Steve’s breakdown: A few days ago I was asked “how often are Ratti Report account review predictions right on target?” The truth is, all the time but we never prove it to anybody. That ends today with our first “Proof it Works” report.
Back in November we told our members how Service King wanted to be #1 but they [...]
Posts in category Accounts in Review
Proof The Ratti Report Works: #1
Steve’s breakdown: A few days ago I was asked “how often are Ratti Report account review predictions right on target?” The truth is, all the time but we never prove it to anybody. That ends today with our first “Proof it Works” report.
Back in November we told our members how Service King wanted to be #1 but they [...]
Why 90 day old leads?
Wondering why our articles seem so old? It’s because we keep the past 90 days of news (AKA fresh new business leads) reserved for our members.
The reason we do make older news available to non-members is to let folks sample our work. It’s that simple.
For more information about our publication & membership, go to: Our sole pur [...]
Global Media Review takes flight at British Airways
Steve’s breakdown: Some of the biggest players are in on this one but there’s still time to get in there because briefs have not been issued.
LONDON, UK: British Airways is reviewing its global media planning and buying account, currently held by ZenithOptimedia.
It is understood that BA is holding chemistry meetings with agencie [...]
Sky Bet goes all in on advertising review
https://vimeo.com/49609060
Steve’s breakdown:”Agencies are vying to gain a place on the BSkyB roster after Sky Bet, its gambling division, put its advertising account up for pitch.”
ISLEWORTH, UK: Sky Bet: has worked with WCRS, which created the ‘excitement of uncertainty’ TV spot
The company has approached both roster an [...]
National Electrical Manufacturers Association PR in review
Steve’s breakdown: There’s only a couple of days left to show interest so get on that. The RFP is due March 7th.
Chuck Konigsberg, VP for strategy and policy, is point of contact: chuck.konigsberg@nema.org
ARLINGTON, VA: The Virginia-based trade group for electrical equipment manufacturers is on the hunt for a PR firm to develop a [...]
Staples looks to consolidate account: RFP Issued
Steve’s breakdown: We suspect the Office Depot/Max merger is going to throw a wrench into the works but make sure your agency creds are over at SRI anyway. They are handling the pitch.
FRAMINGHAM, MA: Staples has circulated a request for proposals in an effort to consolidate all of the company’s communications efforts, sources sai [...]
Dugnsam Cement sets ad review in motion
Steve’s breakdown: If this lead was based in Jersey, I’d say Fuhgettaboutit!! But since it’s in Bhutan, I don’t think the mafia is involved.
And as always, we cover all account reviews worldwide when the client speaks English. Our philosophy is in this digital age, no client is out-of-reach if they speak the same langu [...]
Brown Forman PSA project
Steve’s breakdown: Love doing good? Well, here’s a chance to do just that and get your foot in the door of Brown-Forman.
The deadline for the proposals is April 2nd, 2013 and the creative brief can be seen at this link.
LOUISVILLE, KY: Don’t be that sports fan, you know, the one who doesn’t have a plan for responsible [...]
PokerStars deals ad brief
Steve’s breakdown: Last year, PokerStars acquired its rival Full Tilt Poker in a $731 million deal so this account will be significant. Plus they are coming back to America.
The featured video was banned!
DOUGLAS, Isle of Man: PokerStars is talking to UK agencies about an advertising brief to promote the online poker site.
Agency sourc [...]
$6 million in PR on the loose in South Africa
Steve’s breakdown: This review is split between domestic and international communications. They have big goals so we suspect they will be bringing in agencies with big ideas.
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa: South Africa has commenced a multimillion dollar search to find PR firms that can help elevate its global reputation.
Brand South Afric [...]
CLR gets All Kinds of Dirty with video assignment
Steve’s breakdown: The surprising task of this project is “Contemporize the CLR marketing message with an engaging concept.” That sounds like the whole enchilada to us so go for it. The manufacturer is Jelmar.
The deadline is March 18, 2013 and you can get the brief by clicking here.
SKOKIE, IL: You may be familiar with CLR [...]
$1.75 Billion GlaxoSmithKline review
Steve’s breakdown: And speaking fo massive media accounts. WOW! And like I’ve said before, reviews like this affect more folks than who’s participating. Look around the perimeter and pick off what’s being ignored.
