Publicis Groupe has won Walmart’s $US600 million ($A817 Million) media account in the US after a competitive pitch.
The holding company is regaining the business it lost back in 2016. The win is reportedly the largest agency win globally in 2021.
The account had been held by the WPP affliate agency Haworth, which is 49 per cent owned by WPP. Starcom runs the business in Canada.
Publicis Groupe’s remit includes media strategy, planning, buying, and partnerships. It will begin to transition immediately and work in tandem with Walmart’s collective marketing agency roster including Deutsch LA and FCB. Walmart has also had a long-standing relationship with Publicis from a creative perspective.
Commenting on the win, Publicis Groupe CEO Arthur Sadoun said: “We are excited and honored to be part of the Walmart family. We look forward to bringing the Walmart story to life through excellence, innovation, and industry-first initiatives.”
William White, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Walmart added: “We are thankful for Haworth’s five-year partnership with our brand. They supported our business during a pivotal time of transformation, and we wish them continued success.
“We are thrilled to bring Publicis Groupe on board as our media agency. We are impressed with their people, their marketing thought leadership, and their expertise in full-funnel planning, execution, and measurement capabilities. We know they are going to help drive our business forward by reaching and engaging our customers in compelling and innovative ways,” White said.
