Energy giant Phillips 66 has launched a review of its primary agency relationships for key brands Phillips 66, 76 and Conoco. The rationale behind the decision, according to the release, is to “take advantage of changing consumer behaviors” regarding the consumption of fossil fuels.
Venables Bell & Partners has been agency of record for those brands since beating out GSD&M and David&Goliath in a 2009 review, but the indie shop will sit this one out. The Burnett Collective is managing the review, which is not open to pitches. It’s unclear at the moment which agencies have been invited to participate.
“We’ve recently decided to part ways with PSX after 8 great years working with them on a number of their brands including Phillips 66 and 76,” said VB&P president Paul Birks-Hay. “We’re proud of our work together and wish them much success ahead.”
“This process has been initiated to ensure we have the optimal partners and agency roster structure to deliver our brands to consumers and connect with them in meaningful ways,” said Phillips 66 senior director of brands Sarah Bolding. “We appreciate all that has been done by our previous partners and thank them for their work on our behalf.”
The Phillips 66 marketing department recently went through some executive-level changes, and we hear they may have precipitated the review.
Bailey Lauerman of Omaha has also worked on the “lubricants” portion of the company’s marketing business since winning a March review. An agency spokesperson confirmed today that their relationship with the client will not be affected since the review does not concern that portion of the account. VB&P has produced both TV and experiential work, with its VBP Orange unit helping to redesign the gas stations themselves.
According to Kantar Media, Phillips 66 spent approximately $8 million promoting its brand last year.