Kao USA tapped Arnold Worldwide as its global creative agency of record for its John Frieda and Jergens brands following a review. MDC Partners' KBS+P was the incumbent agency on both brands. In February 2014, Kao USA placed its global creative account in review. Arnold Worldwide will be responsible for strategy and creative and begin work on May 1. "For us, this was a good match, because we share many of the same cultural values, passion for the target market and we both have a strong desire to innovate," said Pam Hamlin, global president of Arnold Worldwide. "This creative partnership …

UM was named media agency of record for Build-A-Bear Workshop in North America and UK. The agency will handle media planning, buying, strategy, analytics and digital work. The account will be lead out of UM's New York, Detroit and London offices. Build-A-Bear spent $12.1 million in measured media in 2013, up from $10.5 million spent in 2012, according to Kantar Media. Additional UM clients include, Chrysler, Coca-Cola, Hershey's, Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft, Sony, L'Oreal Paris and Nationwide.

INVISTA, a manufacturer of intermediates, polymers, and fibers, has tapped Partners + Napier to expand marketing activities for its recently acquired TECGEN brand. TECGEN apparel is a brand of patented flame-resistant garments that help protect workers at risk of flame exposure. Partners + Napier was awarded the business following a review that included several undisclosed agencies. "We're excited to work with the Partners + Napier team," said Cindy McNaull, global brand and marketing director at INVISTA. "Their passion and strategic vision for our TECGEN brand was exactly what we envisioned moving forward. Our team is very confident that our new …

True North Inc. has been named agency of record for Adlens, a manufacturer of variable focus technology for the eyewear industry. The agency was awarded the work following a review that included 12 other agencies. True North will be responsible for developing integrated communication strategies for Adlens and its range of brands to build consumer awareness of variable focus eyewear as well as drive sales. The scope of work will include online and offline creative campaign development, social media, media planning and buying, and data analytics. "Adlens is poised to change the eyewear industry with the technology they've developed," said …

Following a review, Walrus, New York was tapped to lead the U.S. launch of Remy Cointreau USA's Bruichladdich single malt whiskies and The Botanist Gin. The independently-owned agency will manage print advertising, trade education, point of sale and other collateral materials. "Walrus' love for Bruichladdich and The Botanist Gin matches our passion for the brands which was a key deciding factor when choosing an agency," said Judd Zusel, VP Innovation & Emerging Brand Marketing at Rmy Cointreau USA. "They understand how to strategically build craft brands. They also demonstrated an unconventional approach to executing our launch plan and have additional …

CP+B LA was awarded creative chores for video game franchise, NBA 2K, following a pitch process. The agency will launch an integrated marketing campaign beginning in September that includes TV, digital, social media elements to promote the next iteration of the franchise, NBA 2K15. “NBA 2K continues to break new ground in interactive entertainment and culture, and has even bigger plans for the future,” said Mason Reed, EVP/Managing Director, CP+B LA. “We couldn't be more excited to help them along the journey.” “Partnering with the creative minds at CP+B demonstrates our commitment to continue growing our franchise through the delivery of world-class creative,” added Alfie …

Audi has placed its digital account in review. AKQA has handled the account since 2011 and is expected to defend its work.

Wieden + Kennedy was named global agency of record for Citizen watches. W+K's Tokyo office will lead the account with help from the agency's Amsterdam office.

Nitto Tire U.S.A., a manufacturer of off-road and street performance tires, has tapped Kahn Media to handle its public relations initiatives, including targeted media outreach, new product debuts and event promotions. Kahn Media will work with Nitto and its digital agency of record, Long Beach, Calif. based Cie Studios, on the development and implementation of campaigns to elevate brand visibility, increase sales, and promote the company’s motorsports initiatives and events. “We are very proud to work with a well-respected, enthusiast-driven brand like Nitto,” said Kahn Media president Dan Kahn. “Nitto got its start in the United States by offering the …

Deutsch LA was tapped by Vivint, a provider of home automation, home security and energy management services, to handle creative and marketing duties. Las Vegas-based R&R Partners previously handled work for the brand.