Starcom has retained Saudi Telecom’s media planning and buying account following a review of the marketing business of the region’s most important pan-Arab advertiser.
Saudi Telecom (STC) called a review of its media and creative advertising accounts earlier this year, with a decision yet to be made regarding the advertising side of the business. JWT and Leo Burnett are the incumbents on the creative accounts.
The STC media account is one of Starcom’s most important pieces of business and its retention has been cause for celebration at the agency.
Ramzi Ghanem, general manager of Starcom Riyadh, said: “This is fantastic news for us, a testament to our nine-year partnership that has generated business success and creative excellence in this marketplace.”
He added: “It is so rewarding working with STC, the 2010 Dubai Lynx Advertiser of the Year; an advertiser that is committed to driving innovation and raising industry standards in a highly dynamic telecom sector. We’ve got a highly enthusiastic team in place, a wealth of category experience, digital capabilities and determination to continuously provide STC with best-in-class services and solutions.”
In 2009, STC was the most important pan-Arab advertiser, spending $70 million according the Pan Arab Research Center, putting it in the number one spot ahead of the likes of Mobily, Coca-Cola, Dove and Zain.
