Hotline

Timex to Launch Account Review

CHICAGO—Timex is determining whether it wants to use a consultant or conduct an account review in-house after splitting with Fallon in Minneapolis, according to a company representative. Jim Katz said the Middlebury, Conn., company expects to have a new agency in place by the end of the year. Fallon has handled the venerable watch brand since 1986. Timex spent $6 million on advertising last year, according to CMR.

HGTV Issues Requests for Proposals

NEW YORK—Home & Garden Television, a cable network owned by E.W. Scripps, has launched a review for its $10-12 million traditional and interactive advertising account, sources said. Initial questionnaires, due back this Thursday, inquire about agencies’ experience in increasing top-of-mind awareness, enhancing positive perceptions, changing perceptions, increasing loyalty and share among core viewers, and converting occasional viewers to more frequent viewers. It is unclear if the incumbent, Lewis Communications in Birmingham, Ala., is participating. Consultancy AAR Group in New York is managing the process, sources said. The Knoxville, Tenn.-based client did not return calls.

Former AKA Media Director Opens Shop

ATLANTA —Veteran media director Dick Matullo has left his position at the Interpublic Group’s Austin Kelley Advertising. Matullo joined the Atlanta agency 13 years ago from Young & Rubicam’s Chicago office, where he worked on the International Harvester, Wilson’s Sporting Goods and Armour Foods accounts. Matullo has opened a planning and buying service, Ultra Media. Replacing Matullo at Austin Kelley are Pam Hood, who has been named vice president and director of broadcast media services, and Nichole Meade, now vice president and director of media planning.

DraftWorldwide Gets Audi Assignment

DETROIT—Audi of America has selected DraftWorldwide to handle a direct-marketing assignment. The initial project will focus on relaunching the automaker’s A8 sedan in the ’03 model year. The New York agency may also work on other vehicle nameplates, said an Audi representative. The assignment is open-ended but will continue at least through next year. Spending and other participants in the review were not disclosed. The appointment does not affect lead agency McKinney &Silver in Raleigh, N.C., which did not participate in the review. Spending was not disclosed. Audi spent about $90 million on advertising in 2001, according to CMR.

PacifiCare Begins Hispanic Agency Search

LOS ANGELES—PacifiCare Health Systems has initiated a review for its Hispanic account. This is the first time the health-services company is targeting the Hispanic population. The Santa Ana, Calif.-based client is spending $20 million on general-market ads through Doner in Southfield, Mich., and has earmarked about $2 million for the Hispanic campaign, sources said. The review includes creative and media duties, community relations and events. Select Resources International in West Hollywood, Calif., is leading the search.