Horizon Media Wins Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers has awarded its planning and buying account to independent Horizon Media in New York following a review.

The client spent $40 million on ads in 2009, down from $65 million the previous year, according to Nielsen.

The incumbent was Mediaedge:cia in New York, a unit of WPP Group. MEC did not participate in the review.

Boston-based consultancy Pile + Co. handled the search, which kicked off in February.

Creative, which was not in play, is handled by IPG's McCann Erickson in New York. Recent spots have featured a furry orange creature called Hungry that can help consumers lose weight.

New York-based Weight Watchers reported revenue of nearly $1.4 billion last year.