CDO FoodSphere Inc. Names UM Media Agency of Record

UM has been named the media agency of record for CDO Foodsphere Inc., following a competitive pitch earlier this year. The Filipino company dates back 45 years and encompasses brands CDO Funtastyk Tocino, CDO Karne Norte, Highlands, San Marino, and Danes. “We were impressed by UM’s ideas, strategies, and use of data analytics,” said Theresa

How Brands Can Win In The Second ‘Roaring 20s’

With pent-up consumer demand for experience, content and connection, the upcoming years could see enormous growth. Initiative’s APAC chief strategy officer explains what brands need to do to capture it. Back in the 1920s, the Spanish Flu had significant ramifications to the economy. After a pronounced recession, there was enormous growth and a quick rebound.

New Business: UM China wins Burger King China’s media business

SHANGHAI, CHINA — Following a highly competitive pitch, Burger King China has appointed UM China – the full service media and marketing solutions agency within Mediabrands, to manage its media planning and buying business. UM China won the business by demonstrating its unique Futureproof philosophy, leading strength in leveraging data and personalized content, and the ability to address tangible targets

To change the game, remodel the locker room

Become part of the solution, not part of the problem, says Melissa Fein. Here’s what she has done to try and level-up inequality since becoming CEO at Initiative. “I had to resign clients that had antiquated gender practices, such as not letting me present without a man accompanying me… as recently as 2019!” — Melissa Fein

Tech giants and acquisitions: Can anything curb the Hungry Hippos’ appetites?

Between them, the FAMGA tech giants – Facebook, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and Apple – have gobbled up more than 800 companies. But will a global regulatory pincer movement curb their appetite, and is paying for the news just the beginning of a tax on big tech? What you need to know: The five big tech

Initiative’s Amy Armstrong elevated to global CEO, as Mat Baxter becomes chair

Initiative has elevated US CEO Amy Armstrong to a global remit, as the agency’s current leader Mat Baxter is set to take on a new leadership role at parent IPG. Baxter, who has been global CEO of the media agency for four-and-a-half years, has been handed a global chairman role at Initiative, which he will

Anathea Ruys is the new CEO of UM Australia

The new CEO of UM Australia is Anathea Ruys, replacing Fiona Johnston. Ruys has a 25-year international career in media business leadership and is currently executive vice president and managing director of Carat West Coast and Mid-West USA, as well as the lead of Dentsu’s West Coast office. Johnston has been promoted to chief growth officer, Mediabrands, Global/EMEA,

Initiative appointed lead media agency for PT Mayora Group in The Philippines

The agency will service the full portfolio of brands across the coffee and powdered choco categories including Kopiko 3in1 coffee mixes, Energen Champion and Energen Pandesal Mate. Mediabrands’ Initiative has been appointed as lead media agency for PT Mayora Group in The Philippines. The news comes following a review by the FMCG giant in January.

Fiona Johnston departs UM Australia for UK-based Mediabrands role

UM Australia chief executive officer, Fiona Johnston, has been promoted to a new international role for Mediabrands that will see her relocate to London. Johnston has served in the role since 2017, when she replaced Ross Raeburn, moving from executive consultancy Wild and Safe. Now she heads to the UK to take up the role of

Outlook 2021: China POV

In the global version of the Outlook 2021 report, a key tension was identified between those who want to capitalize on the “forward momentum” towards digital transformation accelerated by the pandemic, and those who wish to return to the way things were down before, as the driving force for the digital landscape over this new