Anheuser-Busch Taps Starcom

Starcom has been selected to assist Anheuser-Busch’s internal media planning and research capabilities, working on research and planning duties for all of the company’s beer brands across national, local and digital media.

The move comes as the result of a review launched after Paul Chibe joined A-B InBev as U.S. vp, marketing in June. Contenders in the pitch, which included final presentations last week, could not be determined although Chibe has said six were initially involved.

The Publicis Groupe media company will work closely with the Busch Media Group on beers from America’s largest beer marketer, including Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob ULTRA and Stella Artois. Busch Media, the brewer's longtime media lead, will continue to handle buying.

Since his arrival, Chibe has also reached out to agencies for creative ideas on A-B’s Bud Light brand in the U.S., with Bud Light’s long-time lead agency DDB being cut in the current review process.