Thinkbox hunts first advertising agency

Thinkbox, the commercial television marketing body, is looking for its first advertising agency ahead of an expansion of its remit.

The AAR will handle the pitch for its integrated account, which will include advertising, online and direct marketing. Lindsey Clay, Thinkbox director of marketing and communications, will oversee the review.

It is not known how much the account is worth, although it is thought that a significant chunk of its budget will be diverted into marketing and communications.

Previously, Thinkbox has developed campaigns in-house but has worked with brand experience agency Sledge. It also worked with Ingram, formerly The Ingram Partnership, on strategy and marketing when it launched.

Thinkbox launched in February 2005 with investment from Channel 4, Five, GMTV, ITV, Sky Media, IDS, Turner Broadcasting and Viacom Brand Solutions. IDS quit as a member in August last year, shortly after former PHD group chairman Tess Alps joined as chief executive.

Clay joined as marketing and communications director in May this year from JWT, where she was chief talent officer. Previously, she was deputy managing director and head of account management at the agency.

She is responsible for driving communication activities to agencies and advertisers, including direct marketing and sponsorship campaigns, creating partnerships, managing Thinkbox events and developing the website.

The body also researches the effectiveness of television advertising and hosts a number of industry conferences and masterclasses.

Thinkbox is moving to its first permanent offices next week, in Victoria, as part of expansion plans for next year. It has been based at Ingram’s offices at Centrepoint.