Score: 7
Last year: 6
How the agency rates itself: 7
Publicis London got off to a flying start in 2016 by securing Morrisons’ creative account after a final pitch against J Walter Thompson. It was a welcome high-profile client to add to the roster.
The agency went on to add another five pieces of business, including, as part of a Publicis UK team, a spot on Heineken’s global digital roster in partnership with Publicis Milan, the drinks giant’s lead global creative agency. Other wins included online estate agent Yopa (for which it created an ad featuring the Village People), JLL and Saint Agur.
Publicis London also helped the network to victory in Procter & Gamble’s global pitch for the Fairy creative account, beating Grey London to the business.
These made up for the departure of BHS, which it lost when the retailer went into administration in April.
Personnel-wise, the agency welcomed Dave Monk from Grey as executive creative director at the start of the year and promoted Trent Patterson to managing director towards the end, replacing Will Arnold-Baker, who left after 12 years. Earlier this month, the agency appointed Poke co-founder Nick Farnhill to the additional role of chief executive of Publicis London and Karen Buchanan became chairman after six years as chief executive.
Publicis London’s "Doors of thrones" for Tourism Ireland won silver at the ±±¾©Èü³µpk10 Big Awards and was ±±¾©Èü³µpk10’s top outdoor ad of the year.
Publicis London is beginning to pick up momentum with the arrival of high-profile clients and greater integrated firepower. With global boss Arthur Sadoun taking over as Publicis Groupe chief – and the increasing collaboration within Publicis Communications – expect more changes this year.
How the agency describes its year in a tweet
Morrisons brand relaunch. The Village People moving house, a Swooshy man and ten Irish pub doors. More to come.
Score key: 9 Outstanding 8 Excellent 7 Good 6 Satisfactory 5 Adequate 4 Below average 3 Poor 2 A year to forget 1 Survival in question