• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, December 10, 2014

Financial asset manager OppenheimerFunds has selected MRM//McCann as its Agency of Record and strategic creative partner after a review that began in June. Oppenheimer said that the agency, part of McCann Worldgroup, would help develop an integrated communications program to target key audiences.

The incumbent was Havas Worldwide, which did not defend. Havas Media continues to handle media chores for the account.

The client spent $13.5 million on ads in 2013 according to Kantar.

OppenheimerFunds manages more than $244 billion in assets for more than 13 million investor accounts.

"MRM//McCann has the proven combination of strategic thinking and creative expertise to powerfully convey OppenheimerFunds' capabilities as a global asset manager," said Marty Willis, Chief Marketing Officer, OppenheimerFunds. "They put a very seasoned team together with a proven track record of building communication platforms that help organizations effectively engage with their target audiences."

"We enjoy high brand awareness, and our challenge is to create a deeper understanding of OppenheimerFunds' investment philosophy” added senior vice president and head of brand marketing Stephen Tisdalle, who oversees the firm's relationship with the agency. “MRM//McCann demonstrated they could capture the firm's global perspective, long-term focus and investment leadership in ways that will resonate with individuals, advisors and institutions.”

Word of the win follows MRM’s recent acquisition of Optaros, an eCommerce services provider.

Oppenheimer enlisted Ark Advisors to assist in managing the review process.