Publicis Thailand scoops Gudang Garam's Surya 16

The eight-agency pitch involved JWT, Ogilvy, Advantage, AdCentric, Coleman Handoko and incumbent McCann Erickson.

Gudang Garam is one of the leading cigarette manufacturers, well known as a high quality kretek cigarette producer, and Surya 16 is the most successful filter cigarette in its class. Business is valued at up to US$18 million.

"After reviewing all of the proposals carefully, we have decided to choose Publicis Thailand as our creative agency/ marketing partner for Surya 16," said Pongky Puranto, Surya 16 brand manager.

"The judgment was based on the proposed strategy and creative communications and we also believe that Publicis can help us strengthen and sharpen our Surya 16 communications in the longer run."

"It's a truly exciting win," said Publicis CEO Mark Ingrouille. "Our team has been flying up and down to Jakarta regularly recently and the win includes input from both our Bangkok and Jakarta offices. A huge thanks to the client and a big thanks to Somyot Chairat, our managing director in Bangkok who lead this pitch - and to Matt Wiggers who heads our Jakarta office."