Westpac awards DDB Australia prized creative account after two-way shoot out with Ogilvy

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Thumbnail image for Screen shot 2011-07-17 at 9.33.57 PM.jpgWestpac has picked DDB Australia to handle its above the line creative account after a two-way shoot-out with Ogilvy, Sydney.

Incumbent Big Red, Melbourne was not invited to re-pitch.

The win for DDB replaces the ANZ business account the agency lost last year. The pitch comes after Westpac general manager of strategic marketing Damian Eales was replaced by former ANZ marketer John Harries in July, who previously worked with DDB. Eales had previously worked with Big Red’s Ted Horton when the former was at David Jones.

The win comes just over a month after the arrival of new ECD Darren Spiller, who was involved in the pitch, together with Dylan Harrison, his counterpart in Sydney.

Westpac’s below-the-line business remains with Lavender.

Says Jim Tate, acting general manager strategic marketing, Westpac: “DDB demonstrated an excellent understanding and insight into our business that was evident through their creative presentations. There was great chemistry with the teams throughout the process and we are delighted to be working with a team with their leadership and creative capability.”

Says Marty O’Halloran, DDB Australia and New Zealand chairman and chief executive “We made sure our best banking people were on this pitch regardless of geography. Both offices worked seamlessly together to produce outstanding work that clearly resonated with the Westpac team.

“We are delighted to be working with such great people at Westpac.”

The appointment is for services for Westpac Retail & Business Banking and relates to abovethe-

line creative advertising services only.