Agency Spy

well i’m holding the advertising company responsible for that whole problem…”

Well OK…maybe not — but we have yet another review going down…

“Wachovia Puts $145 Million Account in Review”

To the Ad Age release:

“Wachovia Corp. has placed its $145 million creative and media account — currently handled by Mullen and Carat, respectively — into review, the financial-services marketer said.

Charlotte, N.C.-based Wachovia is in the process of identifying a search consultant to oversee the agency review. At Wachovia, Art Smith, who joined as director of global brand marketing in December, will lead the review, a company spokeswoman said.

Wachovia, which is the fourth-largest bank-holding company in the U.S. based on assets ($782.9 billion as of December 2007), spent $145 million on U.S. measured media in 2007, according to TNS Media Intelligence. The marketer has had its creative account at Interpublic Group of Cos.’ Mullen, Winston-Salem, N.C., since 2001 and its media account at Aegis Media network Carat, Boston, since 2003, the spokeswoman said.”

The typical case — relatively new guy comes in and has to put his/her stamp on the justification for being there drawing salary. Maybe some of the Mullen/Carat readers might want to chime in on some dirt or what it is like to work on the account? Do we want to start laying bets on how many agencies will make the first round cut? 8? 12? 16?

It is Friday afternoon and all — we all know everyone who works in advertising — well their brains shut off/pickle at lunch and take to flights of fancy — i.e. — we are all doing fuck all — so drop a note and let us know what you think — all the other cool kids are doing it!