Steve’s breakdown: They say the brand is being supported by digital and social media marketing, and retail and on-trade activities but we suspect, to make this a truly successful launch, they will have to do consumer advertising
NEW YORK:, NY: Pernod Ricard USA has introduced a new low-calorie spiced rum version of Malibu brand – [...]
Posts in category Region: Mid-Atlantic USA
Ladies night on Malibu Island
Steve’s breakdown: They say the brand is being supported by digital and social media marketing, and retail and on-trade activities but we suspect, to make this a truly successful launch, they will have to do consumer advertising
NEW YORK:, NY: Pernod Ricard USA has introduced a new low-calorie spiced rum version of Malibu brand – [...]
Prediction: BioLite will be the next big thing
Steve’s breakdown: If I had a boatload of cash, I’d give it to these guys. Maybe you can help out with marketing to help save the world and make some serious coin!
BROOKLYN, NY: Former design engineer Jonathan Cedar thinks he’s figured out a market-based solution to address health and energy needs in developing countries.
[...]
Post Office to launch apparel line
Steve’s breakdown: A campaign starting with “Neither Rain, Nor Snow, Nor Sleet, Nor Gloom of Night” seems like a great start to an apparel line.
No word on the ad agency handling the launch in 2014.
WASHINGTON, DC: Move over Northface, The U.S. Postal Service is dropping Saturday mail delivery and picking up a new line of cl [...]
Who’s handling Post Sesame Street cereals?
Steve’s breakdown: Post has O&M as a roster agency but no one is taking responsibility for the Post Sesame Street cereals. Is it worth a call? It’s at least looking into . . .
PARSIPPANY, NJ: For years, toddlers have started their mornings watching Elmo and Cookie Monster on “Sesame Street.” Now they can also enjoy [...]
New CMO & CIO at Philadelphia Insurance Companies
Steve’s breakdown: Between the CMO promotion and the new CIO, we believe PIC is going to be moving on digital communications plans.
BALA CYNWYD, PA: Philadelphia Insurance Companies announced the promotion of Brian O’Reilly from senior vice president of marketing to executive vice president and chief marketing officer. He succeeds Rober [...]
Trifecta: New Chief Human Resource Officers at MasterCard, KeyCorp & Vocus
Steve’s breakdown: What we’ve got here is 3 recruitment advertising leads. If that’s not your bag, maybe you should check into it. If it is your bag, JACKPOT!
PURCHASE, NY: MasterCard today announced the appointment of Ron Garrow as Chief Human Resources Officer and member of the company’s Executive Committee, effectiv [...]
Trump Plaza folds: New Owner by May
Steve’s breakdown: This is a bargain basement price and we all hope they’ll spend those savings on a new brand launch and advertising.
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ: Trump Plaza, the Boardwalk centerpiece of Donald Trump’s one-time Atlantic City empire, was sold Thursday to a California company for $20 million in the cheapest of a series of b [...]
Want fries with that: Heinz bought
Steve’s breakdown: Like we said about Dell going private, now Heinz won’t have to deal with stockholders and will be free to innovate. New product account launches are possible as well as an entire account review.
PITTSBURGH, PA: H.J. Heinz, the food giant, says it has agreed to be taken private by Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capita [...]
Hello beautiful: New launches by Ciao Bella
Steve’s breakdown: There are a lot more new products coming on the market than we’ve been reporting. That ends today with this planned launch by Ciao Bella.
So give these folks a call and congratulate them on a launch well done in advance.
FLORHAM PARK, NJ: In a sneak peek of its spring slate, Ciao Bella today announced plans to e [...]
Digiplex premieres new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: Digiplex operates 18 cinemas and 178 screens in AZ, CA, CT, NJ, OH and PA. Here’s the new guy’s email: jhalecky@digiplexdest.com
WESTFIELD, NJ: Digital Cinema Destinations Corp. today announced the appointment of John Halecky as Chief Marketing Officer. Halecky will oversee marketing and brand strategy for [...]
Nutrisystem hires 2nd CMO in 2 years
Steve’s breakdown: A quote from the new CMO “Throughout my career, I’ve been tapped to turn around direct marketing businesses, and I believe that with a renewed focus on the fundamentals, creative development and optimization of sales channels, and implementation of more effective e-commerce strategies, we can return the company [...]
Jersey Artisan scores distillery license
Steve’s breakdown: How much of a big deal this is can not be judged by history. But we believe they will be making their own history so this is a fun lead at the very least.
Brands include Busted Barrel Rum, Whiskey & Bourbon and Jersey Artisan Gin & Vodka
FAIRFIELD , NJ: The New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (AB [...]