BRENTFORD, UK: GlaxoSmithKline has opened talks with agencies ahead of a review of its estimated £1 billio [...]
$400 million LG media review
Steve’s breakdown: Massive media accounts are in review all over the place. Which is great for the massive media companies. Which could also be good for you. While they’re wrestling giants, go pick off a not-so-giant.
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ: Consumer electronics and appliance maker LG is reviewing its media agency partnerships in th [...]
V energy drink pures into Europe: In Review
Steve’s breakdown: They are going into Europe for a second time so we suspect, this time will be big!
METHVEN NZ: V, the energy drink, has called a review of its pan-European advertising account.
The most-popular energy drink in Australia and New Zealand is planning a new assault on the European market in a bid to challenge Red Bull.
Su [...]
Kmart Creative in Review
Steve’s breakdown: Kmart creative has been all over the place, which is something we look for when predicting account reviews. The featured commercial is from the holidays.
Our last post for Kmart is: Kmart loses marketing chief as DraftFCB ad contract end nears
HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL: While 2013 has seen several significant media account [...]
Kenya Tourism Board issues RFP
Steve’s breakdown: This account includes promoting Kenya in 17 of the richest countries with every communications service any shop could offer. The RFP is here and is 57 pages. It’s due January 25th.
NAIROBI, Kenya: Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) is a body corporate established as a State Corporation under the State Corporations Act ( [...]
Connecticut Lottery in Review
Steve’s breakdown: The due date is March 15th and the RFP is here => Request for Proposal.
Contact: Janice Beckner, CPPB
Associate Fiscal Administrative Officer
Phone: 860-713-2789
Fax: 860-713-2794
Email: janice.beckner@ctlottery.org
ROCKY HILL, CT: The Connecticut Lottery is accepting Proposals from qualified advertising and market [...]
Grant’s Whisky: Global Ad Review
Steve’s breakdown: The Observatory is running the pitch so get aquaited.
LONDON, UK: Grant’s Whisky is in the early stages of reviewing its global above-the-line advertising account.
It is understood that the brand is in early stages of speaking to agencies and holding chemistry sessions ahead of any formal agency approaches to pitch.
T [...]
Westons Cider launches its 1st agency search
Steve’s breakdown: AAR London is handling the pitch so check if your credentials are up to date. The clients has a portfolio of brands and has never had an agency before. This could be a great opportunity or not-so-much. You decide.
Westons, the cider-maker, is looking for an agency to handle all advertising as it ramps up marketing act [...]
Global media review at Chanel
Steve’s breakdown: Not for nothin’ but AdAge says the Brad Pitt TV ad was Chanel’s first. I beg to differ. In 1979, Chanel N°5 launched the “Share the Fantasy” campaign which won, oh – I don’t know, a million awards!
PARIS, France: In fashion, trends come and go. And so, too, can agencies.
Chanel has [...]
Courvoisier: Advertising Review
Steve’s breakdown: This review is being handled out of London but we’re not completely sure how wide this review is. Better give Creativebrief a call.
LONDON, UK: Courvoisier, the cognac brand owned by Beam, is looking for an agency to handle its advertising account.
The review for the UK’s top-selling cognac is being handled b [...]
Tiger Woods targets women: No Really
Steve’s breakdown: EA Sports is targeting women 25 to 45 for this video project. Interesting idea for all you female centric agencies that want to get into sports. The deadline is March 3rd and the creative brief can be accessed here.
REDWOOD CA: Get ready, the world’s #1 selling golf game is back and better than ever! Tiger Woods PGA T [...]
Oikocredit USA reviews PR
Steve’s breakdown: The good news is we have the RFP. They are due Feb. 5. View the RFP here. The better news is there is no incumbent.
WASHINGTON, DC: The U.S. arm of one of the world’s largest private financiers of so-called micro loans is in the market for PR proposals as it re-brands and seeks a younger investor base.
Oikocredi [...]
Indica let’s it down for creative review
Steve’s breakdown: Additional CavinKare brands include the shampoos Nyle, Chik and Meera. They are also in skin care, home care, foods, beverages, dairy products and snacks so winning this pitch opens a lot of doors.
