
Mindshare and PHD are expected to compete for the business next month. Mindshare is the principal global incumbent and handles the account across North America, Western Europe and much of Asia-Pacific.
PHD is responsible for Unilever’s account in China and Eastern Europe. The China portion of the account is not thought to be affected by the review, which is expected to focus on Southeast Asia.
Representatives from Unilever and from the agencies declined to comment on the development. However, the spokesperson from Unilever indicated that the company would formally communicate the outcome of the global review when appropriate.
UPDATE: On 28 June, news broke that Unilever had aligned its global media planning account with PHD. The scope of the account in Asia has not been confirmed, although it is understood that one of three global hub markets for planning duties will be in the region. Mindshare has been the lead incumbent for Unilever's planning business for more than 20 years.