IPG Mediabrands Philippines gains RECMA top ranking

IPG Mediabrands the global media arm of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG), topped the agency rankings for the latest RECMA Qualitative Evaluation Report. The agency, which includes UM Philippines and the newly launched Initiative Philippines, has gained 20 points in 2 years – a world record – reaching the high profile status and top ranking. According to the media agency qualitative evaluation in the recent RECMA Philippines Domestic Report, IPG Mediabrands has been ranked as the number one agency in the country. It is one of only two agencies to achieve the ‘High’ ranking status across all criteria. The agency was evaluated for its activity volume, client portfolio, new business balance, vitality, and agency structure. IPG Mediabrands agency UM Philippines has enjoyed a standout year winning 10 major client pitches including Coca-Cola, Del Monte, Union Bank, Megaworld (Digital) and Fine Hygienics Digital. Initiative Philippines was launched in mid-2017 and has al- ready seen major success; winning client pitches for Reckitt Benckiser, Mead Johnson, PT Mayora (Le Minerale), PRU Life UK and LEGO. Since entering the market in 2015 IPG Mediabrands have demonstrated consistent growth, expanding their remit with the launch of multiple new divisions including the Marketing Sci- ences/Business Analytics centre of excellence, Ensemble the content marketing and activation agency, Cadreon the ad-tech specialist unit, Rapport the out-ofhome (OOH) media buying and planning agency, Initiative the cultural branding agency, and most recently the full service digital and content marketing agency Reprise. Not surprising with the protracted growth, their talent base has increased by more than 1200%. Venus Navalta, CEO of IPG Mediabrands Philippines commented; “When Mediabrands entered the Philippines market in 2015, its young leadership team envisioned a forward thinking marketing communications agency that provides innovative solutions to all of its clients’ business challenges. It was a lofty ambition for a small newbie who was struggling to get invited to pitches. But bravery is in our DNA and we forged ahead, pioneering differentiated and better business approaches, discover- ing new opportunities beyond our immediate industry that transported us to pole position in just three years. Our story is just in its first chapter. It’s very gratifying to see the momentum we have achieved in market acknowledged by the latest RECMA evaluation report, and there is more growth potential still to be unleashed.” Reena Francisco, Managing Director of UM Philippines added; “When I accepted the role as Managing Director of UM Philippines in 2016, I was given the daunting task to restore UM Philippines’ leadership position. With a clear and united vision, we set about implementing our strategy of ‘better’. Being better has now become UM’s distinct advantage over other media agencies.”