WPP has successfully renewed its multi-billion-dollar global marketing partnership with Coca-Cola, retaining all markets outside North America, just two months after losing the North American media account to rival Publicis Groupe
WPP, the multinational advertising and public relations company, has reaffirmed its dominant position in Coca-Cola’s global marketing operations.
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The firm has secured a significant multi-billion-dollar partnership renewal with the beverage giant, encompassing all markets worldwide excluding North America.
This crucial development arrives swiftly on the heels of a recent competitive pitch just two months ago, which saw Coca-Cola’s North American media account shift from WPP to its rival, Publicis Groupe.
WPP’s enduring relationship with The Coca-Cola Company’s global marketing business dates back to November 2021.
This was when WPP was officially designated Coca-Cola’s global marketing network partner, following an extensive agency review initiated in December 2020.
WPP emerged victorious in that initial pitch, triumphing over Publicis Groupe.
To effectively manage the vast account, WPP established a dedicated team known as OpenX.
This bespoke unit was specifically designed to implement a novel, integrated agency model, prioritising a consumer-centric approach, eliminating traditional silos, and leveraging data-driven insights to inform marketing strategies.
OpenX is responsible for managing Coca-Cola’s entire portfolio, estimated to be worth around $4 billion.
Its remit covers a comprehensive range of services, from creative and media to data and marketing technology.
Coca-Cola’s Global Chief Marketing Officer, Manolo Arroyo, praised OpenX for building the industry’s first open-source marketing model and for its use of AI and tools like Studio X.
Since its inception in 2021, OpenX has overseen over 200 Coca-Cola brands across five primary categories.
Initially, WPP’s involvement encompassed media, creative, social, and production. In its second year, this role expanded significantly to include commerce, data, technology, influencer marketing, and live events.
Historically, WPP managed approximately 90% of Coca-Cola’s global media business, with some exceptions in markets such as Japan and Korea, where Dentsu handled media operations.
The newly renewed partnership between Coca-Cola and WPP continues this extensive coverage, now explicitly excluding the North American region, where Publicis Groupe currently manages Coca-Cola’s media business.
The renewal was confirmed by Coca-Cola’s Global Chief Marketing Officer, Manolo Arroyo, via a LinkedIn post.
He lauded OpenX for its pioneering work in “building the industry’s first open-source marketing model and for its use of AI and tools like Studio X,” adding that OpenX had significantly bolstered Coca-Cola’s global marketing capabilities.
This partnership renewal is particularly timely for WPP, which recently navigated a challenging quarter marked by lower revenues and a decline in creative agency earnings.
The substantial value of the Coca-Cola account is anticipated to provide a robust financial uplift for WPP.
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Furthermore, it is seen as a significant morale boost, poised to rebuild confidence among its employees, shareholders, and clients.
