DAN agencies awarded creative remits for Manulife

Dentsu Aegis Network agencies McGarrybowen and Isobar have been selected to provide creative services for Manulife in Hong Kong, Japan and China, following a pitch, Campaign has learned.

When contacted, Dentsu Aegis Network and Manulife confirmed that Mcgarrybowen has been retained to handle full-service creative duties in Hong Kong and China, while the insurer is handing all creative in Japan to Isobar Japan.

The pitch began in late 2017. Campaign had reported in January that the brand was looking to consolidate its APAC roster. A release provided to Campaign mentions a 'regional panel' for creative services; Campaign has reached out to Manulife for further clarification about other markets.

"Our criteria was clear: Find the best agency who will partner with us as we transform our business to become a digital, customer-centric leader," Francesco Lagutaine, chief marketing and experience design officer at Manulife Asia, said in the statement. "We were impressed by Dentsu Aegis Network's approach to understanding customers in the development of their campaigns and look forward to partnering with them in our ambitious transformation." 

Nick Waters, CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network Asia Pacific, said the win is "great example of our unique collaborative operating model, bringing Mcgarrybowen and Isobar together".