Nedbank Hires Publicis Groupe as its Digital Creative and Media Partners for 2021

Leading financial services power-house in South Africa, Nedbank has announced its appointment of Publicis Groupe as its digital creative and media partners for 2021. The agreement sees Digitas Liquorice continuing and expanding its long-standing relationship with Nedbank as the group's digital creative agency, while Publicis Media comes on board as the bank's digital media agency. 

According to Khensani Nobanda, Nedbank's group executive for marketing and corporate affairs, the selection involved a lengthy and intensive search process.

"Given Nedbank's concerted focus on being first in digital, we certainly didn't take the appointment of our digital agency partner lightly," Nobanda says.

"The process was extremely exhaustive and included elements such as a comprehensive technology audit to ensure a future-fit partner with the necessary digital capabilities and resources, as well as an in-depth chemistry assessment stage where Nedbank team members immersed themselves with shortlisted agencies to ensure the required chemistry and fit," says Nobanda.

A final presentation stage saw Publicis Groupe and two other shortlisted contenders competing in the context of the Nedbank Cup 2021 sponsorship property. Nobanda says that here, in particular, the Publicis Groupe stood out from their competition.

"We were not only very impressed with the expertise and capabilities of Publicis Groupe," Nobanda says, "but also recognise that the group's 'Power of One' philosophy and approach is an excellent fit with our digital strategy."

"Having joined the Publicis Groupe in February this year, it has been an incredibly fulfilling journey working with Nedbank. We are thrilled with the appointment and look forward to harnessing the capabilities and expertise across our group through our 'Power of One' philosophy and approach," says Eunéne Levine, managing director for Digitas Liquorice Johannesburg.

Kate Carlisle-Kitz, VP for Publicis Media South Africa, says, "We are exhilarated by the appointment, as it reinforces the growing need for creative and media collaboration and demonstrates our ability to deliver a unified trailblazing offering."

"We look forward to working hand in hand with our Publicis family and building a formidable partnership with our new client, Nedbank," adds Carlisle-Kitz.

Nobanda says that the appointment of Publicis Groupe to both the digital creative and media responsibilities also gives Nedbank the opportunity to consolidate all its digital marketing efforts and ensure total alignment between these two vital roles and Nedbank's digital ambitions and strategy.

"We are confident that this partnership will unlock extensive benefits for Nedbank," Nobanda concludes, "not least the highest quality strategic thinking and creative delivery that will support Nedbank’s significant digital leadership aspirations."