Software Supplier Selects Doremus

SAN FRANCISCO Doremus has won the estimated $3 million Autodesk account, the agency confirmed.

The San Rafael, Calif.-based maker of design software and digital content chose the San Francisco agency after a lengthy review process. Autodesk began its review in November with 70 agencies, eventually narrowing the field to Doremus and Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos, both in San Francisco, and Butler, Shine & Stern in Sausalito, Calif.

Sources had speculated late last month that the account might be awarded to Doremus on an “interim basis,” because Autodesk is currently in the process of replacing Kathi Fox, its former vice president of worldwide marketing, who resigned from the company in the middle of the review.

Miles Elbert, director of advertising and integrated marketing at Autodesk, categorically denied the agency selection was an interim arrangement. “A number of executives were involved in this decision,” said Elbert. The addition of a new vice president of worldwide marketing is not expected to affect the decision, he said.

Doremus will handle print advertising, direct initiatives, interactive, and event and channel marketing. Work may also include a new branding campaign for Autodesk in the near future, said Elbert. Incumbent Ten/United of Columbus, Ohio, is phasing out of its work for the company.

“Autodesk is one of the premier technology brands, with a great track record for innovation and leadership,” said Garrett Lawrence, Doremus’ executive vice president and general manager. “They’ve done a great job of managing vertical markets.”