—An overview of recent people and account moves from across Canadian marketing, advertising and media—
New Business — Diamond
Toronto agency Diamond has been chosen to help build theScore Bet brand in Ontario, just as the province opens up online gambling April 4. Diamond has been tasked with helping develop campaign creative and strategy for the brand.
The new business comes on top of new growth with existing clients Tim Hortons, SkipTheDishes and TD. “We continue to bolster our strategic and creative bench strength to offer clients big brand thinking, creative horsepower and a relentless focus on client partnerships,” said Josh Diamond, partner at Diamond.
New Hires — Citizen Relations
Last year, PR agency Citizen Relations introduced The Hub, a strategic reorganization to add more traditionally creative agency personnel—art directors, copywriters and strategists—to its existing “earned-first” offerings.
That shift followed the hiring of its first chief creative officer Josh Budd, and now that team has been bolstered by seven new hires. Back row (from left): Malav Naik, as senior strategist; Lindsay Page, as vice-president, strategy; Shirley Xu Wang, as junior art director; Travis Myers, as senior copywriter. Front row: Anton Mwewa, senior copywriter; Marly Dichter, as junior copywriter; and Evan Sue-Ping as resource manager.
New Partners — True Media Canada
Independent media agency True Media Canada has signed a new strategic partnership with the Ottawa-based independent Vector Media.
True Media Canada will assume all media buying and management services for Vector’s clients, including GWP Brand Engineering, Arthritis Society, the Wilder Institute and Ontario Teachers Insurance Program, while Vector Media will focus on paid advertising strategy development.
“This is the alignment of two independently-owned, entrepreneurial media agencies in a world of multinational holding companies,” said True Media Canada president Bruce Neve.
New Business — McCann Montreal
McCann Montreal has been awarded strategic and creative duties for Club Med Canada, which oversees all Canadian marketing for the brand’s 70 resorts around the world, including its first Canadian location, Club Med Quebec Charlevoix.
Since opening in December, Charlevoix has seen 65% of its visitors arrive from within Canada. As travel restrictions continue to ease globally, we look forward to highlighting our exceptional domestic and international destinations to Canadians and once again providing peace of mind during their well-deserved holidays,” said Vincent Giraud, managing director of Club Med Canada and North America sales operations.
New Hires — Mixtape
Mixtape has hired Jon Rae as managing director. He joins the agency from FCB/Six, where he was group account director on Sobeys, Voilà, and other brands.
“I see Jon as an agency builder, he’s empathetic, cares about people and culture, and is a trusted client partner,” said Mixtape founder and president Joe Myers. “Jon’s leadership is paramount for Mixtape as we further our expansion in both Canada and the US.”
Promotions — dentsumcgarrybowen
Dentsumcgarrybowen Canada has made some senior-level promotions. Julien Thiry and Michael Aronson are now executive creative directors at the agency, while Jean-François Lalande has been named associate vice-president, client management.
