Nokia reviews global sponsorship account

Nokia is reviewing its multi million-pound global sponsorship and trade marketing accounts.

It is believed that the sponsorship pitch could have a wider impact on the structure of the handset maker’s agency roster.

The sponsorship account is primarily handled by the InterPublic Group of agencies, which include Lowe, Jack Morton and Rivet. However, Wieden & Kennedy, which sits outside this roster and focuses on creating brand campaigns, is also involved in some sponsor-ship activity.

Sources suggest W&K’s sponsorship activity means the outcome of the review could affect the current roster arrangements, though it is not known which agencies are pitching for the business.

The initiative comes at the same time as Nokia reviews its global retail and trade marketing business, which includes in-store activity and the adaptation of ad campaigns created by Wieden & Kennedy in local markets.

JWT was appointed to the retail and trade marketing business at the beginning of this year and works in conjunction with RMG Connect in the UK. Last month JWT took 100% ownership of sister WPP agency RMG Connect. It had previously shared a stake in the direct marketing network with Ogilvy Advertising and Wunderman.

RMG Connect took control of the trade marketing account earlier this year following the global consolidation of the business into JWT. It had previously been held by Haygarth in the UK.

The reviews comes in the wake of Nokia’s global digital advertising rethink which was called in January. CHI & Partners, Publicis and Amaze Digital are on the shortlist, with a decision expected soon.

In the past, Nokia has used a number of digital agencies to handle briefs for individual markets. This has included R/GA, Farfar and Agency Republic.