Carlson wins UAE airline’s business

Carlson Marketing has been appointed to the global customer relationship management business for the United Arab Emirates’ new national airline, Etihad.

The agency, formerly Carlson Marketing Group, has been handed the account without a pitch and will be working on a number of loyalty programmes for the airline.

Earlier this year, TBWA won the $90m (&£51m) global advertising business for Etihad following a pitch against Ogilvy & Mather, Publicis and JWT.

Carlson has been realigned following the appointment of DaimlerChrysler marketing chief Jim Schroer as president and chief executive of the agency.

Schroer, who is also a former vice-president of global marketing for Ford Marketing Company, and José Ferrão, who was appointed Europe, Middle East and Africa president earlier this year, are spearheading the realignment, which includes the name change and the formation of three global divisions within the agency.

Carlson 1to1 will specialise in direct, digital and experiential marketing; Carlson Sales & Marketing Services will handle loyalty marketing; and Carlson Meetings & Events will focus on long-term loyalty and retention.

Schroer says: “We have given Carlson Marketing a renewed focus and direction shaped around global client needs.”

Carlson is the largest marketing services agency in the US and has 50 offices around the world. Its UK clients include Shell, Hyundai and Stella Artois.