WPP team to handle Vodafone account
12 Aug 2009
Vodafone is set to appoint WPP as its agency to handle its £800 million global media planning and buying requirements in around 20 markets, including the UK.
The WPP team appointment will be a huge loss to OMD, which handles the bulk of Vodafone's media business elsewhere in Europe. WPP's entry is expected to affect all markets where Vodafone operates as a wholly-owned venture, including the UK, Germany, Italy (despite it being a partnership, not wholly owned venture), and Spain in Europe. For now, there's no word on the Indian market.
WPP team for Vodafone will work as a centralised unit within WPP, which to date has largely been a vehicle for WPP's creative agencies. It co-ordinates WPP companies working on the Vodafone business, drives best practices and focuses on the client relationship.
Vodafone's US and French media interests, through Verizon Wireless and SFR, respectively, have not been included in the review, neither have Russia or South Africa.
It is not yet clear if Vodafone's Australian business, which recently merged with Hutchison's 3, is included.
A Vodafone spokesman said an official decision was yet to be announced, but confirmed the consolidation of global accounts was the first time the telecom company had placed its entire multi-market media business with one supplier since it became a global player.