MUMBAI, India: Indica herbal hair colorant from the stable of FMCG conglomerate CavinKare is currently on the lookout fo [...]
Mixing up $130 million in media at Bacardi
Steve’s breakdown: Ark Advisors is handling the pitch which includes the brands Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire and Bacardi Rums.
Place “Bacardi” in the field on the upper right hand side to search past Bacardi posts.
MIAMI, FL: Spirits giant Bacardi Limited has begun an agency review for its estimated $130 million media buying [...]
Popsicle has a “talkability” video assignment
Steve’s breakdown: Unilever is the parent company so if you win this, there are many more you could pitch. Get to the brief here and the deadline is March 6th, 2013.
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ: Oh hey, we’re The Popsicle® brand! You know, the original! You should know that we are:
-a handful of fun- an instant hit
-making people, young [...]
Make a Lay’s Wave commercial
Steve’s breakdown: Your assignment is simple, produce a :30 second TV(!!) commercial that introduces millennial female consumers to the new Wavy. The deadline is February 26th, 2013 and the brief is here.
PLANO, TX: You’ve had a long day! Work was well, work, your commute was full of people who you would never even consider adding [...]
Blackberry finally reviews PR
Steve’s breakdown: You’d think they would have done this back when Apple’s stock was hitting $700 but better late than never.
WATERLOO, Canada: Blackberry manufacturer Research in Motion (RIM) has shortlisted a number of agencies as part of a multimillion dollar global review to consolidate its PR, including its social medi [...]
Walgreens prescribes $240 million media review
Steve’s breakdown: R3:JLB is handling this review so make sure up-to-speed with those folks.
DEARFIELD, IL: For the first time in a decade, national pharmacy chain Walgreens is launching a formal review for its $240 million media-planning and -buying account.
“The reason we are inviting agencies for a review is that it has been 1 [...]
Kao is looking for the A team for Media
Steve’s breakdown: Joanne Davis Consulting has sent out the RFI on this account but they has not decided who is pitching. That might be just enough for you to get in there. Hopefully Joanne already has your stuff in-house.
CINCINNATI, OH: Kao USA, the subsidiary of Japanese personal-care manufacturer Kao Corporation, is looking for a ne [...]
Global PR in review for ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
Steve’s breakdown: This assignment has global reach but the event is being hosted by New Zealand and Australia. The trick is they are still debating which city will lead the event.
NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA: The International Cricket Council has invited expressions of interest to represent the body’s PR interests in the lead up to the [...]
Costa Coffee sitting down with agencies
Steve’s breakdown: For some reason international account reviews come in waves. Today we have a wave on our hands so hang on.
DELHI, India: British coffee chain Costa Coffee is on the lookout for a creative agency. The pitch process is underway in Delhi.
In August, 2011 Brand David was handed the mandate to work on a one off, non-creati [...]
Creative contest at Mothercare
Steve’s breakdown: Oystercatchers is the consultant handling the pitch so go get acquainted with them first.
WATFORD, UK: The review will be handled by Oystercatchers, along with the retailer’s new global brand and marketing director, Jude Bridge.
Mothercare has previously worked with a number of agencies including Bartle Bogle Hegarty [...]
Bentley revs up $8 million account review
Steve’s breakdown: Bentley, the Volkswagen-owned luxury car marque, is looking for an agency to handle its estimated $8 million pan-European advertising account that includes direct marketing, dealer marketing, events and regional advertising.
CREWE, UK: The manufacturer has approached agencies directly about the pitch, which comprises [...]
$5 million PR review at PayPal
Steve’s breakdown: They are saying there is a seven agency short list but if you have e-commerce & banking experience, I’d make the call.
SAN JOSE, CA: PayPal has kicked off a review of its $5m North American PR business, with seven firms expected to contend for a brief that seeks to strengthen the e-commerce giant’s co [...]
$50 million Media & Creative in review at Sony PlayStation
Steve’s breakdown: Interpublic Group of Cos.’ Deutsch is the incumbent and will defend the business.
FOSTER CITY, CA: Just on the heels of the holiday season, Sony’s PlayStation brand is looking for ad help. The marketer is in the midst of two review processes, one for media and one for creative duties, according to industry [...]
