Volvo and Arnold’s relationship, which dates back to April 2007, is going global as the automaker has now awarded the agency its U.K. and China business. SapientNitro, which previously handled the Volvo account in said countries, will still retain the Australia business while Euro RSCG 4D will remain on as lead digital agency. As a result of the automaker’s agency realignment, the “Team Volvo” model that was essentially a creative alliance between Arnold, Euro and SapientNitro, will be put to bed by year’s end.
Beginning in 2012, Arnold’s Amsterdam office, which opened last year, will take the lead on the Volvo account while global ECD Sean Thompson (who joined Arnold from 180 Amsterdam 15 months ago) and global brand director Jorian Murray will continue to manage.
Regarding the expanded partnership with Volvo, Andrew Bennett, Arnold’s global CEO and CSO of parent company Havas, says, “Over the last couple of years we’ve concentrated on growing our footprint globally and improving our work. This additional responsibility is a manifestation of that. It’s not only an honor to be able to represent one of the greatest brands in the world in more markets, it’s a testament to the amazing partnership we are fortunate to enjoy.”