Volkswagen Group concludes media pitch for China

Volkswagen Group has appointed PHD as its media agency of record for China, effective from 1 January, MARKETING-INTERACTIVE understands. 

This comes following a competitive pitch in Q3 2024. As part of the partnership, PHD is in charge of all media planning and buying duties for various parts of Volkswagen’s portfolio in China, including Volkswagen Digital Sales and Services Company, existing and upcoming Audi models, global joint ventures in China, which was previously handled by IPG Mediabrands as of 2024.  

The deal is said to be valued at approximately US$550 million over three years. PHD declined to comment when MARKETING-INTERACTIVE reached out.

The win comes after Omnicom Media Group successfully retained Volkswagen’s global media account in July 2024, a US$2.2 billion account originally granted in 2021.  

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On the other hand, Omnicom initiated a US$13.25 billion all stock deal to acquire Interpublic Group last month. The combined company will bring together the industry’s deepest bench of marketing talent, and the broadest and most innovative services and products, driven by the most advanced sales and marketing platform.   

Together, the companies will expand their capacity to create comprehensive full-funnel solutions that deliver better outcomes for the world’s most sophisticated clients. 

Upon the acquisition, the new Omnicom will have over 100,000 expert practitioners. The company will deliver end-to-end services across media, precision marketing, CRM, data, digital commerce, advertising, healthcare, public relations and branding.  

Furthermore, John Wren (pictured left) will remain chairman and CEO of Omnicom, whereas Phil Angelastro will remain EVP and CFO of Omnicom. Philippe Krakowsky (pictured right) and Daryl Simm will serve as co-presidents and COOs of Omnicom.

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