JWT to Head Up "Team Mazda" in Canada

Team Mazda Takes Over as New Agency of Record October 15^th

RICHMOND HILL, ON, Oct. 14 /CNW/ - Mazda Canada today announced J. Walter Thompson (JWT) will head up the Canadian arm of "Team Mazda," the group of WPP marketing agencies that will comprise Mazda Canada's new agency of record. The announcement comes after a comprehensive agency review and the subsequent selection of JWT's parent company, WPP Group plc, as Mazda North American Operations' full-service marketing-communications partner.

Commencing October 15, 2010, Tony Pigott, president and CEO of JWT Canada, will lead Team Mazda in Canada, overseeing the day-to-day account management of Mazda Canada. Through its offices in Toronto, Montréal and Vancouver, JWT will handle all of the creative, CRM, digital and collateral communications across Canada. In addition to JWT, Team Mazda will also include Excelerator Media for national media planning, buying and research.

"We're in a new era of marketing that is continually changing and evolving," said Don Romano, president of Mazda Canada. "Team Mazda will leverage the best of WPP's multitude of marketing and media specialties for a more integrated approach to our marketing-communications, and we're confident they will help us take the Mazda brand to the next level."

"Mazda is an extraordinary brand with great momentum and a special connection to Canadians. It is an enormous privilege to partner with Mazda Canada and help further build their business, their brand and their unique rapport with drivers across the country," said Tony Pigott, president and CEO of JWT Canada.

JWT Canada's list of clients includes Johnson & Johnson, Kraft, Nestle, Canada Bread, Canon Canada, Sick Kids, ParticipACTION, Tim Hortons and Walmart.

Mazda Canada is a top 20 advertiser in Canada, with over $40 million in annual media and production spend.

About Mazda Canada

Mazda Canada Inc. is responsible for the sales and marketing, customer service and parts support of Mazda vehicles in Canada. Headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Mazda Canada has a nationwide network of 168 dealerships. For additional information visit Mazda Canada's media website at www.media.mazda.ca

About JWT Canada

JWT Canada, celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, is Canada's oldest advertising agency brand, and is part of the 4th largest full-service network in the world. As the Cassies most awarded Agency, JWT Canada excels at creating ideas that Canadians want to spend time with - consistently delivering unprecedented results on famous brands.  JWT Canada's parent company is WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY).  

For further information:

Gregory Young, Director, Corporate Public Relations
[phone]; [email protected]