UPDATE: Equinox still seeks CMO
Steve’s breakdown: We reported back in December that Equinox was looking for a CMO. Well, it seems they still are and if you can help with that, you’ll be first in line for the assignment.
Equinox has historically been a slippery account but a new CMO could fix the situation. Plus it’s a great brand so get in there and see [...]
Nationwide search for Brand USA CMO
Steve’s breakdown: They have been taking their time at Brand USA. In September we reported “Brand USA gets a new CEO” and now this. Their past campaign is a few years old so they are due. Check out Discover America for more videos.
WASHINGTON, DC: Chief Marketing Officer at Brand USA, Job Description
Perform functions to d [...]
Volvo weighing a digital review
Steve’s breakdown: LBi won the account, then said they merged with GM agency Digitas, now what? Sometimes people are the dumbest animals . . .
ROCKLEIGH, NJ: You’ve spent months carefully vetting agencies to ensure you choose a partner with no client conflicts. After a lengthy process, one shop rises above the rest. You’ve [...]
Gov. Christie green lights Online Gambling
Steve’s breakdown: After months of discussion, debates and vetos, New Jersey will be legalizing online gambling within the state. Every casino in town is going to get in on this but we’re not sure of the wisdom of just using the AOR of the brick and mortar casinos. In other words, we think there’s opportunity washing up at t [...]
$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 [...]
OneFineStay expands into USA
Steve’s breakdown: Imaging staying in a private home that’s decked out as a 5 star boutique hotel. That’s what this fast growing company, with no ad agency representation, is doing. They have 500 homes in London and, in just one month, 80 in NYC.
NEW YORK, NY & LONDON, UK: Entrepreneur Evan Frank sees his startup Onefin [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
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 [...]
EasyVista floats in new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: We’ve been doing some backend work over here at The Ratti Report and will have a big announcement next week. Now back to your regularly scheduled new biz leads.
NEW YORK, NY: EasyVista Inc. ( www.easyvista.com ), a global leader in cloud-based IT Service and Asset Management, announced today the appointment of [...]
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 [...]
Will VH1 lift consumer marketing with new hire?
Steve’s breakdown: Normally we don’t report on media companies but the background of this hire comes directly from the consumer marketing arena. To us that means a new business opportunity.
NEW YORK, NY: VH1, a unit of Viacom Inc., has named Caralene Robinson Senior Vice President, Creative Group and Consumer Marketing, it was an [...]
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 [...]
Atari US in bankruptcy: Brand & game opportunities spread
Steve’s breakdown: We are in the beginning stages of this financial move but one thing is for sure, the assets of this company will be looking for representation of some sort – soon. In fact, an Asteroids movie is already in development!
NEW YORK, NY: In an effort to untangle itself from its parent company, the France-based Atari [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
Atlantic Club, Atlantic City is on the block
Steve’s breakdown: I still have high hopes for internet gambling in New Jeresy but I don’t think it should matter either way in regards to this proposed purchase. They’ve got millions to spend and you should want your cut to do their branding – - which is awful. PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker are the buyers other bra [...]
Steal this account: Quaker Steak & Lube
Steve’s breakdown: We don’t like to pick on folks but sometimes an account just needs to be stolen. Below is a story about the company opening yet another location.
SHARON, PA: The award-winning casual-dining franchise Quaker Steak & Lube, known for its Best Wings USA and more than 20 sauces, continues its Texas takeover with [...]
Manhattan West project now needs to market apartments
Steve’s breakdown: It’s been a long time coming but the Manhattan West project on the westside is going up but now with residential tennants it needs to sell. We’re calling it a “brand launch”.
NEW YORK, NY: After six years of promises, Brookfield Office Properties has finally started to build a deck over the exp [...]
Maimonides Medical seeks CMO
Steve’s breakdown: From the job description: ”He or she will work in partnership with advertising agencies and other vendors to design and implement traditional and interactive marketing campaigns for centers of excellence, service lines and physicians.” Go get’em!
BROOKLYN, NY: Maimonides Medical Center is Brooklyn’s [...]
South Park creators to start own studio
Steve’s breakdown: Could you imagine having these guys as your client? The first brand is clearly the “Book of Mormon” movie. So go ring their doorbell!
NEW YORK, NY: The creators of “South Park” are branching out beyond the underpants business.
From left, Matt Stone, Trey Parker, Casey Nicholaw and Robert Lopez at the [...]
Bayer get approval on Skyla
Steve’s breakdown: Skyla is aimed at younger women who have not had children, aged 18 to 35 years old. If that’s your sweet-spot, give’m a call
PITTSBURGH, PA: U.S. regulators on Wednesday approved a new low-dose hormone intrauterine device designed to prevent pregnancy, the first new device of its type in 12 years, accordin [...]
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, [...]
