WPP AUNZ’s Switched On Merges Into Global Agency Network AKQA
WPP AUNZ is merging its Sydney-based digital marketing and media consultancy Switched On into the Australian arm of global innovation and experience design agency AKQA.
This union is in direct response to client interest and demand for comprehensive digital solutions that help define, find, connect and inspire customers across all brand interactions, from acquisition through to retention.
The joint entity’s emphasis will be on rich, innovative brand storytelling throughout the entire customer journey, bringing clients’ long-term brand purpose to life whilst maintaining a laser focus on short term performance.
WPP AUNZ interim CEO, John Steedman said: “This is two teams with momentum becoming one, and a bold move by them both.
“It’s driven by a burning desire to provide pioneering solutions from two highly experienced senior local teams.
“Joining Switched On and AKQA formalises the close working relationship both agencies already have.
“The partnership uniquely combines media, tech, data and design literally under one roof.
Steedman concluded: “The result is a stronger client offering and WPP AUNZ is proud to support them.”
By fusing their respective MarTech and AdTech capabilities, the driving principle will be to deliver on the unfulfilled promise of large technology platforms and connected, transparent media investments.
AKQA managing partner, Brian Vella (featured image) said: “This initiative is a terrific example of our team’s growth mindset and a shared vision of the future.
“Both agencies are at the top of their game.
“It’s a powerful combination that offers a modern, post-broadcast perspective to the interface of customer and brand.”
The new offering builds on the success of AKQA Media in San Francisco, an elite business that delivers a 360-degree view of brand experience for clients including GAP, Volvo and Uber through an integrated approach to media, technology and data.
Vella continued: “AKQA Media is widely regarded as one of the world’s premier media and technology agencies, something we believe will resonate well with Australian marketers.”
Switched On managing director, Chris Hitchcock (pictured below) said: “As the worlds of marketing, technology, and customer experience converge, it’s clear a strategic re-prioritisation of brand building is essential.
“We feel what’s needed is a unified proposition that straddles the need to balance this long-term vision with the reality of short-term performance in today’s digital age.
“That’s why we’ve come together.”
Switched On will continue to be led by managing director, Chris Hitchcock, responsible for the continued success of the Switched On team and its integration into AKQA.
Hitchcock will join the AKQA Executive team, reporting into Brian Vella, managing partner of AKQA in Asia Pacific.
Both agency brands will continue, with Switched On transitioning to become AKQA in the future.
Latest News
Thursday TV Wrap: Home And Away A Shining Entertainment Star
Thursday night’s Home and Away double feature won entertainment, according to OzTAM’s metro data. The standard episode had 599,000 viewers, while Home and Away – Late (alas, not a raunchy late night spin-off) had 552,000, putting them both on top of entertainment. Gogglebox, which had been dominating Thursday nights, came third for entertainment after Home and Away with 529,000 viewers. […]
Atomic 212° Founders Launch New Book Into “The Science” Of Media Planning
In an attempt to lift the lid on the “secret sauce” of scientific media buying and give marketers the tools to talk the language of CFOs and CEOs Atomic 212° founding partners Claire Fenner (main photo) and James Dixon (pictured below) have co-authored a new book, How to do Effective Media: Media planning as a […]
Lil Nas X Teams Up With Durex In His Sexy New Music Video
Lil Nas X might be the most marketing-savvy pop star we’ve ever seen. His latest music video, which features condom brand Durex, is a testament to that. Lil Nas X is the king of stunts, from Nike X Satan shoes to declaring he was ‘pregnant’ with his debut album. His new music video for his pop ballad […]
The EU Wants Standardised Phone Chargers… And Apple Isn’t Happy
The days of searching for the right phone charger could be coming to an end, with the European Union proposing a standardised cord for Apple and Android devices alike. Under the European Commission’s new proposal, all smartphones, tablets, cameras, headphones, portable speakers and handheld videogame consoles on the market must come compatible with a USB-C […]
This Tourism Ad Is So Weird & Trippy, It’ll Have You Declaring “WTF Did I Just Watch?”
Denver in Colorado isn’t all stunning snow-capped vistas and imposing Rocky Mountains, with the city also boasting a rather thriving art scene. Newest on the block is an immersive exhibit called Convergence Station by art collective Meow Wolf, and if this promo video is any indication, it’s a whacky place indeed. To get more visitors […]
The Australian Commercial Radio Awards Set For February 2022
The Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) will be held as a live event on Sunday, February 13, 2022, event organiser and industry body Commercial Radio Australia has announced. The decision to delay the red-carpet event from its original date of October 30 will allow time for corporate events and interstate travel to resume once government […]
Cadbury And Milka Maker Mondelez International Threatens Vegan Business With Lawsuit Over Packaging Colour
UK vegan snack brand, The Primal Pantry, has been threatened with legal action by corporate chocolate company Mondelez International over the colour of its packaging. The Primal Pantry recieved a letter from Mondelez asking it to “cease and desist” selling its Cocoa Real Food Bars in the EU, or face legal action. Mondelez, according to […]
Are You Paying Too Much In Search Marketing?
Are you paying too much for search marketing? Discover the awful truth here. Or, alternatively, look at the invoice.
