: Expedia deal with Metro.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Expedia has signed a deal with free newspaper Metro that will allow visitors to the travel site to submit holiday photos to be used in press ads. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

IN BRIEF: Five axes iTV advertising.(interactive television)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Five has axed its interactive TV (iTV) advertising service after less than four years. It is also scrapping its red-button sponsorship strategy and 24/7 interactive services menu. It is understood to believe the services were not cost...

IN BRIEF: safesocialnet-working.com launching.(Bebo)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Bebo is launching a site, safesocialnet-working.com, to encourage discussion between teachers and young people about safe and responsible use of the internet. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

IN BRIEF: Virgin Media to crackdown on illegal music download.(Virgin Media Group Ltd.)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Virgin Media is set to become the first British internet service provider to crack down on consumers who download music illegally. The cable company is working with music trade body BPI on a pilot scheme, to send warning letters to illegal...

IN BRIEF: BBC criticizes Conservative Party.(British Broadcasting Corp.)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... The BBC has criticised Conservative Party proposals to allocate #250m of its licence fee funds to other broadcasters. Party leader David Cameron unveiled the policy earlier this week. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

IN BRIEF: Google slams MPs.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Google has been slammed by MPs after admitting it does not employ anyone to proactively vet online content. One member of the Commons culture, media and sport committee called Google vice-president Kent Walker "objectionable" after he attempted...

Rocket wins The Climate Group's Together initiative media business.(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Rocket, the Omnicom-owned media agency, has won the media planning and buying for The Climate Group's Together initiative. The agency won the business without a pitch. The appointment comes after the agency worked on a project for the...

Ex-AOL ceo invests in Web health freelance directory.(AOL (UK) Ltd.)(Returntoglory.co.uk)(Karen Thomson)(Brief article)
April 3, 2008... Former AOL marketer and chief executive Karen Thomson is giving financial backing to a new online marketing directory of health and beauty freelancers. The site is backed by a team of six investors including Thomson and former AOL UK head...

Mercedes launches outdoor ad campaign.
April 3, 2008... Car brand Mercedes-Benz is launching an outdoor ad campaign to promote its "SL-Class Roadster" and "CLS-Class Roadster" models. The campaign launches on April 7 and will be followed by TV and press from May 4. It will appear on outdoor...

Are sponsorship deals harming our trust in the BBC's integrity?(British Broadcasting Corp.)
April 3, 2008... Having barely got over the phone competition and 'Queengate' scandals, the BBC is back in the spotlight, but this time under commercial scrutiny That's why our trust in its editorial and commercial integrity is so important. Last...

LETTER: How to cope in a crisis - don't take BA's route.
April 3, 2008... BA showed us exactly how not to manage a crisis and the media when it opened Terminal 5 on March 27. Not only was it slow to react to the mounting crisis, but members of staff were seen to behave badly in front of the media. They knew the...

LETTER: How Coke is doing its bit for the environment.
April 3, 2008... Following your focus on green issues (MW last week), I wanted to share a few of our activities in this area. We are working hard to conduct our business in ways that protect and preserve the environment, and minimise the environmental...

LETTER: Carbon Trust is valued by green-thinking firms.
April 3, 2008... Your article "Is the Carbon Trust guilty of too much hot air"? (MW last week) seems to have fallen foul of its own headline and your "analysis" is wide of the mark. If readers take the time to examine the recent NAO report on our activities...

VIEWPOINT: A private and patient hand will profit radio.
April 3, 2008... Two years is a long time in business, especially the radio business. Back in 2005, the commercial sector was overwhelmingly publicly held. Now, thanks to three transformative deals encompassing much rationalisation in their process, nearly...

SPORTS RIGHTS: Sacrificial game plan.(ITV PLC)(Champions League)
April 3, 2008... ITV's tactic of offloading Formula One on to the BBC was an effective gambit, allowing it to scoop up the sought-after Champions League contract. The move shows uncharacteristic commercial cunning, though on the surface it appears to be a...

SONY ERICSSON: Getting stuck in the net.
April 3, 2008... Sony Ericsson has been going through a rocky patch, with poor first- quarter profits and rival LG snapping at its heels. And that was before its global marketing chief, Dee Dutta, upped and left after six years. Robert Lester reports on the...

