Steve’s breakdown: There’s a lot of negative financial talk about Michael Dell’s plan to go private but from a new business opportunity, this is coming up roses. Technology companies have a lot more freedom to develop and launch more products & brands when not answering to shareholders.
ROUND ROCK, TX: The discussion ar [...]
Posts in category News: Company shake-up
Dell going private = more product launches
Steve’s breakdown: There’s a lot of negative financial talk about Michael Dell’s plan to go private but from a new business opportunity, this is coming up roses. Technology companies have a lot more freedom to develop and launch more products & brands when not answering to shareholders.
ROUND ROCK, TX: The discussion ar [...]
New Cable Queen at NBC
Steve’s breakdown: New brands in her kingdom include Bravo, Oxygen, Style, USA, Sci-Fi and E! Except lots of projects to be available all over town. Hit: Call some production companies for rumors . . .
NEW YORK, NY: NBCUniversal boss Steve Burke anointed Bonnie Hammer his cable queen.
Hammer yesterday solidified her grip on NBCU’s cable [...]
Beer brands to keep an eye on
Steve’s breakdown: It’s complicated but brands Corona, Modelo, Pacifico and many more are kinda just hanging out there after the Justice Dept blocked Anheuser-Busch InBev from buying them.
It could be a while before things shake out but these brands can’t stand still so check into them.
WASHINGTON, DC: The Justice Department [...]
Research in Motion changes name to BlackBerry
Steve’s breakdown: In addition to the name change, Alicia Keys has been brought in as creative director. So either way you see this going, marketing is clearly going to change.
WATERLOO, Canada: Research In Motion Ltd. (RIM), taking the name of its best-known product, will now be known simply as BlackBerry, part of a comeback plan that [...]
Chesapeake Energy CEO out: What’s next?
Steve’s breakdown: There’s a lot going on over at Chesapeake Energy and we suspect a new look at PR is happening right now.
HOUSTON, TX: Aubrey K. McClendon, Chesapeake Energy’s daring and innovative co-founder, will step down as chief executive on April 1 after months of scrutiny over how he mixed his personal finances and those [...]
Hostess, Drakes and Dolly Madison to get new owners
UPDATE: We’ll know what’s happening with hostess on Feb. 28th.
Here’s the original post from November:
Steve’s breakdown: This is either the biggest bluff I’ve seen in years or it’s the end of Hostess Brands. If it is the end, that means there will be new owners for brands such as Twinkies, Ding Dongs, Ho H [...]
Contact Energy Brands to help with their plan B
Steve’s breakdown: The FDA is closing in on energy drinks so these companies really need to start thinking about new PR, advertising & product development.
The article sites Monster, Redbull, 5-Hour Energy, Rockstar Energy, Jolt Energy and Wired Wyatt brands but don’t forget about Full Throttle, Amp, Nos, Cocaine and Crunk!!!
[...]
Toys “R” Us doesn’t want to play with its agency anymore
Steve’s breakdown: There’s a lot of speculating going on about this split-up but needless to say, if you are interested, jump in.
TORONTO, Canada: Details are currently foggier than a, well, throw a dart and pick any day in London, but sources familiar with the matter confirm that the Canadian division of Toys “R” Us has parted wa [...]
Major, major, major movement at Darden
Steve’s breakdown: If you haven’t called Darden yet, the time is now. This company just hired a new CMO and Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse chains get Presidents starting January 14th. Past reports are below.
12/20/12: Darden advertising fail: Review is imminent
11/19/12: Darden burns through a CMO
ORLANDO, FL: Darden Resta [...]
Coinstar is looking for ideas
Steve Breakdown: So many of you heard the CEO of Coinstar bailed last week. To do damage control and to stop the stock from plummeting, the CFO took control and announced that they have “double revenue in the next five years” plan. They are going to need a better marketing plan to do all this in addition to getting back to 2009 me [...]
Buffet getting ready for brand turn around
Steve’s breakdown: It’s been since April 2010 that Buffets has been in review and it looks like they are looking to give it another go.
EAGAN, MN: Buffets, Inc. has appointed seasoned restaurant executive Philip Friedman and highly accomplished marketing executive F. Warren Ellish to its Board of Directors, thereby completing the [...]
