Hotline

Mexico Tourism to Launch Review
DALLAS-The Mexico Ministry of Tourism is preparing to begin a mandatory review of its estimated $10 million ad account, currently at Noble/D’Arcy Masius Benton & Bowles in Mexico City. Noble managing director Santiago Hinojosa said his shop plans to defend the account, which involves promoting Mexico to U.S. and Canadian tourists. The request for bids is expected to be issued in October.
AmEx Sticks to Roster in DM Reshuffling
NEW YORK-American Express, which has been evaluating its direct marketing assignments following Wunderman Cato Johnson’s recent resignation of some $50 million in billings, has decided not to look beyond its stable of agencies, sources said. AmEx will redistribute its direct marketing work among OgilvyOne and DraftDirect, both New York, as well as Bronner Slosberg Humphrey in Boston, a former AmEx shop that remains a consultant to the client. Wunderman resigned the business due to a conflict when its parent, Young & Rubicam, won the Citibank business. AmEx declined comment.
DDB Needham Wins VTEL Account
NEW YORK-DDB Needham here beat out about a dozen shops from across the U.S. to win VTEL’s first global corporate image account, sources said last week. Billings are estimated at $5-8 million. DDB and the client could not be reached. There is no incumbent.
Imperial Tobacco Names 3 Finalists
NEW YORK-Three finalists have emerged in Imperial Tobacco Ltd.’s review for an agency to handle U.S. advertising responsibilities, including the introduction of a new cigarette brand, Mercer, to the U.S. The Montreal client has selected W.B. Doner & Co. in Southfield, Mich., and Partners & Shevack and Bozell Worldwide, both in New York, to present in November. The consultant running the review, Dick Roth of Richard Roth Associates, could not be reached for comment.
Y&R Unveils New Dr Pepper/7Up Campaigns
NEW YORK-A new campaign for Dr Pepper, slated to break Jan. 1, introduces a new tagline, “Dr Pepper. This is the taste.” One 30-second spot features former National Football League coach and Fox TV announcer John Madden. In addition, two holiday-themed commercials touting a reformulated 7Up break in November with the modified tagline, “The up thing,” which replaces “It’s an up thing.” Three more ads for the brand are slated to break Jan. 26 as part of what company officials are calling the most comprehensive marketing program ever for 7Up. Young & Rubicam here is the agency.
Hal Riney Taps John Doyle
SAN FRANCISCO-Hal Riney & Partners here has hired freelance consultant John Doyle as its new co-creative director. Doyle shares the title with senior vice president Dave O’Hare. He replaces Steve Sweitzer, who resigned from the agency two weeks ago. (Continued on page 68)