Happy holiday weekend! Before we send you off on your beach- and barbecue-filled Labor Day celebrations, we're going to catch up on some agency news from this final week of summer.
Without further ado
If you like pina coladas
Translation has been named the agency of record for the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, with a focus on creating a revitalized brand story and marketing strategy for the island. The agency's approach will include a look at Saint Lucia's natural assets and identity, rather than solely its beaches. New work should come in late 2017 or early 2018. Translation's appointment comes two months after the election of Saint Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet to office.
Something's profitable in Denmark
Danish digital agency Dis/play has been acquired by AKQA, building out the WPP agency network's European operation and capabilities. Dis/play, which has more than 100 staffers across in Copenhagen and Aarhus, works with clients such as Amnesty International and Vestas on innovation, strategy, user experience, design and more. The deal with AKQA provides Dis/play with access to a much larger global network and resources, including 23 studios across the U.S., Europe, Asia and Australia.
Give a cluck
Arnold Worldwide has won the 2017 Brandathon, a 72-hour branding competition that pairs startups with creative agencies in the Boston area. The agency worked with Kulisha, a startup that provides a sustainable alternative to conventional animal feed. Arnold's repositioning, which included the motto "Give a Cluck," highlighted how Kulisha uses whole fried black soldier fly larvae as feed for chickens a diet that is healthier than grain, thus healthier for humans consuming chicken. (Sorry if you are reading this before lunch.)
Looking at tomorrow, today
Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners has hired David Eastman, previously global head of digital and CEO of JWT North America, as chief operating officer. The new role is meant to help the independent agency establish its next generation of leaders and continue to evolve its marketing services. Eastman, who also previously held the role of CEO at Agency.com and Omnicom's Zulu digital network, will work alongside BSSP Co-founder and CEO Greg Stern and Chief Creative Officer John Butler.
Feeling the heat
Muhtayzik Hoffer has scooped up Teri Miller, eight-year veteran of Deloitte-owned Heat, to serve as partner and managing director of the agency. Miller will handle day-to-day operations at the agency in addition to helping manage client relationships, growth and new business. Most recently, Miller served as director of marketing at Heat, and she also previously worked at Wieden & Kennedy and Goodby, Silverstein & Partners.
Bye, bye, Bill
Bill Maier is retiring from his eponymous agency, Maier True Communication, which he founded in May 1971. The executive leadership team of the business-to-business marketing firm will now include President I. Todd Russell; Exec VP-Creative Rick Mellon; and Exec VP-Finance Laura Kennedy. Additionally, the management team includes VP-Strategic Lead John Cook and VP-Creative and Technology Bryan Johnson. Some of the agency's clients include Cigna, Hubbell and Bridgeport, according to the company website.
Starlight, star bright
Starcom USA has appointed Kristina Lutz, previously an exec VP at iHeartMedia, to lead the agency's automotive business development and client partnerships. The news follows the announcement that Amanda Richman, president of investment at Starcom USA, is planning to leave the shop to join MEC/Maxus as U.S. of the newly merged agency. The agency has also promoted Danielle Gonzales and Karla Knecht, both to president/chief client officers.
All hail retail
FCB Chicago has acquired environment design firm Chute Gerdeman as a way to provide omni-channel retail marketing solutions for clients, including connected physical experiences. Columbus, Ohio-based Chute Gerdeman is becoming part of FCB's retail and shopper marketing division, FCB/RED. Prior to the deal, FCB/RED worked with third-parties on full-store environmental designs. The expanded retail operation will be led by Tina Manikas, president of FCB/RED.
Tweet of the week
Number of the week
45 million the number of Americans who do not read the news, which roughly translates to one out of five U.S. adults, according to new research from boutique tech PR agency Bospar and Radium Global Market Research. The data also showed that the older the adult is, the less likely he or she is to read the news either online or in print. For example, the study revealed that 28% of Americans 65 years and older do not read the news in either medium, compared to 20% of those 55-to-64 years old and 13% of 21-to-34 year olds.
Contributing: Meg Graham
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Agency Brief: Tropical Digs, Danish Deals and Chicken Diets - AdAge.com
