DraftFCB wins Agency of the Year

DraftFCB wins Agency of the Year

DraftFCB has taken out the coveted Fairfax AdMedia Agency of the Year award in a unanimous decision by the judges who said the advertising agency's strong revenue growth and new business success won the day.

``DraftFCB also generated serious growth in its interactive and direct offering, hiring 15 specialists during the year. Staff numbers rose to 116 from 85 and a staff retention rate of 75 percent put the agency well above the industry standard,’’ said the judges.

There were a record number of entries in this category this year, with nine top agencies in contention – all of which enjoyed increased growth, staff levels and profits.

Neil Livingstone of Colenso.99 was named CEO of the Year in recognition of his ``outstanding successes at an outstanding retail agency’’. The judges said Livingstone was a hands-on administrator who was key to the agency's account wins. Colenso.99 opened for business in 2003 with four staff and two clients. Four years later, the agency can boast nearly 80 staff and 26 clients.

Independent agency Sugar won Indie Agency of the Year, in a repeat of last year's success, with the judges praising an increase in revenue and billings, as well as the key wins of the Estee Lauder, Tasman Pacific Foods and illy coffee. They said the May addition of award-winning creative director Nigel Corbett to the agency (from DDB/WRC) was a coup which would reap future rewards.

OMD took out the Media Agency of the Year, standing out with revenue growth of 35% and a 36% jump in profit. The judges said OMD was a clear winner, despite the loss of Freedom Air and Dell Computer during the year.

The Direct Marketing Agency of the Year title went to AIM Proximity in a close decision which was clinched by AIM Proximity's ability to turn fortunes around after some key account losses early in the year. The judges also praised the agency's success in international competitions.

The Rookie Suit of the Year title was awarded to Rachael McKenzie of Saatchi and Saatchi.
The judges said she demonstrated a ``polish, enthusiasm and maturity beyond her time in the industry’’ who is respected by her peers and has already been identified as a rising star for the industry.

The annual Wildcard Award, which recognises individuals or companies who make an outstanding contribution to the advertising industry, went to brothers Geoffrey & Derek Handley and their company, The Hyperfactory. They founded the business in 2000 and the company now has seven offices worldwide. Global clients include Toyota, Motorola and Coca-Cola and these, along with a clutch of international awards, make The Hyperfactory is an ``outstanding Kiwi success story whose best years are yet to come’’, the judges said.

 
2008 WINNERS

Agency of the Year: DraftFCB
Finalists: Colenso BBDO, DDB, Saatchi & Saatchi, TBWA\Whybin Tequila

Indie Agency of the Year: Sugar
Finalists: Barnes Advertising, justONE, Lassoo Media, Mr Smith

Media Agency of the Year: OMD
Finalists: DraftFCB, MediaedgeCIA, Starcom

Direct Marketing Agency of the Year: AIM Proximity
Finalists: JustONE, Rapp Collins Limb Walker, Saatchi & Saatchi

CEO of the Year: Neil Livingstone (Colenso.99)
Finalists: Bryan Crawford (DraftFCB), Sarah Norrie (G2), Sandy Moore (DDB)

Rookie Suit of the Year: Rachael McKenzie (Saatchi & Saatchi)
Finalists: Laura Bathurst (Colenso.99), Daniel Phillips (Saatchi & Saatchi)

Wildcard: The Hyperfactory

ENDS

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