Steady does it - sustainable efforts can lead to success.
April 3, 2008... Maximisation dominates business speak, yet there is an alternative - continuous improvement can bring results while being people friendly Have you maximised your company's profits this week? I hope not, because if you have, you've...

HAAGEN DAZS: Coming in from the cold.(Haagen-Dazs Company Inc.)(TBWA Advertising Inc.)
April 3, 2008... Haagen Dazs was responsible for creating the super premium sector for ice cream, but rivals have now gone beyond the luxury brand's yardstick. Rufus Jay asks whether there is a way back Luxury ice cream brand Haagen Dazs is taking a more...

ONLINE MARKET RESEARCH: In search of an honest opinion.(Survey)
April 3, 2008... Brand owners are being drawn to Web 2.0 like moths to a light in the belief that online community panels will disclose the thoughts of their consumers in a more meaningful way. By David Benady Online market research is getting communal....

Weapons of mass destruction are struck off the gardener's armoury.(Percy Thrower)
April 3, 2008... 'Growing your own' and casting out Percy Thrower's germ warfare may be good for the planet, but it attracts the undesirable side of Mother Nature Winter has at last loosened its icy grip and youthful spring comes tip- toeing in. The days...

Marketers at forefront of bid to alter booze culture.(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... Alliance of retailers, alcohol brands and pub groups in top-level meeting with Government officials Retailers, alcohol brands and pub operators have formed an alliance as part of a renewed attempt to convince the Government it can use...

Stella and Carlsberg clash over 'UK's best beer' claims.(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... A row has erupted between rivals Carlsberg and Stella Artois over claims that Carlsberg has taken over the Belgian beer as Britain's best selling lager for the first time in almost two decades. According to the latest AC Nielsen figures,...

Orange UK brand chief to take retail responsibility.(Justin Billingsley)(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... Orange UK brand marketing director Justin Billingsley is tipped to get a beefed-up role in a restructure being spearheaded by new chief executive Tom Alexander. Sources claim Billingsley will be handed responsibility for the retail side...

E.on seeks chief to take Merrick's place.(Helen Merrick)(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... E.on, the utility giant, is seeking a chief marketer, following the departure of Helen Merrick, who is not returning from maternity leave. Former 3 UK marketer Gary Peplar has been overseeing the role of director of brand and communications...

New campaign: Audi pushes RS 6's performance.(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... Audi is launching a #4m ad campaign for its new RS 6 model with the strapline "Performance from every part". The RS 6 Avant, Audi's most powerful production car yet, is represented in the ad by the Hungarian Olympic gymnastics team....

Marketing of eco-friendly cars helps sales to soar.(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... Sales of diesel and alternative fuel vehicles are soaring as car manufacturers increase the level of green and environmental advertising in their marketing strategies. The latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders...

Coty signs up Gwen Stefani for range of fragrances.(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... Coty Prestige is launching a series of five fragrances with pop singer Gwen Stefani. The collection, to be called Harajuku Lovers, is due to arrive in stores this September. The fragrances will come in individual doll-shaped bottles...

Cadbury brings back Wispa permanently.(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... Cadbury is relaunching Wispa as a permanent countline five years after it was axed because of plummeting sales. The return of the brand follows its successful return as a limited- edition product last year. It is understood that it...

EDF puts Stead in charge of steering retail brand.(EDF Energy appointed Martin Stead)(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... Utility company EDF has appointed former P&G marketer Martin Stead to the newly created role of director of retail brand. Stead, who has already taken on the role, is responsible for the brand's consumer and business divisions, including...

IN BRIEF: Woolworths introduce childrenswear.(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... Woolworths is introducing a childrenswear and adult accessories range under its Worthit! brand, with prices starting at 70p for a child's t- shirt. The launch will be supported by a TV campaign, created by Bartle Bogle Hegarty, from 10 April....

IN BRIEF: Abbey pulls 100% mortgage.(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... Abbey, the Banco Santander-owned bank, has pulled its 100% mortgage products. The high street bank became the last mainstream lender to pull the deal earlier this week due to market conditions. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and...