Account Review Prediction: 3 gun brands are up for sale
Steve’s breakdown: I know we talked about this yesterday when we reported “Gun stocks are down: PR will be needed” but the story moves forward.
Three brands owned by Cerberus Capital Management are up for sale. They include: Bushmaster in Madison, NC, DPMS in St. Cloud, MN, and Remington Arms also in Madison, NC.
MADISON, NC [...]
Longterm account watch: Fresh & Easy
Steve’s breakdown: Fresh & Easy is getting sold one way or another and the brand will be just hanging out there. Be ready to catch it.
EL SEGUNDO, CA & CHESHUNT, UK: Britain’s biggest retailer, supermarket giant Tesco, said it was launching a strategic review of its struggling US business Fresh & Easy, which may lead [...]
Blood-in-the-Water at Agency Network
Steve’s breakdown: This is the worst kind of new business lead but it happens. An email went out to an entire region within a certain well-known agency network that included an attachment with employee salaries.
We don’t know who it is but any client that was on the edge of moving their account from this company – Will.
This [...]
CEO #3 at Marsh Supermarkets
Steve’s breakdown: These folks have had 3 CEOs since April of 2011. Do you think there’s a little pressure on the new guy to perform? We think so and some good old fashion retail marketing is what you should pitch.
FISHERS, IN: The parent company of Marsh Supermarkets has picked a new CEO to lead the locally based grocery chain.
[...]
New importer to handle Stoli starting 1/1/14
Steve’s breakdown: Berlin Cameron lauched this campaign when I was consulting there. I hope they can keep it but that’s probably not going to happen. So get ready to pounce once the change happens.
BTW: They also have other brands to checkout since you’re looking.
NEW YORK, NY & LUXEMBOURG: William Grant & Sons and [...]
Orient-Express Hotels’ new lease on life
Steve’s breakdown: Sometimes we watch a company go through some challegning times and you wonder how they will ever get out of it. You just wish the company could get a new lease on life. Well, that’s just what happened with Orient-Express.
Now with no takeover from Tata and with a new CEO, we suspect there’s a new sence of [...]
Where is the CMO in Newell Rubbermaid’s Re-org?
Steve’s breakdown: This whole re-org sounds a bit too confusing; especially for anyone working with Rubbermaid. Our take is there are going to be more changes in the marketing department and that could include the ad agencies.
SANDY SPRINGS, GA: Last week, as Newell Rubbermaid President and CEO Michael Polk was announcing his company [...]
Refresh-branding going on at Crowne Plaza
Steve’s breakdown: There are a lot of plans mentioned in this article. Some are done, some are being done and some are going to be done but none mention new advertising. And as far as we can tell, that has to happen. So go get it!!
ATLANTA, GA: A year after it first announced a plan to refresh the Crowne Plaza brand, particularly in th [...]
Disney Channel marketing shake-up
Steve’s breakdown: Lot’s of movement at Disney. In addition to the big two mentioned below they have: Ron Pomerantz has been named VP of Disney Channel marketing and creative, Jill Hotchkiss is now VP of Disney XD marketing and creative, Frank Keating has been upped to VP of marketing strategy and analytics, and Veronica Davidson [...]
Inside scoop: ShakeUp at Brown Forman marketing
Steve’s breakdown: Here’s another reason to subscribe to the Ratti Report. My ROLODEX! (Do they still say that?)
I just confirmed this movement at B-F with a very close friend of mine down there. Though he couldn’t say much, he did say there was lots of movement in the department and that means opportunity!!
Between you and [...]
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment makes many marketing moves
Steve’s breakdown: When we see this much change we tend to believe they have something in mind in regards to . . . ummm . . . marketing. I’d check into it to make sure.
LOS ANGELES, CA: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment announced today a realignment of the division’s marketing management under President and Chief Marketin [...]
Account review prediction: Charter Communications
Steve’s breakdown: In April we reported “It’s going to hit the Fan: EVP of Marketing of Cablevision moves to Charter”
Add that to the stolen CEO & CIO and that they’ve moved to Stamford and it equals a new adventure for the three amigos from Cablevision. And why wouldn’t they review advertising?
STAMFORD, CT [...]
Wendy’s Makeover
Steve’s breakdown: Last March we reported: Wendy’s not fooling around: Steals Procter & Gamble exec as CMO and we predicted an account review. This new logo backs that up so make that call.
