RED Havas is now the agency of record for oral rehydration product maker Hydralyte (pictured).

The new deal will involve development of media and influencer relations to bolster Hydralyte’s product line as a credible rehydration solution.

Havas Boulevard is also tapped to overhaul the official Hydralyte website for better user functionality. 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Hydralyte into our portfolio. It’s a fantastic brand with big ambitions and a desire to make a difference in people’s everyday lives through the power of hydration. We are looking forward to championing their brand narrative in the coming months and ensure they become a meaningful brand in supporting consumer health,” said RED Havas healthcare practice head Sue Cook.

WPP AUNZ has successfully finished the unification of digital marketing and media consultancy Switched On and innovation and experience design agency AKQA (pictured).

The merger calls for the Switched On brand name to be retired, and its staff integrated into the AKQA organizational structure, with their previous responsibilities intact. 

As a result, Switched On MD Chris Hitchcock will be AKQA’s new managing director for media, with WPP APAC managing partner Brian Vella as his immediate superior. 

“In line with our new strategy, the combined capabilities of these teams truly provide the ability to craft experiences that are transformative, distinctive, and tuned to ROI. They also represent WPP AUNZ’s focus on providing expertise across the key areas of commerce, experience and technology, backed by the best of data, creativity and innovation. We’re excited to see the final stage of this merger come to fruition and look forward to AKQA’s conti

Tourism NT is beginning FY21 with a strong PR effort from several agencies.

Mumbrella reported that the state body retained Access PR’s services to prepare the local tourism industry for new activities as borders are being reopened on 17 July.

Access PR has been on the Tourism NT account since 2017, but the organisation is putting it alongside new entries Mango Communications, PEPR Agency, and Edelman Australia. 

“To maximise the broadest range of talents differing agencies have to offer we have created this panel to service Tourism NT’s PR activity so it aligns with our wider-ranging marketing activity, enhances the NT brand, destination positioning, breaks down perceived barriers and creates a sense of urgency to visit. We look forward to working with them all and spreading the message that holidays to the Northern Territory are truly ‘Different’ in every sense,” said Tourism NT EGM for marketing Tony Quarmby.

The PR agency listing comes a

Lauren Hunt is now part of the Clemenger PR organisation as its senior business director.

She will be tasked with business development duties for Clemenger PR, reporting to company head Nick Zonnios.

Hunt came over from WPP agency Hill+Knowlton, where she served for two years on clients such as a leading Japanese automaker, a prominent American fast food chain, and a major digital music platform.

“It’s an absolute privilege being a part of the Clemenger PR team. Working with a group that has creativity as its core is an exciting opportunity for earned media, and I look forward to leading existing and new clients to do great work in this space,” said Hunt.

Follow Hunt on LinkedIn.

Polkadot Communications has won ANZ representation for American health supplements maker Isagenix. 

The new deal will see Polkadot handle Isagenix’s PR, product marketing, content creation, influencer engagement, and corporate communications. 

Founded in 2002, Isagenix offers health and wellness products such as powdered weight-loss drinks, protein snack bars, and aromatherapy oils. 

“We appreciate how challenging the past three months have been in our industry, so we are absolutely thrilled to partner with Isagenix. Our partnership also comes at such a relevant time when people have become more aware of the importance of their overall health and wellbeing since being in lockdown,” said Polkadot Communications GM Anna MacIntosh. 

“We see this as an opportunity to support the Isagenix community and guide consumers that may be looking to make a change in their lifestyle. We are excited to be working with the Isagenix team and to help the br

Agent99 is off to the races in FY21 with new and retained clients on the roster.

On the consumer food/beverage and lifestyle front, the agency has signed up with Tribe Breweries, aiding the company with media and influencer support for the Australian launch of American beer brand Pabst Blue Ribbon. Pabst Blue Ribbon is currently on a limited-edition promo of its 99-can packs. 

The client retentions are plentiful.

GAP Drinks is tapping Agent99 once more to organise the launch of Greenall’s liquor line for the winter season, with media relations and influencer marketing prepared. Both sides did business during the summer holidays promoting Greenall’s Wild Berry Pink Gin.

Stationery and diary brand Collins Debden has signed on to a third year with Agent99. The work will involve PR and marketing for a new lifestyle product range over the second half of 2020. 

On the B2B front, property expert Lloyd Edge is committing to long-term representation with Agent99. The

VMLY&R Melbourne has joined forces with OzFish Unlimited on a new campaign for fish habitat restoration.

The campaign aims to tap Australia’s recreational fishing community in repairing habitats, as well as attract new OzFish members.

Fishing World magazine is joining the effort by putting one of the campaign images on the cover of its July 2020 issue (pictured). OzFish partner firm BCF will promote the campaign at its branches.

“Fishing is one of Australia’s most popular recreational pastimes. But over the past few decades, fish stocks have dwindled due to human and environmental impact on their habitats. As someone who’s just spent a week fishing on the Aire River, getting a photo with your catch is almost as important as landing the fish itself. It’s why Australia’s fishing bible, Fishing World, has used these types of photos on their covers for more than 50 years. We love that we get to flip this truth and at the same time, breathe new lif