Hyatt checks into BBDO New York

Despite what many observers saw as a strong desire for Chicago-based Hyatt Hotels to keep its account in its own backyard, the pitching powers of BBDO and the emergence of marketing head James Evans as a key player in the review enabled the agency to lure the $25-million account here.
BBDO, which presented after Burnett on April 19, is said to have “floored” Hyatt president Darryl Hartley-Leonard with its creative. Burnett pitched the theme “Feel the Hyatt Difference,” but sources said its effort lacked a cohesive strategy.
As a decision came due, a management shuffle also influenced, as well as stalled, a decision.
In the end, it came down to a battle of two camps.