Emirates has called a review of its global media and planning account for the first time since 2008.
An RFP is understood to have been sent out to the big holding groups, including Publicis, WPP and Omnicom, with a fourth network also believed to be involved in the global review. The business is worth an estimated $350 million.
In 2008, Emirates consolidated its global media business into Publicis Groupe Media (now VivaKi). The network, led by Starcom MediaVest Group (SMG), beat OMD in a final shoot-out. The account is headquartered in Dubai and was initially led by Filip Jabbour, who left the region in May last year to take on the role of EVP, global business development director at SMG’s US headquarters.
In July 2010 Emirates appointed StrawberryFrog Amsterdam to handle its global advertising account following a lengthy review.