Heineken splits with Wieden+Kennedy

The brewing giant has worked with Wieden + Kennedy since 2010. The agency's Amsterdam, New York and Shanghai offices all created work for the Heineken brand, while Amsterdam handled the global creative account for Desperados. Instead, the global work will be handled by Publicis Worldwide, while local work will be produced by a mix of local agencies.

Jan Derck van Karnebeek, the chief commercial officer at Heineken, said: "After five years this is a good time to go our separate ways. We have enjoyed a strong and effective partnership. Now it is time to move on for both W + K and Heineken."

He added: "We work with multiple agencies on Heineken, to support the world-wide presence of the brand, and also to bring additional creative thinking. Globally we now enjoy a strong relationship with Publicis, while in many markets we are working with local agencies to deliver outstanding and effective local top-spin campaigns.

"We are excited about the future for both Heineken and Desperados. We thank the W + K team for their outstanding work and wish them well." 

Dave Luhr, the president of Wieden+Kennedy, said: "We are very proud of the creative body of work we developed for the Heineken, Heineken Light and Desperados brands. But in this business, change is more of the norm than the exception and it is time that we each go our own directions. 

"We leave with great respect and admiration for Heineken and wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors."

Heineken will receive the Creative Marketer of the Year award at this year's Cannes Lions.