McDonald’s is putting two creative projects out for pitch alongside DDB, which has worked on the account since it entered the Australian market in 1971.
Mediaweek understands only two projects are out for pitch. DDB will remain McDonald’s main agency of record and will not be pitching for the two projects as the other agency will be chosen from the pool of globally aligned agencies.
The fast-food giant and Australia’s third-biggest advertiser confirmed to Mediaweek that it is recruiting an additional creative agency partner from its “existing global agency roster.”
“The successful agency will become part of our award-winning agency village, as we look to deliver highly effective and culturally relevant campaigns that drive our brand and business forward,” McDonald’s Australia told Mediaweek.
“It is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure we have the best partners and capabilities in place and follows on from our recently completed CRM pitch process earlier in the year.
“We expect this process to be completed before the end of 2024.”
Mango, part of DDB Group, is McDonald’s Australia’s PR agency of record while Omnicom’s OMD is its local media agency.
The pitch reveal comes as DDB Sydney appointed Jack Nunn to lead the McDonald’s account in July.
He rejoined DDB Sydney after two years in London at Special and Ogilvy. During his previous tenure at DDB, he helped create campaigns for the fast food giant, including Middle Child, The Sting Re-Mix, and the launch of McCafe’s Coffee Fit For An Aussie platform.
Also in July, McDonald’s Australia’s director of marketing, Samantha McLeod announced her departure from the role after ten months in the position. Amanda Nakad is now the brand’s marketing director.
McLeod joined McDonald’s Australia in September 2023 from her previous role as general manager of brand, digital, and design at Coles, based out of Melbourne. Before that, she was the business lead for BBH in London.
This month, brand experience and innovation agency Akcelo launched an integrated brand campaign for the release of the Grimace Shake in Australia. Akcelo works on McDonald’s retail and activation work.