J Walter Thompson Perth makes a flying start to 2017 with new client Murdoch University

J. Walter Thompson has commenced work as lead creative agency for Murdoch University after picking up the account in a competitive pitch at the end of last year.

“The pitch process was thorough andinvolved a number of local agencies, and we are delighted to be given the responsibility to help grow the University’s profile and well-deserved market share,” said Perth General Manager, Doni Savvides.

Murdoch University Marketing Chief, Neil Cullingford, said they were happy to be working with the J. Walter Thompson team.

“The pitch process was highly competitive, but J. Walter Thompson’s strategic insights and creative response to the brief were exceptional.”

J. Walter Thompson Perth’s Associate Planning Director, Meredith Simpson, said: “The university category has become increasingly competitive, making consumer indifference a key challenge for marketers. We’re very excited to be working with Murdoch University to tackle this challenge head on and strengthen the brand’s profile, both locally and abroad.”

The move to JWT ends Murdoch’s long association with Meerkats. Chief Creative Officer Martin Beecroft said the agency didn’t participate in the pitch but was proud of the work they had done on the brand.

“Murdoch University and Meerkats began working together in 2006 when we got together to produce a new motivating brand idea. That led to the launch of Discoverers Welcome and subsequently a great working partnership for many years. We’re really proud of the work created and how the MBI served them so well right across the University. We decided last year not to re-pitch when it became apparent that our strategic vision for the university differed to that of the new marketing team. But of-course we love their true purpose and we’re still very interested in seeing how they evolve this year.”