Tempo moves business from ZenithOptimedia to PHD in Hong Kong

PHD is once again media agency-of-record for Tempo, this time without a pitch, according to sources.

ZenithOptimedia was the incumbent in Hong Kong, along with 45 other markets in a globally aligned win, but handled local strategy, planning and buying only through 2014.

Sources close to the client said that Aileen Ho, marketing director of Tempo for North Asia for the past seven years, reportedly had some say in the domestic decision.

The change follows the acquisition of SCA Group's hygiene products in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau by Vinda Paper, a move that shareholders approved in September last year.

A ZenithOptimedia source attributed the account loss to changes brought about by the client-side acquisition. Separately, the agency's Hong Kong managing director, Florence Wong, left at the end of December last year to join New Media Group.

According to AdmanGo data, Tempo's total adspend for 2014 added up to HK$57.2 million (US$7.3 million) across all media types (TV, newspapers, magazines, interactive, mobile, radio, MTR, wall signage, tram shelters, in-store promotions, airport, railway, bus bodies, and Focus Media screens).