Saudi Telecom Company (STC) has retained J Walter Thompson (JWT) Saudi Arabia for the Consumer Business Unit (CBU) account and additionally awarded the operator’s Corporate Account, after a rigorous selection process.

STC launched an exhaustive communication pitch process in order to identify a communications partner that would support the telco operator on its transformative journey from the #1 brand in Saudi Arabia to the most future ready telecommunications company in the Mena region, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

Commenting on the CBU contract award, Ahmed Alsahhaf, general manager, Consumer Marketing Communication at STC said: “JWT’s deep knowledge of the CBU, passion for and understanding of the market, elevated their proposed strategic direction for STC and the transformational journey ahead of us.”

Mohammed Abaalkheil, general manager, Corporate Communications at STC said: “We believe that our approach in having a unified agency, especially with JWT with whom we have had an extensive relationship, will allow consolidation of our communications efforts and hence maximize our return on communications investments. This will enable us to build on proper messages that would help on consistency, serving both the brand and clarity to our consumers.”

The consolidation of STC business with JWT that will serve the CBU and Corporate Communications is a three year contract.

Camille Haddad, CEO of J Walter Thompson KSA and Levant, added: “Our initial partnership with STC began in 2007 and we love the brand. Together over the last 11 years, we’ve changed the brandscape for telcos in the region.

“Coming into the tender process, we didn’t view ourselves as incumbents. We fought this defensive pitch with determination, rigour and vigour, reimagining the future of the STC brand from every angle to arrive at a strategy that will keep STC in pole position and of utmost relevance and loyalty to existing and new stakeholders. We are extremely proud to be continuing our partnership on this brave, iconic, made-in-Saudi brand.” – TradeArabia News Service