Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has moved its $1bn US media business into Interpublic’s J3, a division dedicated to J&J activity.
The consumer goods and healthcare company is consolidating its planning and buying into the unit, set up within IPG Mediabrands agency UM in 2007.
J&J last put its media up for pitch in 2013, splitting the media-buying portion into OMD, with J3 handling planning. However, earlier this year it opted to join the rush of global advertisers re-evaluating global media arrangements.
The company said in a statement: “In order to adapt to and exceed expectations, Johnson & Johnson continually evaluates the resources required to meet consumer and customer needs and support growth opportunities for our brands.
“After careful consideration, we have decided to reintegrate our US media buying with J3 for our Consumer, Pharmaceutical and Medical Device brands. Omnicom and OMD remain important partners for us around the world, delivering outstanding work that drives our business.”
OMD handles the majority of J&J’s media in the Asia Pacific and Latin America regions.
J&J’s president of global marketing services Vineet Mehra was chair of the judges for this year’s M&M Global Awards.
Speaking earlier this year, Mehra gave an insight into J&J’s evolving approach to media: “For me it’s all about connecting really great innovation and approaches and connecting the media channel selection with where the consumer is going find that specific message most relevant.”
