KFC Canada has chosen John St. as its new creative agency, replacing nine-year incumbent Grip Limited.

In a release announcing the agency switch, KFC’s chief marketing officer Samantha Redman called Grip a “first-rate agency” that produced outstanding work for the brand. “However, we are very excited for the next chapter of our brand transformation journey as we join forces with John St.,” she said. “Their track record in transforming big retail brands from top to bottom is exceptional.”

John St. has won a handful of large Canadian retail brands in recent years, including Loblaw, Shoppers Drug Mart and President’s Choice, Sleep Country, Home Hardware and Boston Pizza.

“KFC is one of the world’s iconic brands,” said John St. president Stephanie Hurst. “They have a global culture of being very courageous and bold marketers, and we are thrilled to be working with them.”