BNY Mellon banking on new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: Doremus has been handling global advertising since Sept. 2011 and Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal + Partners has been their media partners since 2004.
NEW YORK, NY: BNY Mellon, the global leader in investment management and investment services, has named Judy L. Hu as chief marketing officer, effective Feb. 1, 2013. Widely [...]
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. [...]
Sanofi buys Rolaids from J&J
Steve’s breakdown: Sanofi now needs to relaunch Rolaids since it hasn’t been on the selves for 2 years. Need I say more.
BRIDGEWATER, NJ: Rolaids is an iconic brand of antacid tablets, but it hasn’t been produced since 2010 and has now been sold twice in six years.
Johnson & Johnson, which paid $16.6 billion to Pfizer [...]
LivingSocial picks-up a CMO
Steve’s breakdown: LivingSocial is a great idea that has not yet reached its full potential and that’s what’s the new guys’ job is. Give’em a hand by giving him a call.
WASHINGTON, DC: LivingSocial, the local marketplace to buy and share the best things to do in your city, today announced that experienced marke [...]
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 [...]
“Blockbuster” drug approved by FDA
Steve’s breakdown: Cardiologists are already bracing for the marketing onslaught that will be launched for this drug. An agency has not been named so get in there now.
NEW YORK, NY: The Food and Drug Administration on Friday approved Eliquis, an anticlotting drug that has been highly anticipated by cardiologists and is expected to be a [...]
FDA approves new tuberculosis treatment
Steve’s breakdown: A new drug means a new ad account without an agency. This one is with J&J.
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ: The Food and Drug Administration announced on Monday that it had approved a new treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis that can be used as an alternative when other drugs fail.
Koen Andries, a Janssen scientis [...]
Avis picks-up Zipcar
UPDATE: A spokesman at Zipcar is now saying there is an ad review happening right now that was left over from last year. But we’re not buying it yet. We suspect there’s still confusion on the marketing side. My advice is to get in there so they know your brand but don’t be surprised if they’re cagey.
Steve’s brea [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
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 [...]
SOLD: New York Stock Exchange
Steve’s breakdown: We had the New York Stock Exchange account back in the 90s at Margeotes. It was mostly print but we suspect there is a boat load of digital now. PR will also be a good pitch if you’re interested.
NEW YORK, NY: The New York Stock Exchange is being sold to a rival exchange for about $8 billion, ending more than tw [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
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 [...]
2013 Predictions from the Financial Sector
Steve’s breakdown: You know we make account review predictions here all the time. It’s a skill I’ve had to perfect out of shear survival as a new business professional.
But we’re not the only one’s with a crystal ball. CNBC made a few 2013 predictions of their own and we’d like to share them with you along [...]
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 [...]
Truck-Lite sheds some light on marketing
Steve’s breakdown: We usually report one new marketing exec but here’s a marketer with two new guys. We believe this doubles the chance of an advertising review.
FALCONER, NY: Truck-Lite recently announced two significant changes to its marketing team. Bob Ives has assumed the position of Executive Vice President of Business Devel [...]
First Niagara banks on new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: The new guy will handle “agency partners tasked with implementing traditional and interactive advertising, marketing and promotions.”
BUFFALO, NY: First Niagara Financial Group Inc. Thursday said it has promoted Avi Patel to serve as chief marketing officer.
Buffalo-based First Niagara (Nasdaq:FNFG) is amo [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
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 [...]
Steben & Company invests in new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: This is a perfect example of a lead for small agencies who can get in there, pitch and win an account before there is a pitch.
ROCKVILLE, MD: Steben & Company, a provider of managed futures funds, has named Richard Kendrick as chief marketing officer.
Kendrick, most recently with ProShare Advisors, will oversee al [...]
Sandy’s wave of cash is just off shore
Steve’s breakdown: There’s financial relief coming to businesses that got slammed by superstormSandy. Keep an eye on all these developments because at some point there will be opportunity. And I don’t mean taking government money; I mean advertising the companies that need to tell the world they are still standing.
TRENTON, [...]
LittleMissMatched sells trademark
Steve’s breakdown: Once you’ve bought a trademark there’s only thing left to do. ADVERTISE!
NEW YORK, NY: Delta Galil USA, the U.S.-based subsidiary of Delta Galil Industries, Ltd. (DELT/Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, DELTY.PK/OTCQX), the global manufacturer and marketer of branded and private label apparel products for men, women [...]
Wall Street Journal has an assignment for you!
Steve’s breakdown: The Y&R connection could be a hurdle but don’t let that stop you from making that call.
NEW YORK, NY: The Wall Street Journal is looking for a creative agency for an assignment. The search, which is being conducted by MediaLink, L.A., has been spearheaded by Hamish McLennan, the former chief executive of You [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]