RFP: Teachers Group seek PR
Steve’s Breakdown: There’s an an initial three-month pact with the American Board. Proposals are due Feb. 8 and you can view the RFP here.
WASHINGTON, DC: The American Board, a non-profit national program aimed to help professionals get certified to become teachers, is looking for a PR education.
The Washington, D.C.-based group, [...]
Scotland wants Americans to market to Americans: In Review
Steve’s breakdown: They are looking for a North American agency so get in there and go global.
EDINBURGH, Scotland: The Scottish government is teaming up with VisitScotland for a major US-focused tourism drive.
The pair is looking for agencies for both consumer and b-to-b work across the US. The contract will last for three years.
The [...]
YouView eyes an ad review
Steve’s breakdown: “YouView is looking for a new advertising agency to handle its £10 million account after splitting with the incumbent, Adam & Eve/DDB.”
LONDON, UK: The internet TV service, which has Lord Sugar as its chairman, has contacted agencies to invite them to pitch for the business.
As the brand is not using [...]
$19 million hitting the road at Halford
Steve’s breakdown: These guys sell everything you could ever need for a road trip. Very cool stuff.
REDDITCH, UK: Halfords has put its £12 million advertising account up for pitch.
The incumbent, DLKW Lowe, which was responsible for last year’s epic “best trips last a lifetime” TV spot, has decided not to repitch.
Halfords’ [...]
TIAA-CREF creative & media in play
Steve’s breakdown: These guys could be getting up to their 2009 number of $20 million so go get it.
NEW YORK, NY: Financial planning player TIAA-CREF is talking to agencies about its creative and media business.
The company has issued a request for proposals to more than a dozen agencies that’s due back this week, according to sources. [...]
Video project for AmEx Serve
Steve’s breakdown: We got another project from American Express via Poptent. The deadline is February 7th, 2013 and you can get the creative brief here.
NEW YORK, NY: We’re Serve from American Express – a Digital Prepaid Account. It’s a smart alternative to regular debit and other prepaid cards because it’s loaded with great features th [...]
PR Review: Nevada’s 150th
Steve’s breakdown: Starting October 31st, Nevada will be celebrating it’s 150th as part of the union. The RFP can be viewed for this account by clicking here.
CARSON CITY, NV: Nevada kicked off a PR firm search Wednesday to drive communications strategy for its upcoming sesquicentennial.
The Silver State will mark its 150th annive [...]
Future Shop reviewing creative
Steve’s breakdown: We’ve always covered Canada but this year we’re making an expanded effort to get those leads for you. And here ya go:
VANCOUVER, Canada: Future Shop Canada is kicking off 2013 with an agency review.
Nikki Hellyer, the retailer’s Vancouver-based director of marketing, said only the creative portion of its [...]
Regional PR account reiview
Steve’s breakdown: We’ve got all the details on this one for ya. The submittal deadline is 01/24/2013 and the RFP can be linked to here.
Website: http://www.ConnectOurFuture.org
CHARLOTTE, NC: The Centralina Council of Governments (CCOG) is soliciting “Consultant Qualification Statements” from interested parties to provide neces [...]
American Express OPEN has a holiday project for ya
Steve’s breakdown: Funny that Wieden + Kennedy wins this account in August and now this. One hint: carefull using their logo! The creative brief is here and the deadline is February 3rd, 2013
NEW YORK, NY: Simplify the way you manage your expenses. Introducing ReceiptMatch℠ from American Express OPEN (OPEN is the payment card issuer div [...]
V8 V-Fusion serves up video project
Steve’s breakdown: This is the second brand from Campbell’s that is represented by Y&R to be putting this kind of project up for bid in 2 days. hmmmmm . . .
The deadline is January 28th, 2013
CAMDEN, NJ: V8 V-Fusion + Energy = FEEL GOOD ENERGY! “How?”, you ask – get the boost you need to get through your busy [...]
Hershey’s Global Media Review
Steve’s breakdown: 11th hour review ALERT. We knew it was coming and here it is. This global review that will not only include the USA but also growth markets China, Mexico, India and Brazil.
HERSHEY, PA: The Hershey Co. is launching a global agency review for media planning and buying.
