NEW YORK--J. Walter Thompson has landed a global strategic assignment from the London-based Vodafone, after a review involving other global networks, the client confirmed. Billings are estimated at $120 million.
Sources indicated that Grey, McCann-Erickson and Publicis also pursued the business.
JWT, which will manage the account out of its London office, is charged with developing ad strategies for Vodafone in the 16 countries where the company holds a majority stake in its operations, including the U.K., Italy, Germany and Japan, a client representative said.
As a result, shops that now work on the brand in specific markets, such as WCRS in London, which handles the U.K. account, will be eliminated from the roster, the rep said.
Wieden + Kennedy, however, will continue to create ads as "global creative agency," the rep added. The shop, which has offices in Portland, Ore., New York, Amsterdam and Tokyo, last year launched a global campaign tagged, "How are you?"
JWT's appointment comes as Vodafone seeks to unify the majority of its operations under a single brand name. The shop's winning pitch was led by Michael Maedel, president for Europe, Middle East and Africa.