Sources familiar with the matter tell us that exchange-traded funds company, iShares, has ended its three-plus year relationship with MRM, which was chosen in fall 2009 along with sister IPG shop, McCann, to serve as the BlackRock-owned brand’s new ad agency partners.
No word yet on McCann’s current relationship status with iShares, but said agency and MRM took over for Venables Bell & Partners and Ogilvy, respectively, on the business. The MRM camp, which last we recall highlighted the practice of “phubbing,” wouldn’t officially comment on the matter and we’ve yet to hear back from iShares, which BlackRock purchased from Barclays in 2009. MRM’s responsibilities during its time with the brand involved relationship marketing practices including analytics, direct mail and email.