COLUMBUS, OH: Behold the new Wendy's Company logo in all it’s pigtailed glory. The fast food chain is not just modernizing its look but gi [...]
Sun Tan City shines light on growth with new executive team members
Steve’s breakdown: Lots of movement at this suntan salon company with over 200 locations in 15 states. Considering how spread out their stores are, we suspect they will throw some extra money at digital.
ELIZABETHTOWN, KY: In response to the company’s continued growth, Sun Tan City® has added to its Executive Team based in Louisvi [...]
Avon stock jump after chairman exit signals big changes on the way
Steve’s breakdown: We don’t usually report on CEO or Chairperson news but when the ex-CEO says he’s stepping down as chairman and the stock jumps, we smell money. Not that kind of money – ad revenue money.
As soon as this house cleaning is done, expect Avon to start plans on many changes which will most likely include [...]
Amazon needs to start thinking outside the box store
Steve’s breakdown: Amazon is doing fine but if more stores stop selling their products, it’s going to be a big problem which will probably need a marketing adjustment.
SEATTLE, WA: Wal-Mart Stores, the nation’s largest retailer, said Thursday it was dropping Amazon’s Kindle tablets and e-readers, a sign of how seriously it views [...]
Tyco split could mean ad review for ADT
Steve’s breakdown: The biggest advertiser in this bunch is ADT security systems. (I’m actually a customer of theirs) ADT recently bought Broadview systems and has yet to settling on marketing. This breakup could get that off the ground.
NEW YORK, NY: Tyco International Ltd shareholders have approved a breakup of the industrial con [...]
NJ Lottery puts the whole shebang up for bids: includes marketing!!
Steve’s breakdown: This one could be complicated but if you were to pitch with a lottery company, which would surely help the cause, this could be giant! It includes the state lottery’s sales, marketing and game development.
TRENTON, NJ: Gov. Chris Christie’s administration is looking to hit the jackpot with the New Jersey Lottery.
Sta [...]
Frommer’s travels over to Google with Zagats: Others brands just hangin’ out there
Steve’s breakdown: There are a lot of publishing/guide brands affected by this news. Let’s break them down. Zagat & Frommer’s are now with Google. Webster’s New World and CliffsNotes are still with John Wiley but they plan to sell those.
HOBOKEN, NJ & MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA: Adding to its food and tourism portfolio, [...]
Sears to spin off Hometown, Outlet and some hardware stores
Steve’s breakdown: I don’t pretend to know what this means stock-wise but the spin-off is going to need some fresh marketing to make this work.
HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL: Shares of Sears Holding Corp. shot up more than 5 percent in early trading on Monday on documents the Hoffman Estates-based retailer filed with the Securities and Exc [...]
Friendly’s to go back to the old days: what about advertising?
Steve’s breakdown: We’ve been calling this one for a while and if you haven’t made contact with them, you should now because the winds of change are blowing! Our last report on these folks was: Finally: New CMO at Friendly’s
WILBRAHAM, MA: Friendly’sfuture is going to look a lot like its past – its distant past – according [...]
Marketing movement at Hormel
Steve’s breakdown: Some naturally curing changes are going on at Hormel. It’s probably worth looking into the new guys.
AUSTIN, MN: Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL) today announced the upcoming retirements of Douglas R. Reetz, vice president of Hormel Foods and senior vice president of consumer products sales (CPS), and Dennis [...]
BadAss Beer sobers up to find new bad ass brewer
Steve’s breakdown: The brand is still around but will need a new brewer . . . and probably a new campaign.
WEBBERVILLE, MI: An auction is planned for Wednesday to sell off assets of Michigan Brewing Co., known for making beers including musician Kid Rock’s own Badass Beer.
The Lansing State Journal reports (http://on.lsj.com/Lqy [...]
Nokia throws the Hail Mary with leadership shake-up
Steve’s breakdown: With all these changes, there has got to be an ad account somewhere to pitch. Especially after the “Smartphone Beta Test is Over” campaign.
FYI: We’ve been watching the fall of this company for a while now. Last year we reported Has Stephen Elop doomed Nokia? and then we posted Nokia, Wieden & K [...]
Best Buy Update III: Founder is Out!
Steve’s breakdown: The count down to the Best Buy agency review has officially started. Do the research and be ready to pounce once the dust settles.
