Interpublic’s UM has won a four-way competitive pitch to become the exclusive UK media agency and lead agency for Europe for financial technology company iZettle. UM will handle all planning and buying for iZettle on an ongoing basis. Edgar Rouwenhorst, CMO at iZettle, stated, "UM was selected on the strength of a standout response to our brief. We wanted to work with a UK-based agency that would both inspire us with a data-driven approach and understand how fast we and our industry are evolving.” iZettle was founded in Stockholm in 2010 and is a provider of portable credit card terminals …

The Minnesota Twins baseball team has selected Minneapolis-based creative agency Carmichael Lynch as its agency of record following a review.  The Interpublic agency said it will handle brand strategy, creative, and media planning and buying, including TV, radio, experiential, website, digital display and collateral design for the team.  “The Minnesota Twins are thrilled to be in partnership with Carmichael Lynch as we collectively work to grow our brand and develop deeper connections with our fans and community,” stated Twins President and CEO Dave St. Peter.   The Twins had been working with Periscope as AOR since 2004 but earlier this …

Los Angeles-based ad agency Mistress has been awarded the marketing account for the wholesale division of clothing brand American Apparel following a competitive review.  The agency’s first work for the brand will target B2B designer and decorator clients along with wholesale distributors through a campaign across both traditional and digital media.  Founded in 1989, American Apparel is known across the globe for its “ethically made, sweatshop free clothing,” according to the company, and has developed a strong following among Millennials.  Earlier this year the brand, which was in bankruptcy, was acquired by Canada’s Gildan Activewear at auction for a reported …

On-line rental company Airbnb has selected Wieden + Kennedy as its new global AOR, the companies have confirmed. The selection came after a review that began earlier this year. The incumbent was TBWA/Chiat/Day, which did not participate in the review.  The other finalist was DDB. The agency tweeted, “We're deeply honored to announce our partnership with @airbnb an inspiring values-driven global company changing the world.”  

The Saint Lucia Tourist Board is appointing Translation as its new agency of record to help the Caribbean island move beyond blue skies and beach-centric advertising. The agency will develop a fresh brand story and marketing communications strategy that highlights Saint Lucia's "unique natural assets and national identity." The island, which is located in the south eastern Caribbean, did not suffer serious damage from Hurricane Irma. Translation will also work to link tourism efforts to key economic growth sectors, such as real estate, village-tourism and agriculture. The agency’s first creative efforts will debut in late 2017 or early 2018. This …

Central BBQ has selected Denver-based LRXD as its first AOR after a competitive pitch involving a number of other undisclosed agencies.  Now with three restaurants, the Memphis-based eatery has ambitious plans to expand throughout the Southeastern U.S.  The scope of LRXD’s work will include everything from positioning the brand to creating and implementing an integrated campaign that involves traditional advertising, brand identity, digital, web design, social media, in-store materials, events and promotions.  The agency’s first work for its new client will break in the fall.        

London-based creative digital and social agency Impero has been appointed lead digital agency for Richmond sausages and is tasked with delivering a refreshed digital strategy and content for the brand, which dates back to 1889.  Impero won the digital strategy work for Richmond, part of the Kerry Foods Group, following a formal review. They will work on the brand to align its online presence with the launch of their new "The Nation’s Favourite" TV ad, created by Saatchi & Saatchi.  Impero’s work on the brand kicked off with the launch of Richmond’s new

Financial services company Barclays has decided to move its global media account to Omnicom Group after a review that began earlier this year, according to sources. The incumbent was WPP’s Maxus, now in the process of merging with sibling agency MEC into a new entity called Wavemaker. Barclays spends and estimated $80 million on measured media annually according to Campaign, which had the story first. OMD reportedly led the pitch for Omnicom while sibling agency Hearts & Science also participated. The agencies declined to comment as did ID Comms which managed the review process for Barclays.  

Milan-based spirits giant Gruppo Campari has selected WPP—more specifically a team within the holding company—to be what the firms are calling a “preferred global partner” for marketing and communication services. WPP has formed a new entity called “Team Compari” that will provide an array of services for the client. Under the new agreement Gruppo Campari  can cherry pick agencies for advertising, public relations, media investment, digital, data management, research and branding services both internationally and locally. "This agreement with WPP allows us to choose amongst a wide array of best-in-class options for our brand building purposes at global level,” stated …

Luxury and performance automaker BMW is has appointed  Serviceplan as global communications lead for BMW Aftersales following a formal review. This is a new account developed by bringing several responsibilities under one umbrella, including winter tires, spare light bulb replacement and service packaging. Previously these messages were divided in several smaller accounts. The responsibilities include support with drafting a "modular" communication strategy that can be adapted by specific markets as well as all advertising media. “The identification of best practices in the individual markets as well as setting up a hub function for targeted sharing of knowledge is also important," …