Suzuki has appointed Iris as its lead agency for creative and strategy after splitting with Red Brick Road.
Red Brick Road has worked with the automotive brand since 2012, while Iris won Suzuki's digital and social account in June 2018.
Iris has worked on an increasing number of Suzuki briefs in the past year, including those forming part of the brand's three-year partnership with ITV centred on Saturday-night entertainment.
Recent Suzuki work includes three 30-second spots in January called "Suzuki surprises", featuring Take That, that were produced by ITV Studios and supported by a social campaign by Iris. This included videos with the band and behind-the-scenes Instagram Stories activity. More recently, Iris worked on the brand's "Grand in the glovebox" campaign.
Iris said its new remit for advertising duties alongside digital and social will enable "a more integrated approach to Suzuki’s brand-building".
Tammy Charnley, general manager, marketing, at Suzuki, said: "We’re excited about strengthening our relationship with Iris, harnessing the creative firepower and strategic thinking, and the disproportionate benefits that come from a truly integrated approach. In Iris, we’ve found the perfect partner to help navigate the automotive challenges all car brands are facing."
Chris Marlow, managing director at Iris, added: "The ambition and bravery of Suzuki makes it a perfect example of a ‘for the forward’ client – showcasing the bravery and challenger mentality it takes to disrupt a category."
David Miller, chief executive of Red Brick Road, said the agency's relationship with Suzuki would continue via sister shop Emerald, which will provide strategic data, analytics and CRM services for the brand.
"We’ve had great fun working with Suzuki over the past six years and are immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together, not least our most recent 'Enjoy the ride' campaign," he said. "It’s been gratifying to see them become the second-fastest-growing car brand over the course of our partnership."
The7stars will continue to handle media for Suzuki.
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