Digital agency Holler has revealed it has been forced to axe 23 of its staff after losing its biggest client, Audi Australia, in May to 303 MullenLowe.
A recent blog post by Holler’s new bosses – executive creative director Ian Howarth, executive technology director Diego Trigo, and executive strategy director Eugene Chung – detailed the bad news for the agency, they have “every reason to be terrified”.
“We just lost our biggest account,” the blog read. “We had to reduce headcount from 35 to 12 people.
“Our largest client, Audi Australia, consolidated their digital business with their traditional agency.”
“Over the last four plus years, Audi was a big part of Holler, and Holler was a big part of Audi. We helped them undergo a real and tangible ‘digital transformation’ by executing award-winning campaigns (see: R8 Blink) and leading their evolution into a more data-driven and customer-focused business.
“It may sound like a bunch of buzzwords, but it’s true. Every person who touched the Audi business at Holler, past and present, should be proud of the work we made together.
“As a result, we’ve had to say goodbye to a lot of really amazing people, all who have contributed to the culture, vibrancy and energy of this agency in their own unique ways.
“This has absolutely been the hardest aspect to deal with, and if you’re one of these people, thank you for all that you’ve added to Holler.”
Coupled with the loss of Audi was a recent “major” change in leadership at Holler, according to the blog.
“As such, we will lead the agency moving forward as co-managing partners.”
