WPP picks up advertising and media duties for Walgreens Boots Alliance
Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has chosen a team of WPP agencies to handle its marketing and advertising efforts moving forward.
Credit: Walgreens
WBA, which owns pharmacy chains including US-based Walgreens and UK-based Boots, has tasked the holding company with traditional and digital advertising efforts, media investment management, promotion and relationship marketing, public affairs, media relations and communications.
A dedicated group of staffers dubbed “Team WBA” will handle the account out of hub offices in New York, Chicago and London.
The decision follows a review process that began in early 2016. Omnicom’s GSD&M has handled creative duties for Walgreens since 2012 while Mother London has been working with Boots since 2003. Omnicom’s OMD currently handles media for both Walgreens and Boots. It is unclear if WBA will continue to work with any of these agencies.
“We are very pleased to confirm this new partnership with WPP and the creation of Team WBA,” said Stefano Pessina, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of WBA, in a statement. “We have grown rapidly, so too have our marketing and communications needs, and this multi dimensional model and new way of working will better support our vision for the company and future growth plans. This more integrated way of working will help us to strengthen brand recognition, while unlocking potential synergies, creating increased efficiencies and helping streamline our activities globally.”