GLOBAL – AMSTERDAM, DECEMBER 2011: Volvo Cars has officially awarded its marketing business in China and the UK to global communications agency Arnold Worldwide, subsequently expanding its relationship with holding company Havas. Arnold already handles Volvo Cars’ global integrated account and the business in North America.
Andrew Benett (pictured), Global CEO of Arnold Worldwide and Global Chief Strategy Officer of Havas Worldwide said of the win, “Over the last couple of years we’ve concentrated on growing our footprint globally and improving our work. This additional responsibility is a manifestation of that. It’s not only an honor to be able to represent one of the greatest brands in the world in more markets, it’s a testament to the amazing partnership we are fortunate to enjoy.”
Volvo Cars’ China and UK markets were previously handled by SapientNitro, which retains the business in Australia. Additionally, Euro RSCG 4D , a Havas-owned agency and Arnold’s sibling, remains lead digital agency and will share a portion of global coordination duties with Arnold. As a result of this shift, the “Team Volvo” model established in 2010 as a creative alliance between Arnold Worldwide, Euro RSCG 4D and SapientNitro will be retired at the end of the year.
Starting in 2012, Arnold Worldwide will lead the account across all agencies from Arnold Amsterdam, supported by Arnold Boston and Arnold Shanghai. The account will continue to be managed by Global Brand Director Jorian Murray and Global Executive Creative Director Sean Thompson.
This announcement comes on the back of exponential growth for Arnold Worldwide. Over the past two years, the agency has won nearly 20 new assignments from companies including Aetna, Alberto Culver brands Nexxus, Noxzema and St. Ives, CVS/pharmacy, Panasonic and global AOR duties from Dell and New Balance.
The agency has also grown its international relationships with Brown-Forman (Jack Daniel’s and Southern Comfort), Carnival Cruise Lines, The Hershey Company, Ocean Spray and Progressive by expanding its presence in key markets including Australia, China, the UK and the Netherlands.
David Jones, Global CEO of Havas, added, “We’re absolutely delighted and these latest wins are proof of the solid relationship Arnold has established with such an iconic company. Arnold is flourishing as a global micronetwork, as evidenced not only by this win, but also from the long list of brands that have placed continued global faith in the agency.”
Havas currently handles Volvo Cars’ marketing business in some capacity in 27 markets out of 41 of the brand’s national sales companies. These include assignments with Arnold, lead digital agency Euro RSCG 4D and US media agency of record MPG, as well as several other local Havas agencies.
