CMW scoops John Lewis financial task

Clark McKay and Walpole has been appointed to handle a new multi-million pound launch by John Lewis’s financial services division.

The agency, which already works on the John Lewis partnership card, won the business after a pitch against Burkitt DDB and WWAV Rapp Collins; Miles Calcraft Briginshaw Duffy’s direct arm Elvis; and direct marketing agency Pepper. Burkitt DDB holds the John Lewis stores account, while MCBD handles the Waitrose supermarket business.

A John Lewis spokeswoman was unable to give any details about the brief but it is understood that the company is planning a “significant” new launch. John Lewis’s first foray into financial services came in 2004 when it launched the partnership card but it is now thought to be looking at other areas, including loans.

Burkitt DDB is currently defending John Lewis’s &£13m above-the-line account, which it has held for ten years. The retailer called a review at the start of this month.

The review is being handled by the AAR and John Lewis marketing director Andrew Woodward. Pitches are not expected until May.