Barclaycard hunts new creative agency after a decade with Iris
Barclaycard has launched an ad review, hunting a creative agency with “unparalleled creative capabilities,” putting current partners Iris and AKQA on alert.
Barclaycard
Iris was appointed to the brand’s direct marketing account in 2009 but has managed more of the brand's above the line work after BBH ended its work with the brand in 2015. Iris' last work, the ‘Start Today’ campaign, ran last September.
The brand's most recent marketing campaign featuring The Muppets was created by AKQA.
It has not held a review of its agency partners for more than a decade but said it now wants to “consolidate agency relationships”.
It said it's looking for a lead creative agency that will deliver “best-in-class creative capabilities” as it maps out a new brand strategy following the departure of chief marketing officer Katherine Whitton, who recently left after eight years.
“As we embark on a new strategy for the re-shaped Barclaycard business, our brand has taken central stage as a key means of driving growth. We have a clear vision for bringing this brilliantly to life, and we want to consolidate with a best-in-class brand agency to help us achieve this going forwards,” said Andrew Hogan, global head of brand strategy and communications.
“We’ve created amazing brand campaigns in recent years with the help of our agency partners, for example the recent and highly successful integrated launch of Barclaycard Entertainment. We’re looking forward to taking this further and delivering even opportunities for our brand to engage with our customers."
Consultancy Oystercatchers will run the pitch with an agency expected to be chosen by the summer.
Ten agencies have already been invited to submit credentials for the brief.