Marriott Launches Global Media Review

Marriott International is reviewing its estimated $80 million global media business.

The review includes both planning and buying efforts. 

Roster shops, including Carat in the U.S., Starcom in Latin America, ZenithOptimedia in the Asia-Pacific region, and MEC, which handles project work in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, have been invited to participate. The hotel chain will also consider non-roster agencies.

Joanne Davis Consulting in New York is managing the review. 

In a statement, Marriott svp of global marketing Susan Thronson said, "We want to ensure that we are capitalizing on the global opportunities ahead and working with the best global media agency partner to help us grow our business."

Marriott expects to complete the process in the fall. 

Not in play is paid search marketing, now handled by Publicis Modem and other shops in regional markets. Similarly, Marriott's creative business, handled chiefly by mcgarrybowen and Team One, is not in review.