After months of speculation, Optus has appointed UM as its new media agency. The move sees the telco part ways with Starcom Mediavest Group (SMG) on both the Optus and Virgin Mobile media accounts.
As yet there has been no official comment from either UM or Optus on the move that involves its $60million a year media spend.
However, this afternoon SMG issued a release to media saying it that its three year partnership with Optus and Virgin mobile had ended.
In the statement, SMG Australia CEO Chris Nolan said: “We are extremely proud of the innovation and award-winning work achieved in partnership with Optus and Virgin Mobile over the last three years. Over the course of our relationship, Optus and Virgin Mobile have transformed the business from a sales organisation to a customer-centric, service and content business.
“Our teams created and delivered some truly outstanding, results-orientated and award-winning work. Some of the highlights included the global first Facebook trending initiative, strategic partnerships with Westfield, cNet and Nova Red Room, the development of the Local Area Marketing business model, and for Virgin Mobile Australia, integrated campaigns for Fair Go Bro, Meal for Meal and Game of Phones, one of the most awarded campaigns ever. We wish Optus and Virgin Mobile every success in the future.”
B&T has contacted both Optus and UM for comment.