Hotline

Chili’s Pairs With ‘N Sync at Golden Globes

DALLAS—Chili’s Grill & Bar launched a multimillion-dollar campaign on Sunday’s Golden Globes telecast, debuting one of three spots featuring ‘N Sync. The group performs Chili’s “Baby-back ribs” jingle in the ads, which were created by GSD&M of Austin, Texas. The spots kick off a major cross-marketing agreement between the performers and Dallas-based Chili’s, with the restaurant serving as the major sponsor of ‘N Sync’s next tour.

Crispin Porter + Bogusky in Ikea’s Finals

ATLANTA—Crispin Porter + Bogusky is a finalist in the review for Ikea’s $50-60 million account. The Miami shop joins co-finalists Goodby, Silverstein & Partners in San Francisco and Berlin Cameron/Red Cell in New York. Kirshenbaum Bond & Partners in New York, Fallon in Minneapolis, and Black Rocket/Euro RSCG and TBWA\Chiat\Day, both San Francisco, did not advance.

Bromley Looks Within for Creative Chief

DALLAS—Ernest Bromley, president of Bromley Communications, said he will look within for a new creative head following the exits of high-profile staffers. Executive CD Pablo Buffagni left the San Antonio agency to head creative efforts at crosstown shop Montemayor y Asociados; associate CD Hector Prado has joined Zubi Advertising in Miami. The vacancies will create opportunities for the five remaining associate CDs, Bromley said.

Mullen/LHC, Publicis & Hal Riney in Shootout

BOSTON—Following the merger of the two banks, Wachovia lead agency Mullen/LHC and First Union lead shop Publicis & Hal Riney are battling for the account of the combined institution. A representative of the Charlotte, N.C.-based Wachovia said the review, which is being conducted in-house, was initiated to consolidate the account at one agency. Both Mullen/LHC of Winston-Salem, N.C., along with its Wenham, Mass., parent, and P&HR of San Francisco will make presentations in late February. A decision is expected by mid-March. Billings were not disclosed.

Tracy Locke Names Group Account Head

DALLAS—Tracy Locke Partnership has added Robert Greenberg, formerly vice president of marketing and advertising at Guiltless Gourmet, as group account director. Greenberg, 40, will direct the Dallas agency’sHarrah’s Entertainment account. He replaces Maggie Nation, who was recently named a partner at TLP.

Chrysler Pulls Jeep ‘Hunting’ TV Spot

DETROIT—A Jeep spot reviewed in this week’s Critique (page 26) was pulled after airing only a few times on Jan. 6 because of complaints that it reflected negatively on hunting. Jennifer Rossbach, a representative for Chrysler agency PentaMark in Troy, Mich., admitted on Friday that the ad had been pulled. Chrysler Group rep James Kenyon said the automaker made a joint decision with the shop to pull the spot, which he said Chrysler intended as “pro-Jeep,” not anti-hunting. The ad shows a Jeep Grand Cherokee with two deer tied to its top. The Jeep drives past a “no hunting sign” and then stops. The driver gets out and releases the deer.