Bankwest has today announced the appointment of WPP AUNZ Group as its marketing communications agency, effective January 2018.

WPP AUNZ Group will manage all of Bankwest’s communication needs via a central holding group model, integrating various agencies from within the group including its current media agency Ikon Communications.

Bankwest general manager customer communications and brand, Nichole Banks, said that following an extensive review process it was evident a group model would best support Bankwest’s focus on tailoring campaigns and communications that reflect and meet customers’ changing needs.

“We are looking forward to accessing specialist skills and creative from within the wider-group of agency brands both within WA and nationally and building on the strength of our current relationship with Ikon Communications,” she said.

The Sydney-Perth team will tap into a talent collective drawn from a number of WPP AUNZ agencies including Ikon Creative, Ogilvy Sydney, The Brand Agency, VML, PPR, PRISM, PLAY Events, Kantar and Hogarth.

WPP AUNZ CEO Mike Connaghan said “We’re excited by the opportunity to broaden and deepen our relationship with Bankwest through the development of this unique agency model, it’s about giving the team access to the best talent wherever it sits in the group, without the complexity of managing multiple agency relationships.”

The review process included a number of agencies as well as current agency Host/Havas and did not involve a creative pitch. The announcement sees Bankwest and Host/Havas part ways after a ten-year partnership.

Laura Aldington, CEO at Host/Havas said “We’ve enjoyed ten good years with Bankwest and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank them for their long standing partnership. We’re excited by how 2018 is shaping up for us and we wish the Bankwest team the best of luck with everything for the year ahead too.”