NEW DELHI: Visa has handed over its creative accounts worth $200 million to Wieden + Kennedy and Publicis Groupe. While Wieden + Kennedy will now be responsible for leading its creative strategy and major initiatives, Publicis Groupe will be in charge of production duties.
Publicis Groupe’s Saatchi & Saatchi, which handles the brand’s advertising in Europe, will continue to work with Visa as part of the new arrangement. Visa will also continue to work with Starcom, which has been associated with the brand since 2015.
The decision was taken after a review that was kicked off by Visa earlier in June. Incumbent agency BBDO, which was handling the account since 2012, was also invited to participate in the review.
Visa CMO Lynne Biggar said, "As one of the top five most valuable global brands, we are excited by the work ahead and thrilled to have these two amazing agencies delivering on best-in-class creative for Visa."
He also thanked BBDO for "its long-standing partnership with Visa over the past many years."
Wieden + Kennedy global co-president & CCO Colleen DeCourcy said, "In Wieden + Kennedy offices worldwide, feet haven't touched the ground since we heard the news. It's an honour that a trusted brand like Visa would place its trust in us."
Publicis Groupe global president and CEO UK – creative practice Magnus Djaba said, "It’s a huge honour for us to take on this additional scope to partner with Visa and Wieden+Kennedy in creating this new model, which I’m confident will deliver transformational growth for Visa around the world. We’re looking forward to expanding our relationship with Visa as we become the global partner across creative operations, media and production.”