Dragon Army has been named web and mobile AOR for The Honey Baked Ham Company. Dragon Army will support all digital efforts for the retail store’s online and mobile presence including strategy, e-commerce, UX/UI, web and mobile development. “Our current focus is developing a refined mobile experience that exceeds shoppers evolving expectations,” stated Jo Ann Herold, CMO at Honey Baked Ham. “Dragon Army is one of the few agencies we've found that deeply understand consumer behavior and is equipped to build experiences that customers love to use.” Initial projects will focus on ensuring Honey Baked Ham’s online presence is ready ...

Miss America is appointing Y&R as its new AOR as the organization undergoes a significant rebranding that will eliminate the swimsuit competition as well as pivot away from judging women based on their appearance. This was an informal review and there was no incumbent agency.  “Miss America is upending a 97-year-old brand as an empowering platform during a cultural tipping point," stated Leslie Sims, chief creative officer, Y&R North America. “We’re excited to be working with the organization’s new leadership as champions of dimensional and fierce women.  As advertisers, we should be creating content that ...

Cosmetics giant Estee Lauder has selected Dentsu Aegis Network to handle its media buying in most of the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. The incumbent was Omnicom’s Manning Gottlieb OMD, which retains the UK region. Campaign, which had the news first reported earlier today that the client spends about €30m (about $35 million) on ads in the region. The selection of Dentsu Aegis came after a review that was managed by ID Comms.

BMW brand Mini USA has launched a regional media review that will focus on the retail communications of its U.S. dealerships. The client confirmed the development to Adweek, which had the story first. The review is being managed by the search consultant Burnett Collective. Media agency UM handles the Mini’s national media assignment, which is not part of the dealership review.

The Children’s Museum of Richmond (CMoR) is appointing Elevation as its first-ever AOR following a formal review. CMoR has been handling work in-house and assigning projects outside as needed.  “We were seeking a partner that can help CMoR effectively and quickly respond within an ever-changing communications landscape,’’ says Shannon Venable, president-CEO of the CMoR. Elevation will provide strategic marketing and creative services beginning June 1. First up, the museum will replace existing photos of its staff with images as them as kids.  CMoR spent $323,068 on advertising while reporting $3.6 million in total program expenses in 2016, according to its Form ...

Philadelphia-based agency LevLane has been named an agency of record for a new wellness testing product from Genomind, the personalized medicine platform. The agency said that it is partnering with Genomind, located in King Of Prussia, PA, on the development of Mindful DNA, a genetic test used to guide lifestyle, diet and/or nutritional supplement decisions to improve one’s overall health and wellbeing. “LevLane’s experience in consumer-focused healthcare marketing, and their understanding of the intricacies of our industry, made them the right partner for the launch of Mindful DNA,” stated Natalie Cummins, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer.  “We are ...

After acquiring Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen for $780 million last year, Darden Restaurants has appointed Brunner as the casual chain's new AOR. Dallas-based Moroch previously serviced the account.  Initial work will center on helping refine the brand’s positioning, and on developing new digital marketing campaigns. The creative direction has not been precisely spelled out yet, though messaging will likely continue to play up its made-from-scratch ethos and the chain’s well-known dishes, like House Smoked Baby Back Ribs and hand-battered Country Fried Chicken. With more than 158 locations in 28 states, Cheddar’s serves more than 6,000 guests each week.  Brunner’s mix of ...

Unilever and WPP have launched what they’re calling a “first-of-its-kind” on-site collaboration with Unilever Foundry and its startup community in Singapore. The initiative draws on specialist expertise from various WPP agencies coming together under one roof at Unilever Foundry’s LEVEL3 co-working space in Singapore to provide innovative solutions for Unilever’s 400+ brands. Pier Luigi Sigismondi, President of Unilever, South East Asia & Australasia, stated, “This exciting collaboration is the first step in laying the foundation of the marketing services ecosystem of the future. When you combine the multifunctional capabilities of WPP with agile startups, you get a ...

The UK government has awarded its media-buying contract to Manning Gottlieb OMD in a four-year deal worth up to £600m (or approximately $800 million), according to a report in Campaign. The award is said to be the biggest in the agency’s 28-year history. MG OMD will take over the account in November when contract of the incumbent, Carat, expires.  

Ocean Spray is conducting a creative agency review, reports Adage.com. The review comes after a 20-year relationship with Havas Group agency Arnold. According to the report, Arnold is not expected to defend. SelectResources International is managing the review process.