RICHFIELD, MN: Best Buy Co. Inc. founder Richard Schulze said on Thursday that he is immediately resigning from his role of chairman and as a director board as he explores all options for [...]
Miami Dolphins 2012 will be looking for an ad agency by 2013
Steve’s breakdown: The new CMO of the Dolpins spent the past 8 years at Burger King. Now she’s trying to serve up and a more approachable team to recapture their frustrated fans. This is going to flop faster than a whopper & cheese at a PETA convention. BANG! We’ll be here all week!
Now most will say, if the teams s [...]
Chrysler and new dealerships: Post bankruptcy opportunities for agencies
Steve’s breakdown: While on our daily search for the leads you need, we found the article below. The headline read: Chrysler reopening area (Dallas) dealerships closed in bankruptcy.
We wondered if this was a national trend among all brands. Then we ran into Bruno Lucarelli of BCI Media, one of the nation’s premiere dealership mar [...]
Technicolor gets its mojo back via patents: Marketing next?
Steve’s breakdown: This story is interesting to us because of two reasons. I actually pitched and won this business while at M&C Saatchi and, believe it or not, they do have lots of products that need to be advertised and sell. Two: They have just finished reorganizing and are racking up revenue by going after patent infringers. (is [...]
NovaStar has new name & stock symbol: Branding & marketing could be next
Steve’s breakdown: When ever a company changes its name, it’s either a good thing or a bad thing. In this case it’s good and that means there could be some work for an ad agency who wants to help them along.
KANSAS, CITY, MO: NovaStar Finanical Inc. has taken a new name, Novation Companies Inc.
The switch reflects the compan [...]
UK Shake Up: $189 million Government media account in reivew
Steve’s breakdown: “The Government is preparing to review its media buying business, currently handled by WPP’s M4C and expected to be worth in the region of £120m next year, as part of a shake-up in its approach to its marketing activities.”
LONDON, UK: The media review will form part of the coalition’s new appr [...]
Best Buy Update II: Everybody’s New
Steve’s breakdown: Earlier this month we reported “Best Buy CEO & CMO gone” but now we feel it’s time to give you the whole 2012 picture in regards to people changes. No disrespect to the agency that created the Super Bowl ad featured here, but it’s going to be tough to hold on to that business with all thes [...]
Bain Capital, an IPO and a Stroke: Michaels Stores
Steve’s breakdown: Here’s a sticky situation so we’re not advising anyone to pounce on this. But keeping an eye on it would be a good idea because Michael’s is the industry leader. We hope Mr. Menzer comes back with flying colors.
IRVING, TX, Michaels Stores Inc. disclosed that Chief Executive John B. Menzer had a stro [...]
California Pizza Kitchen is movin’ on up after recent acquisition
Steve’s breakdown: When ever an advertiser moves their headquarters, we take notice. The reason is it’s a new beginning for the company and a great event for you to leverage to break-the-ice with the account. PLUS this company was just acquired in July.
And speaking of breaking the ice, these guys sell cocktails!
PLAYA VISTA, CA: [...]
Quick Update on YAHOO!
Steve’s breakdown: Even though there’s still a vacancy at Yahoo, resume liar guy is out and head of global media is in for now. News like this should get the new business sharks circling around the account and many of its advertisers.
As you know, we broke this story on May 3rd. Only CNBC and BusinessInsider.com beat us to the pun [...]
Colgate-Palmolive Hispanic Account Just Hanging Out There
Steve’s breakdown: We’ve just started covering Hispanic marketing accounts full-time and we think this is a good start. Too bad it went down with an agency.
NEW YORK, NY: New York headquartered Hispanic advertising agency Siboney USA is closing. Employees have received 90-day notice, a source in Siboney said.
Siboney accounts in [...]
Campbell Soup to Reinvigorate its Marketing and Advertising
Steve’s breakdown: Campbell Soup Co introduced a range of new products including soups with exotic flavors sold in pouches on Wednesday, as its new CEO aims to deliver on her mandate to turn around the company’s ailing North American soup business. And considering the pressure she’s under, there is no good marketing idea tha [...]
PepsiCo to Increase Ad Spending $600 Million
Steve’s breakdown: $600 million in additional spending going to 12 key brands including Pepsi, Lay’s, Mountain Dew, Gatorade and Tropicana might not guarantee agency relationship changes. But I take notice when the CEO says “Running a large company is like doing a car race, occasionally you have to stop and refuel yourself in the pit s [...]
