SingTel shortlists four, Y&R says no thanks

Singapore - BatesAsia, Leo Burnett, Saatchi & Saatchi and Ogilvy will slog it out for SingTel's $30 million advertising account but in a shock move incumbent Y&R says it won't be pitching.

McCann Ericsson, Euro RSCG, BBDO, JWT and Crush did not make the cut for the business which came up for review on 13 September 2007, as reported by Marketing.

Sherie Ng, SingTel's director of brand experience said, "We are delighted that more than ten global agencies with proven track record, well-established local operations housing some of the world's most creative talents are vying for this business.

"All demonstrated inspiring creativity, result-driven marketing, disciplined processes and operations, as well as outstanding talent management engines. This made the shortlisting extremely challenging. After a rigorous evaluation process, we have selected these agencies to move into the next phase of the pitch."

Y&R cites new business and a desire to start fresh as reasons for its decision not to proceed with the pitch.

"Having worked together so closely, for so long we believe both parties could benefit from new relationships, new perspectives and new challenges" Tanuj Philip, managing director of Y&R Singapore said, "So whilst we continue to wish SingTel all the best in the future, we look forward to an exciting new era for Y&R".

"Coupled with our great run of new business wins this year, and the influx of exciting new talents including Head of Planning James Lofthouse, Regional Creative Director, Bruce Watt, and Group Account Director, Andrew Dowling, we believe that the time is now to paint on a fresh canvas".

Proceedings are managed by agency performance consultants R3 with a winner announced by 31 December, according to a previous SingTel statement.

In related news, SingTel has moved Wong Soon Nam to head its consumer marketing division as VP, responsible for marketing communications, customer knowledge and lifecycle management, and product devices and strategy.

Prior to this he was the VP of business marketing. He takes over from Vicki Brady who was seconded from Optus for three years and is now returning to Australia.