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Novartis Taps MindShare for $250 Mil. Media DutiesNEW YORK—Novartis has consolidated its $250 million media buying and planning business with WPP Group's MindShare, the client confirmed. MindShare beat out Creative Media, which teamed with OMD, and Bcom3's MediaVest. Dave Braun was the consultant for the review. USPS to Consolidate $100 Mil. AccountNEW YORK—The U.S. Postal Service is consolidating four pieces of its estimated $100 million account and has posted an RFP on a government Web site, the client confirmed. Larry Speakes, manager of advertising for the Washington, D.C.-based client, said nonroster agencies are invited to compete. Foote, Cone & Belding in New York handles direct advertising for the USPS, Frankel in New York has in-store and point-of-purchase ads, and Leo Burnett in Chicago is the client's lead agency. Media planning and buying are at Grey Global Group's Media Com. Unaffected by the move is ethnic advertising, now handled by New York shops Chisholm-Mingo (African American), Asianese Partnership (Asian) and Bravo (Hispanic). Agencies can download the questionnaire from www.fedbizopps.gov or order it by calling (877) 472-3779. P&G Taps Ericsson-Fina for $75 Mil. in Clairol BrandsNEW YORK—Procter & Gamble is shifting part of its newly acquired Clairol business to Ericsson-Fina, a division of Grey Global Group, sources said. Estimated billings on the hair-color-products line, which includes Ultress, Natural Instincts, Nice 'n Easy and Hydrience, are $75 million in the U.S. However, sources said the account is a global one. The account was previously handled by Interpublic Group's Foote, Cone & Belding in New York. The move was expected because of conflicts.Grey San Francisco Seeks Executive Creative DirectorSAN FRANCISCO—Grey here has launched a nationwide search for an executive creative director, a newly created position that will oversee all advertising. The move follows the departure of creative director Alan Randolph, who left the shop for undisclosed reasons. Dave Tutin, evp and creative director on Bell South for Grey in New York, will temporarily handle creative efforts from the East Coast. Agency president Casey Jones said the shop will make a decision in three months. Goodby Signs Up to Be Cannes Jury PresidentSAN FRANCISCO—Goodby, Silverstein & Partners co-chairman Jeff Goodby has been named president of the film and press and poster juries at the International Advertising Festival at Cannes, festival officials said. Goodby was a film-jury member in 1993. Festival officials also named Rapp Collins chairman and CEO Malcolm Speed Lions Direct jury president. The festival will take place June 16-22 in Cannes, France. The Lions Direct will be held June 23-25. Cordiant in Talks With BankersNEW YORK—Cordiant Communications Group is renegotiating its banking covenants after suffering an earnings collapse. Analysts said the London-based holding company, parent to agencies such as Bates and 141, wants to complete talks with bankers by mid-February, before the release of its 2001 earnings report in March. In December, CCG issued a third profits warning, projecting that revenue for 2001 would drop by 9 percent. 4 Inducted Into Hall of FameNEW YORK—The American Advertising Federation selected four inductees for the Advertising Hall of Fame last week. They are Katherine Graham, former chairman and CEO of The Washington Post Co., who died last July; Charles Peebler Jr., chairman emeritus of Chicago's True North Communications; Hal Riney, chairman and CEO of Publicis & Hal Riney in San Francisco; and John Smale, retired chairman and CEO of Procter & Gamble Co. and former General Motors Corp chairman. MVBMS/Euro RSCG Expands to West CoastNEW YORK—Messner Vetere Berger McNamee Schmetterer/Euro RSCG in New York is expanding its operations to the West Coast, taking over sibling agency a.k.a. Euro RSCG in San Francisco, according to the company. Michael Kantrow, managing director and CEO of a.k.a., will become the managing director of the newly branded MVBMS office, reporting to MVBMS CEO Ron Berger. Kevin McCarthy, partner and creative director of a.k.a., will continue in this role in the San Francisco office.'N Sync Allies With Chili'sDALLAS—Chili's Grill & Bar launches a campaign on Sunday's Golden Globe Awards with one of three new spots that feature vocal group 'N Sync. 'N Sync performs the restaurant chain's "Baby Back Ribs" jingle in all three new executions by Chili's agency, Austin, Texas-based GSD&M. The spots kick off a major cross-marketing agreement between 'N Sync and Dallas-based Chili's, with Chili's serving as the major sponsor of the group's next tour. The budget was not disclosed.Newswire RoundupMedia Kitchen, the New York-based media arm of Kirshenbaum Bond & Partners, has won the estimated $60 million media buying and planning assignment for USA Network's USA and Sci-Fi Channel. The shop bested WPP's MindShare, the former CIA Media network, both New York, Palisades Media Group, Santa Monica, Calif., and three undisclosed shops, sources said. … Leo Burnett Technology has changed its name to LB Works, the third name in two years for the unit. … DDB in Chicago laid off 37 staffers, just less than 5 percent of its staff of 750, the shop said. The layoffs were across all disciplines and came a month after the shop lost $45 million in billings through the departure of Pep Boys-Manny, Moe & Jack. Last year, DDB Chicago cut about 43 people.

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