Etihad appoints Cheil as global digital, social media agency

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has appointed Cheil Network to handle its global digital and social marketing activities, following a competitive pitch process held last month.

Cheil is now responsible for delivering Etihad Airways’ strategy and creative in all digital and social channels. The agency will also support Etihad Airways with performance-based marketing, analytics and reporting.

Etihad Airways will be served by Cheil’s global network of specialisms, with its digital specialists, The Barbarian Group, taking primary responsibility for driving best-in-class digital and social marketing for the airline.

Etihad Airways Senior Vice President Marketing Shane O’Hare said, “Digital is at the core of our marketing and Cheil’s strong global team demonstrated a perfect blend of creative ambition and strategic thinking, with ideas that reflected our brand values and personality. They will also bring a high level of sophistication to our performance marketing through their analytical skills and understanding of the latest industry technology. That makes them the right agency partner for the next phase of Etihad Airways’ growth.”

Cheil Global Vice President Lotta Malm Hallqvist said, “We want to work with innovative brands that are poised for global growth in the next decade. Etihad Airways is one of those brands. We look forward to elevating the airline to be the top digital and social brand in its category by delivering strategically informed, inspirational creative work.”

Cheil Worldwide is a global creative network headquartered in South Korea. It operates 47 offices in 40 countries across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.