Nokia calls $ 150 m global pitch

Friday, 13 May 2011 01:43 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Nokia is reviewing its global advertising arrangements, putting the incumbent Wieden & Kennedy on high alert.

The mobile phone giant has issued a global RFI to networks with agency sources suggesting Nokia wants ideas from agencies relating to its smart devices. Wieden & Kennedy currently handles the estimated US$150 million account.

The move coincides with news that Nokia has appointed roster agency Fallon to its estimated US$150 million global advertising account for its mobile phone range without a pitch.

Nokia recently created a new company structure with two distinct business units: smart devices and mobile phones and has split its advertising arrangements accordingly.

The company has sent out an RFI regarding its advertising for its smart phone business inviting agencies to compete for the business, which covers above-the-line, digital and retail advertising.

The RFI was sent from the company’s headquarters in Finland to above-the-line agencies and digital shops and submissions are requested by the end of this week. Nokia’s digital advertising is currently split between Isobar and R/GA.

Fallon’s appointment covers all markets Nokia operates in and the agency’s first work for the brand is expected to break later this year.

Fallon was first appointed to a place on Nokia’s roster in April last year when it won a global advertising brief for the brand after a pitch. It marked the first time Nokia had assigned a Nokia-branded advertising brief outside Wieden & Kennedy since it was handed the global creative account in July 2007.

Recent advertising for Nokia’s smart phones division includes a TV ad by Wieden & Kennedy London promoting the new N8 smart phone called ‘Blackpool’ featuring Gary Waite, a blind photographer, taking pictures in Blackpool using the phone.