IN BRIEF: Nestle teaming up with Boost Juice Bars.(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... Nestle UK is teaming up with Australian firm Boost Juice Bars to launch a range of fruit smoothies. Boosted Smoothies will be available in the UK at the end of April. The launch will be supported by a #5m marketing campaign. Copyright:...

IN BRIEF: Severn Trent fined.(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... Ofwat, the water regulator, has fined Severn Trent #35.8m for manipulating data to increase consumers' water bills. Severn Trent chief executive Tony Wray says: "We deeply regret the mistakes of the old regime." Copyright: Centaur...

IN BRIEF: Carolyn McCall absented herself from Tesco discussions.(Tesco Stores Ltd.)(Guardian Media Group PLC)(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... Guardian Media Group chief executive Carolyn McCall has "absented" herself as non-executive director from all Tesco discussions following legal action the retailer is taking against The Guardian. The lawsuit follows a series of articles that...

PEOPLE: Crayon.(appointment of Jonathan Clark)(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... Crayon has appointed Jonathan Clark in the new role of chairman, charged with supporting the digital and direct agency's expansion plans. Clark is a former chairman of Clark McKay & Walpole. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and...

PEOPLE: SpinVox.(appointment of Irfan Hamid )(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... SpinVox, the voice to screen messaging company, has made Irfan Hamid vice president of global product management. He joins from The Carphone Warehouse, where he was head of business development and strategic development. Copyright:...

PEOPLE: Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions.(appointment of Paul Carolan)(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions has appointed Paul Carolan to the role of head of agency sales. He joins from Virgin Radio, where he was deputy sales director. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

PEOPLE: ITV.(appointment of Kylie Evans)(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... ITV has appointed Sky executive Kylie Evans as head of marketing for its digital channels. Evans was most recently head of brand marketing for Picnic, the proposed subscription service on digital terrestrial TV. She replaces Tom Lucas, who...

PEOPLE: Walt Disney Company.(appointment of Theresa Wise )(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... The Walt Disney Company has hired Accenture media and entertainment partner Theresa Wise as senior vice-president of corporate strategy and business development for EMEA. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

PEOPLE: General Motors.(appointment of Jonathan Browning )(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... General Motors has promoted European marketing chief Jonathan Browning to vice-president of global sales, service and marketing. He will be replaced as European vice president of sales, marketing and aftersales by Brent Dewar, the North...

Standard Life changes its global brand positioning.
April 10, 2008... Scottish insurance giant Standard Life has created a new global brand positioning as part of its biggest marketing shake-up since demutualisation. It will be supported by the strapline, "Alive to life". It is thought to be the first time...

ASA upholds Eidos game ad complaints.(Advertising Standards Authority (United Kingdom))(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... The advertising regulator has upheld complaints against an ad campaign for an Eidos computer game featuring two mercenaries on a mission to recapture a kidnapped family The TV, press and poster campaign, which was developed in-house, for...

Whitbread hotels target work force for Olympics.(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... Whitbread is seeking to expand its budget hotel capacity in London prior to the 2012 Olympics, but says it is focused on serving the flood of workers who will be in the capital in the run up to the games. The leisure group this week...

Royal Caribbean appoints UK and Ireland marketer.(Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. hired Jo Briody )(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has appointed Jo Briody as head of marketing in the UK and Ireland, overseeing all the cruise company's brands. She replaces Kate Cleaver, who is leaving the company to return to her native New Zealand. She...

Analysis: Anointment of Clift signals power shift for marketers.(appointment of Simon Clift)
April 10, 2008... The news that Simon Clift's role as Unilever's chief marketing officer is being elevated, with him reporting directly to chief executive Patrick Cescau (MW last week), is seen by many in the industry as a shift in emphasis that gives...

SCA launches Tena for Men incontinence hygiene range.(Brief article)
April 10, 2008... Swedish-based hygiene company SCA is launching Tena for Men, a new range of male hygiene products. The launch will be backed by a major campaign, which includes sponsoring the Honda team in the British Superbike Championship 2008. The Tena...