Some very curious things have happened in the ad industry in recent times. But nothing is quite so curious as the news that the Orcon account is pitching.
Why so curious? Well, take a triple hat trick at Axis, a Cannes grand prix and more excellent PR than you can shake a stick at, and you have one hot-shot track record for incumbent Special Group.
Insiders have been whispering about the pitch for a while now, although one reckons it’s just part of a standard review that Orcon conducts from time to time.
Newly minted head of brand and communications Quentin Reade (who just arrived this week from Pead PR, replacing Duncan Blair) confirmed the pitch but declined to talk further about it.
Special Group’s Michael Redwood confirmed the agency was pitching.
It’s understood a decision is expected within the next few weeks.
It's also curious as the account was only just handed to Special in August last year.
It won it after a competitive three-way pitch, the first account win since Mr Redwood bought into the agency, giving up his post at Colenso BBDO.
Then-head of brand and communications Duncan Blair said Special impressed with its insight and creativity.
"We feel it's the perfect partner to help tell our story."
Orcon has created a statement via its PR agency Pead: “Yes, Orcon is reviewing its agency services, we will be making a decision on who we will be working with in 2011 by the end of the month.”
Who's your pick to win?
Do you know who's pitching?
How fast would you run if Iggy reached towards you like this:
"Look into my eyeeees ... you will give the account to meeeee ...."
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The most curious pitch of 2010
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