Grey Worldwide Melbourne has been knocked off the shortlist for the $60m Myer pitch, leaving just two contenders for the account.
Despite rumours surfacing last week that Grey was out of the race, Myer told the agency of its decision on Tuesday.
Jane Emery, managing director of Grey Melbourne, said: “Myer is one of Melbourne’s great institutions and we are very sorry we won’t be working with them.”
The axing of Grey leaves just two agencies in the running for the business – M&C Saatchi and incumbent Badjar Ogilvy.
Eleven agencies were initially invited to pitch for the account in August, with a subsequent five-strong shortlist depleted by CHE’s withdrawal and Myer’s decision to knock off McCann Erickson.
The process has been complicated by the resignation of Paul Bonnici, head of marketing, public relations and events, this week.
Bernie Brooks, Myer’s chief executive, will now have a more hands-on approach to the pitch, following several previous departures from the retail giant’s marketing department.
A Myer spokesman said: “We won’t be commenting on this until the pitch is complete.”
