Month: January 2008

Initiative Worldwide chief retires

Marketing Week

Initiative Worldwide chairman and chief executive Alec Gerster is retiring from his role on March 1. Richard Beaven, the chairman and chief executive Initiative North America, will replace him. Gerster joined Initiative in 2002 to over see the worldwide operations in 58 markets and a global workforce of more than 3,000 employees. He joined from […]

Rough ride for PepsiCo smoothies

Marketing Week

PepsiCos decision to slash the price of its PJ Smoothies brand and reduce its product range may well prompt a lift in sales but critics argue that repeated revamps have confused consumers and resulted in PJs losing its mojo.

Can ad agencies trust Google?

Marketing Week

Publicis Groupes announcement that it has been working with Google sparked a war of words between Publicis chief Maurice Levy and his WPP counterpart Sir Martin Sorrell and has got the industry asking: Google, friend or foe?

Christmas retail slump hits WH Smith

Marketing Week

WH Smith saw sales drop over Christmas due to the tough conditions on the high street. The retailer has reported a dip of 3% in sales at its high street division for the 21 weeks to January 26. It has also reported a 1% increase in sales at its travel division, which includes its outlets […]

The National Blood Service appoints DLKW to 2.5m donor campaign

Marketing Week

The National Blood Service (NBS) has appointed incumbent Delaney Lund Knox Warren to work on a £2.5m campaign aimed at raising awareness and encouraging existing and new donors to give blood on a regular basis. The decision follows a statutory review of the business and a pitch against Farm. The campaign will target anyone aged […]

Innocent releases limited-edition recycling symbol logo

Marketing Week

Innocent Drinks is introducing a limited-edition label to highlight its commitment to recycling. The Innocent logo will change colour and shape to resemble the green recycling symbol for the last two weeks of February. The smoothie maker is introducing the logo to underline the fact that its entire range in now available in 100% recycled […]

PlayStation 3 sales add to positive Sony results

Marketing Week

Sales of the PlayStation 3 games console contributed to “positive” third-quarter results for electronics giant Sony. The Japanese company reported a 31.2% increase in games sales, leading to the games division’s first profit since 2005. Strong sales in the household electronics business – which includes its Sony Bravia LCD televisions – helped boost overall revenue […]

LBi aims to boost search capabilities with Netrank acquisition

Marketing Week

Digital agency LBi has acquired search optimisation company Netrank in a move that aims to boost its search capabilities. It is understood that the agency beat WPP Group and a second undisclosed bidder to buy the agency. Netrank, which will be rebranded as LBi over time, will retain its headquarters in Exeter and a sales […]

YouTube launches programme to make UK users money

Marketing Week

YouTube users are being offered the chance to make money from their videos under a scheme being launched in the UK. The YouTube Partnership Programme is launched today (January 31). The programme, which already exists in US, selects members that create original content and have a big following on the site to become “partners”. An […]