New York—Adweek names JWT its 2009 Global Agency of the Year, the first time the agency, and WPP, receives this advertising industry honor.
“This win is a testament to what we at JWT already knew—JWT is stronger, better, more creative and more competitive than ever,” said JWT Chairman and CEO Bob Jeffrey.
While 2009 was a tough year for the industry, JWT made headlines by becoming the largest Microsoft agency—winning duties for Bing, Microsoft Office and the Microsoft One commercial campaign.
The agency scored other significant wins around the globe, including Debenhams (U.K.), Rimmel (U.K.), Egyptian Tourism (EMEA), Schick Edge and Skintimite (U.S.), Walmart (LATAM), Telmex (LATAM), Singapore Tourism Board (APAC) and Sony (APAC).
Jeffrey added, “This success is largely due to the supportive, innovative clients who believe in JWT. We thank them all for being bold and brave in the face of an overwhelmingly difficult and challenging environment.”
At the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival in June, JWT won 26 Lions across 10 countries, including a Grand Prix for JWT Japan’s Kit Kat “Mail” campaign (Tokyo’s first-ever Lion of any kind).
“We believe in work, reputation and growth. Great work transforms businesses. It steals market share. It turns indifferent brands into beloved brands. And it attracts clients to the agency. 2009 saw JWT creating some of our best content yet,” the Chairman and CEO added.
Creative highlights for 2009 included Yes, Virginia, a critically acclaimed original 30-minute animated Christmas special for Macy’s that aired on CBS and the launch of the world’s first interactive reality business show, Microsoft’s “It’s Everybody’s Business with Jack & Suzy Welch.” This was part of an interactive Web site aimed at business and IT professionals that connected viewers with entertainment as well as business and technology solutions.
2009 also saw JWT build its creative and executive bench strength with the hiring of David Eastman, Worldwide Digital Director; Fernando Vega-Olmos, Creative Chairman for Continental Europe and Latin America; and Guy Hayward, CEO of JWT London.
“It is our history that makes us unique, but it’s our pioneering work and success that has continued to push us harder than ever to break boundaries and create work that people want to spend time with,” said Jeffrey. “In 2010, we continue to aspire to be the first-choice agency for global brands.”