Nine APAC Finalists In One Club’s Young Guns 19 Competition
Nine creatives from APAC are among the 94 finalists from 27 countries in The One Club for Creativity’s prestigious Young Guns 19 competition, celebrating international creative professionals age 30 or younger. The finalists from APAC are: Hiu Ching Kung, graphic designer, Hong Kong Lam Ieong Kun, graphic designer, illustrator, indego design, Macau Raxenne Maniquiz, graphic designer, illustrator, Santa Maria (Philippines) Kiyotaka […]
Jessica Alba & Zac Efron Return In Newest (& Darkest) Instalment For Dubai Tourism
Hollywood spunks Jessica Alba and Zac Efron return in their latest – is it now the fourth? – instalment for Dubai Tourism. The new spot, called “A Captivating Saga”, is arguably the darkest of the ads thus far and once again plays out like classic cinema; this one having a bit of a The English […]
Ben’s Original Unveils New Campaign & Packaging Via The&Partnership
Today Mars Food Australia has announced that Ben’s OriginalTM rice products are available in new packaging at Australian retailers nationally. The arrival of Ben’s OriginalTM on retail shelves will be supported by an integrated campaign to drive awareness of the new brand. The “Everyone’s Original” campaign focuses on the brand’s vision of inclusivity that celebrates […]
Agnes Media Appoints Former Qantas Marketer Jan Consul As Senior Performance Manager
Agnes Media has appointed former Qantas marketer Jan Consul as senior performance manager, as the independent Sydney agency continues to record significant client growth. Consul will lead the programmatic trading and social management at Agnes Media and has extensive experience in digital performance marketing gained from a career spanning the Philippines, Singapore and Australia. After […]
Adflow’s Regional OOH Coverage Expands By 60%
OOH transit company Adflow has announced the success of the first phase of its regional expansion program. Adflow’s regional footprint has increased by 60 per cent to now include 65 regional locations. With 9.1 million people living regionally in Australia (growth of 1.1 per cent experienced in the 19/20 Financial year) and most regional centres […]
Freshworks Starts Trading On Nasdaq, Valued at $13.7 Billion
Freshworks, a leading software company, has started trading on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, marking an important milestone for the company. The company priced its IPO at US$36 per share (AU$49.76), raising about US$1 billion (AU$1.4B), resulting in a total market capitalisation of AU$13.7 billion (US$10B). Freshworks, which was founded in India, has strong roots […]
SLIK Announces Four New Key Hires
Independent creative agency, SLIK, has made significant changes to its full service creative offering with four hires across management, creative and production.
Lucciana Beynon Falls Victim To Brutal & Outdated Photoshopping
B&T warns this article contains rather racy imagery. But as you're working from home, a trip to HR's not on the cards.
News Corp Reveals The Power Of Brand Content In New Research
News unveils 'The Power of Brand Content' research. The title arguably giving away the fact that it's a huge fan of it.
The Nutrition Couch Joins ARN’S IHeartPodcast Network
Has a partner complained of incessant flatulence, pungent urine or performance issues? This nutrition podcast may help.
How Retailers Can Maximise Their Results This Sales Season
Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM) is the biggest player in the holiday shopping game and Google’s most recent research suggests consumer interest for the peak sales season starts much earlier than retailers may realise. The pandemic has fundamentally changed buyer behaviour over peak sales season, with Google suggesting that global consumer interest in Black Friday […]
CUB & Clems Melbourne Unveil A Wonderful Ode To Aussie Pubs
This ode to pubs is so visceral and raw you can almost smell the chunder, the beer-soaked carpet & the urinal blocks.
Thank Your Lucky Stars, RMIT Pitch Night Is Back!
RMIT Pitch Night returns! And if you ever needed a reason to break out the cocktail shaker, this has to be it.
Study Reveals Australia Has The 14th Best Netflix Library In The World
Australia falls to 14th on best Netflix library list. However, we're still tops for skin cancer rates & shark attacks.
Watchdog Deems “Karen, Boomer, Femi-Nazi & Snowflake” Are Mildly Offensive To TV & Radio Audiences
Good news for the team at Sky News, as watchdog stops short of banning terms such as Karen, snowflake and femi-nazi.
Nine Working With Local Authorities To Ensure Love Island Goes Ahead After COVID-19 Scare
Love Island production under a cloud after COVID scare. And here's you wrongly blaming gonorrhea.
Seven Appoints New Head Of Research And Insights
Apparently daily OzTAM data not enough, as Seven names new head of research and insights.
Wednesday TV Wrap: ABC Beats 10 In Battle For Bronze
B&T never tires of the true magnificence that's the entry to the ABC's Ultimo studios. Hence this lead photo yet again.
Foxtel Ramps Up Its News Streaming With The Launch Of Flash
Foxtel now offering so much content it's considering offering a free extra day of the week with every subscription.
Agent99 Adds The Distilled Spirits Council Of The U.S & Helen Tarrant To Portfolio
Awindependent PR Agency Agent99 has added The Distilled Spirits Council of the US (DISCUS) to its client roster, alongside thought leader and commercial property specialist, Helen Tarrant. DISCUS is a national trade association representing U.S. producers, marketers, and exporters of distilled spirits. The account was won following a competitive pitch earlier this year. DISCUS has […]
Family Guy Drops COVID Vaccine PSA And It’s Totally Brilliant
Do you often decry "I'd never watch that Family Guy smut", but secretly love Brian & Stewie? You're in for a treat here.
Melbourne Creatives Release “Locktown” T-shirts To Raise Funds For Beyond Blue
Melbourne-based independent creative agency, By All Means, has today released limited edition ‘Locktown’ t-shirts to create a positive, artistic commemoration of their city, while shining a spotlight on the significant impact of lockdown on the mental health of Victorians. After 235 days under strict stay-at-home orders, Melbourne today claims the unenviable crown from Buenos Aires […]
