Airbnb has named Wieden+Kennedy as global agency of record to lead its roster of agencies following a pitch against DDB. The agency replaces TBWA\Chiat|Day LA, which was not invited to the pitch.
Wendy Clark, CEO for North America, led for DDB, and Wieden+Kennedy’s pitch was led by global CCO Colleen DeCourcy, according to the client.
The W+K pitch was a "global team effort that showcased the exemplary creative credentials of the network, that will see Airbnb march forwards to be the world’s first community-driven super brand", Airbnb said in a release.
“I am delighted to confirm Wieden+Kennedy as our global agency of record after what was the most closely contested pitch of my career," Jonathan Mildenhall, Airbnb's global CMO said. "Both Wieden+Kennedy and DDB developed outstanding thinking, but W+K's creative work has shown us a very compelling community voice that we know will take our creative output on to the next level.”
Airbnb challenged the winning agency to collaborate in a progressive manner with its in-house creative team, and the first work from the new duo will be for "a new product launch due this fall", to be followed by next year’s travel season campaign.
We're deeply honored to announce our partnership with @airbnb, an inspiring values-driven global company changing the world.
— Wieden+Kennedy (@WiedenKennedy) September 11, 2017
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