Macy’s makes some moves at the top of Marketing
Steve’s breakdown: There’s a changing of the guard going on at Macy’s and some of this new blood could spell adjustments in advertising. Keep an eye on these folks.
CINCINNATI, OH: Macy’s, Inc. M +0.89% today announced a series of changes to its senior executive leadership team:
– Ron Klein, Macy’s chief [...]
South Dakota tourism focusing spending
Steve’s breakdown: The featured video is one of many in a series promoting South Dakota. It’s a good idea but this story is more about focusing marketing dollars being spent by attractions in a more thoughtful way. I suspect they are going to need an agency to execute.
PIERRE, SD: South Dakota Department of Tourism Secretary Jim [...]
Captain D’s wants to be a bigger fish in local markets
Steve’s breakdown: It seems things are still fluid at Captain D’s. In August we reported that Zimmerman resigns Captain D’s account and now this. My advise is to get in there and start talking up local marketing big time; especially since they have not hired a national AOR.
NASHVILLE, TN: Strengthening and enhancing Captain [...]
Spliting PepsiCo opens door for more agencies to pitch business
Steve’s breakdown: Back on August 4th we reported that Kraft Foods Plans To Split Into 2 Companies and how that was a big new business opportunity. Mostly because it erases many account conflicts for agencies. And with PepsiCo splitting their beverage and snack divisions, breaking up giant corporations has become a full blown trend on W [...]
Smart USA switches auto company teams to reinvigorate brand in US
Steve’s breakdown: Penske Automotive Group is out! Mercedes-Benz USA is in! Which means the Smart Car is getting a makeover. Get in line ladies and gentlemen, there’s going to be some pitching going on!
BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI soon to be MONTVALE, NJ: Smart has been falling off the map slowly because the brand’s awareness has decreas [...]
RCA Announces New Executive Marketing Team
Steve’s Breakdown: Here’s a perfect example of how cut throat Hollywood is. They actually name the people who are not fired yet but might be at the end of the article. WOW.
Anyway, this is a lot of movement at one time and I suspect there are more changes on the way. Though the music business doesn’t spend that much, they do [...]
Kraft Foods Plans To Split Into 2 Companies
Steve’s breakdown: Obviously they are doing this for the stock holders but it’s great news for agencies who could never pitch Kraft Foods because of conflicts. So get your pitch books ready and let’s see how this shakes out.
NORTHFIELD, ILLINOIS: Kraft Foods Inc. said Thursday that it plans to split into two publicly traded [...]
Daytona tourism authority looks to regroup
Steve’s breakdown: With a $5 to $7 million budget for advertising, the Halifax Area Advertising Authority has the resources but not the cooperation to gets things done right. Maybe with the recent firing of the CEO, they can get their act together . . . and hire an ad agency.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL: Members of the Halifax Area Advertising Au [...]
ConocoPhillips Plans to Split in Two
Steve’s breakdown: Splitting one advertising account into two accounts doesn’t happen often but when it does, we take notice. They’ll be a lot of politics involved with getting one of these accounts but if you can stomach it, by all means, pitch it.
HOUSTON, TX: ConocoPhillips said it would spin off its refining and marketin [...]
Office Depot appointments aim to leverage, build brand
Steve’s breakdown: Back on March 28th we predicted this account would go into review and now this confirms there are going to be big changes at Office Depot. If you haven’t already heeded my words, it’s time.
BOCA RATON, FL: To increase efficiently, productivity and execution of its key initiatives, Boca Raton-based Office D [...]
PepsiCo goes global
Steve’s breakdown: Simon Lowden is taking over as PepsiCo’s chief marketing officer in the US and Brad Jakeman has taken up a lead role for Pepsi globally. Together with a team of about 30 people, they are creating a Global Beverages Group. They say TBWA & BBDO will work together on the new project but look for that to fall f [...]
SAB Miller opts for a global approach to digital
Steve’s breakdown: They are in the midst of hiring a group head of digital who will be charged with “systemically raising our standards in the area of digitally enabled brand communication.” And you know one of my strategies for winning new business is to help fill these types of positions. And that’s how I suggest yo [...]