The end of every year is always a time to reflect. This year, which has brought so many challenges but also so many opportunities, seems to inspire even more thought.
There is no easy way to describe the swirl that characterized the marketplace this year. Clients suffered, whole industries imploded. The road to recovery hasn’t been clear. And the human cost has been unprecedented and pervasive.
At the same time, so much is driving our industry forward — new technology, new media, changed consumer values, changed consumer roles in the marketing process. And all of the change — good and bad — has encouraged us to resist the usual to be inventive and aggressive and creative across everything we do.
2009 brought Y&R to Dell. And we are now working all around the world with our sister companies to help this client find the most powerful solutions to Dell’s business challenges.
2009 brought the global consolidation of Virgin Atlantic — a terrific brand that now trusts us with their entire assignment because we have demonstrated our creative excellence all around the world.
The year brought Pirelli back to Y&R — another great brand and once a showcase Y&R client. It’s exciting that they have renewed their confidence in us.
In 2009, we added 20 more markets to our global LG business and have great work moving quickly through the pipeline. This account is not only a triumph of our global network, but a testament to how we have built a global creative community that taps into the best talent for each assignment.
And the strength of our global network is making our Danone water division business in Asia and Latin America a real success.
There are so many examples of how sticking to strategy this year has created new opportunities for us, deeper relationships with our clients, and given us the courage to take creative risks.
In this issue, some examples of great work we’ve done, from developing and producing entertainment properties for Cellular South to great new print from Dubai, a radio event from Y&R Tel Aviv, a clever viral campaign to prove the value of marketing, and lots more.
The year isn't over yet. This is traditionally our busiest, most productive time of year, and I am confident we can make a difference even in these closing weeks of the year.