Marks & Spencer shortlists WPP shops to pitch for creative and digital accounts
British retailer Marks & Spencer has kicked off a review of its integrated creative accounts. The pitch will involve only WPP-owned agencies, with incumbent agency RKCR/Y&R among those shortlisted to contest the business.
RKCR/Y&R has worked with Marks & Spencer for 16 years, and will be pitted against the likes of JWT, Ogilvy & Mather, Grey London, CHI & Partners and VCCP to hold on to the account. The agency has worked on several classic campaigns for the brand, including its most recent 'Adverntures In...' series (pictured).
Earlier this month, Marks & Spencer promoted top marketer Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne to the role of executive director of customer, marketing and M&S.com. At the time he said he wanted to simplify the the structure of the business.
Last year, RKCR/Y&R retained the BBC advertising account following a competitive pitch, which was led by recently-appointed chief executive Jon Sharpe – who since taking over the role has helped the firm win several clients including the Premier League.
Commenting on the review, Sharpe said: "Together with M&S we have redefined retail advertising, invented food porn and welcomed a host of leading ladies from Twiggy to Rita Ora.
“Our campaigns have instilled M&S’s core principles of quality, service and value whilst cementing its position as a stylish and iconic national treasure. We have enjoyed consistent recognition and reward for both creativity and effectiveness of our creative output and we look forward to meeting the challenge of this pitch with the dedication, passion and enthusiasm we greet every brief from M&S," he added.
Marks & Spencer is poised to reveal its annual results on Wednesday (25 May).