The move does not impact Hershey’s creative [...]
Clydebank College seeks new corporate identity
Steve’s breakdown: Tenders are out and are due January 18th so get in there before it’s gone.
WEST DUMBARTONSHIRE, UK: Clydebank College is seeking an agency to create a new corporate identity, which should be able to cover all the college’s specialisms, including curriculum specialisms and leisure.
The college has released a tend [...]
Arizona Tourism calls out to China: PR in review
Steve’s breakdown: Here’s a great opportunity to not only work a great account but to spread your winds in China. 跳转
Proposals are due Jan. 10, 2013 you can view the RFP here.
PHOENIX, AZ: Arizona has kicked off a search for travel PR targeting China with an RFP process through early January.
The Arizona Office of Tourism is calli [...]
SpaghettiOs wants your video ideas
Steve’s breakdown: Campbell’s has Y&R as their agency for SpaghettiOs but they still look for some side creative now-and-then. Here’s one project with a deadline of February 5th.
CAMDEN, NJ: SpaghettiOs is a beloved, iconic brand of which many consumers have fond childhood memories.
Happy, helpful SpaghettiOs is like you [...]
Burberry global media in review
Steve’s breakdown: “High-end fashion brand Burberry has approached holding companies in advance of a pitch for its global media planning and buying business.” They are clearly looking for a trophy agency so if you’re that, get in there.
LONDON, UK: The global Burberry account, estimeted to be worth £2m in the UK, was [...]
Peters Ice Cream serves up ad review
https://vimeo.com/25067060
Steve’s breakdown: They are spreading their marketing wings after Nestle sold the brand. We’re predicting this will be a fun pitch.
MELBOURNE, Australia: Peters Ice Cream is holding a review of its advertising agencies, Mumbrella understands.
The review is expected to see struggling agency brand Publicis [...]
Large portion of $300 million in review at Abbott
Steve’s breakdown: We smelled something going on at Abbott on the 12th when we reported ”Abbott with two film projects in review”
ABBOTT PARK, IL: Health-care giant Abbott Laboratories has begun a review for a large portion of its nearly $300 million media business.
The review comes as Abbott Labs prepares to split into two [...]
Porsche $19 million creative review
Steve’s breakdown: External View Consultants is handling this review so make sure you have your credentials are over there. BTW: Our members have been on this since last year when we reported “Porsche Hires New Marketing VP for US“.
ATLANTA, GA: Porsche has put its U.S. creative account into review.
The creative business is [...]
Samsung vs. Apple: PR in review
Steve’s breakdown: Samsung is “asking for ideas as to how the company can maintain a positive brand image during its litigation with Apple.”
NEW YORK, NY: Samsung is seeking global PR support to improve the reputation of its mobile business amid an ongoing legal war with Apple.
Korean electronics giant is currently holding a [...]
West Bengal issues RFP for marketing
Steve’s breakdown: The account includes tactical media planning, strategy formulation including digital and media strategy. Proposals are due on 01/15/13. Here’s the RFP
KOKATA, India: The Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal annually launches Media Campaign in the print, electronic and online media, under the “Beaut [...]
Abbott with two film projects in review
Steve’s breakdown: We’ve got two projects in one post here and both are with Abbott and both are due January 9, 2013. Seems something is up at Abbott. Here are the briefs:
ABBOTT PARK, IL: Abbott’s tag line is A Promise for Life. It is a statement that describes what they believe in, what they value, and what they strive to delive [...]
Secret video project: No Regrets
Steve’s breakdown: What we do know is that the secret client has 4000 brand locations. Top suspects with over 4000 stores include Wal-Mart, Rite Aid, True Value, Ace Hardware, GameStop and AutoZone.
The deadline is January 20th, 2013 and the assignment summary is below.
SOMEWHERE, USA: Maybe you moved to LA to chase your dream, maybe yo [...]
This is not a lead: Payless ad account in review
Steve’s breakdown: Every so often we have to remind our members not only what we report but what we don’t. We do not send you off to an ad account review with finalists. And that’s what this is. Now back to your regularly scheduled leads . . .
TOPEKA, KS: Payless ShoeSource is meeting with agencies about its creative busine [...]