Sales Lead: Xponential Fitness recently selected VaynerMedia as its global creative and media AOR, effective October 1, 2023. The agency's CEO, Gary Vaynerchuk, will lead all Xponential brands' marketing strategy. VaynerMedia will handle creative, strategic, and media services to fuel the next phase of Xponential's growth. The agency will initially lead the development and execution of an insights-driven, comprehensive marketing and content brand to fuel brand awareness, reach a wid...

Sales lead: This project will likely lead to higher ad spending & possibly agency reviews.  JCPenney (JCP) announced a $1b reinvestment plan to improve the customer experience and operations.  It will completely renovate about 100 stores while some will need only a light refresh.  JCP will also update its website and mobile app with new features such as an improved search function, product details, customized styling recommendations, and customer reviews,  Additional funds will go...

Media Sales Lead: Muscle Milk (MM) just announced it will launch its first plant-based products in December. The new offering is called Muscle Milk Plant Protein Shakes and includes 30 grams of plant-based protein, all nine Essential Amino Acids, 3-4 grams of sugar, 170-180 calories, and vitamin B12 and iron. The ready-to-drink beverages will come in Caramel Vanilla and Chocolate. MM's DMs believe this will help it attract more consumers.  Key Lead Takeaways: I advise reaching out now to s...

Sales lead: This appointment will affect the company's marketing strategy & agency roster.  Highmark Health (HH) just named TruTH its media AOR. TruTH will handle linear, social, digital, print, and experiential media buying/planning.  This replaces Assembly, which picked up the account in 2015.  Target demographic: Gen-Xers & boomers The company will likely: Revise media strategy Review other agency relationships  Ramp ad spend back up Digital and social insi...

Sales lead: Start reaching out now to help this brand promote its new product.  Gatorade is launching Gatorade Water early next year. The beverage is electrolyte-infused and is alkaline with a pH of 7.5 or higher.  Since 2021, Gatorade has launched Gatorlyte, Gatorade Recovery Gummies, and a caffeinated drink.  We told you about Gatorade's new CBO in May.  Target demographic: Gen-Z & millennial men The brand will likely: Ramp up promotional activity Increase ad spe...

Sales Lead: In a recent earnings call, Victoria's Secret (VS) execs detailed that the brand will soon be the two largest marketing initiatives in which VS has invested since going public. The first upcoming effort, Victoria's Secret World Tour, will stream in late September. The effort will include elements of fashion events and documentary. A celebrity influencer, award-winning artist Doja Cat, will headline the Tour. The intimates retailer will also launch the Icon...

Sales Lead: Zeiss Group just tapped 50,000 Feet to debut an integrated national campaign. The new work will promote Zeiss's new product line, Warm Eye Masks. Hopefully, the agency will do a Neiss job. The company will likely: Continue ramping up spend Seek additional new agency partners Target demographic:  Business DMs in the healthcare field Additional spending insights: Broadcast insights (TV ad creative spend, effectiveness, impressions, an...

Sales Lead: Molson Coors (MC)'s Crispin Cider brand recently established a licensing agreement with Minneapolis Cider Company (MCC), which will allow the brand to make a comeback. Crispin will relaunch in October 2023 with three flavors. The bring will bring back its 5% ABV Crispin Original, introduce 8% ABV Crispin Imperial, and debut 8% ABV Crispin Mango. The products will roll out regionally at first across retailers in ND, SD, MI, and WI. Starting in October, though, C...

Sales Lead: Kodiak Cakes SharkNinja recently established a partnership with Finn Partners's Consumer Lifstyle and Sports (CLS) division. The agency will now handle PR services including communications strategy, innovative product launches, and brand visibility. Additionally, Finn will pursue new celebrity, athlete, and brand ambassador collaborations. I suggested additional agency appointments would follow Kodiak's other recent agency shifts and leadership shifts. The company will...

Sales lead: This looks like a great time to offer ad space & agency services.  Explore Asheville (EA) named Dodie Stephens marketing VP, effective October 2nd, 2023. This is Stephens' second stint with EA as she served as communications director from 2014 to 2022.  Stephens spent the past year as marketing VP of Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks Realtors.  In her new role, Stephens is responsible for marketing, PR, and content.  Target demographic: Gen-Xers with a female skew The c...