Report: Intel Cuts Incumbent Havas From Review

It looks like Intel’s $300 million advertising account, including interactive duties, will be snatched out of incumbent Havas’ hands. According to an Adweek report citing unnamed sources, Havas and Publicis Group have been dropped from the ongoing global ad account review. Euro RSCG and sister agency Media Planning Group have long handled the Intel account, including interactive work.

Representatives of Euro RSCG denied the agency had been cut from consideration, saying Intel had agreed to let it make a final presentation. An Intel spokesperson said its policy is to refrain from discussing the review.

The report said units of Interpublic Group (IPG), Omnicom Group and WPP Group are still in the running. Interpublic’s interactive units include R/GA, TM Interactive, Zentropy Partners, DraftDigital and FCB Interactive. Omnicom’s online agencies include Organic, Agency.com and the interactive units of BBDO and DDB Worldwide. WPP Group’s interactive assets include OgilvyInteractive, Wunderman, digital@JWT and Outrider.

Intel hired Eric Kim to head sales and marketing in September, after the review was reportedly underway. He previously worked at Samsung, which recently switched its own allegiances to WPP Group.