by Herman Manson (@marklives) Wimpy has confirmed that it’s “terminating its relationship” with advertising agency, The Odd Number.
“MMS and McDonald’s have alleged that certain of our staff members used confidential information and transgressed copyright in relation to a Wimpy advert,” reads a statement by Xola Nouse, co-founder and MD at The Odd Number. “This is the subject of a dispute. The allegations are unfortunate. We are engaged in ongoing discussions with Wimpy and McDonalds to resolve the matter.” Nouse declined any further comment.
No comment
Wimpy wouldn’t comment on its reasons for terminating the relationship, citing legal processes. It wouldn’t confirm whether the account will be going out to pitch again, or if a new agency partner has already been selected.
“The Odd Number is an excellent agency and we have been impressed with their work and method of engagement,” says Jacques Cronje, Wimpy marketing executive, in an apparent attempt to soften the blow dismissing an agency only several months into its contract. “On behalf of everyone at Wimpy, I’d like to wish the team at The Odd Number all the best for the future. I have no doubt they will continue to produce compelling work for their clients.”
The Odd Number won the account in May 2018 — following a five-way pitch that included then incumbent agency FCB Africa, King James II, Grey South Africa and Net#work BBDO — to become lead agency for Wimpy. The Odd Number, launched in 2015 by Xola Nouse and Sibusiso Sitole, was named MarkLives’ South African agency to watch in 2018. Co-founder Sitole was named as MarkLives’ most-admired creative leader in Jozi for 2017.
Herman Manson (@marklives) is the founder and editor of MarkLives.com.
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