Visa looks to consolidate $400m media account

Visa, the card payment services company, reviewing its estimated $400m (£199m) global media planning and buying account as part of a move to consolidate the business into one agency. It is currently split across Mediaedge:cia, which handles the UK business and OMD.

The company has invited both agencies to pitch for the account but it is not clear if it will open it up to rival networks. The review is being led by John Elkins, Visa International’s executive vice-president, global brand, marketing and corporate communications, and is not thought to affect its advertising agency, Saatchi & Saatchi.

Visa is currently consolidating its corporate structure by operating one global corporation called Visa INC. Visa Europe, Visa Canada, Visa USA and Visa International had previously all operated individually.

Visa Europe appointed Jose San-Juan as managing director of Visa UK earlier this year (MW January 25). He replaced Colin Grannell, who moved to a Europe-wide marketing role.