Bristol agency Armadillo has fired a warning shot over the bows of the big London agencies by beating all-comers – including Lida – to land the CRM account for Carnival brands P&O Cruises and Cunard following a competitive pitch.
Lida has held the account since August 2015, when it took over the business from MRM McCann.
The appointment – for a three-year contract – will see Armadillo deliver CRM and data strategy for both travel brands.
P&O Cruises senior vice president Paul Ludlow said: “CRM is a crucial communication tool for our business and will become more important and effective as we work to tailor the experiences and preferences of our guests across all channel touch-points. Armadillo has been brought on board to deliver this for us: their knowledge and expertise was very impressive.”
The agency has boosted its senior team over the past few months after securing a management buyout last February, in which it targeted 100% growth over the next five years.
In November, former Google and Amazon advisor Ann Hiatt became a non-executive director to advise the business on the next stages of its expansion plan.
Meanwhile, former Havas Helia planning director Fiona Craig joined as strategy director, Adestra head of digital design Rob Pellow became digital experience director and ex-TMW and Kitcatt Nohr chief Steve Jefferys took up the role of client services director.
Jefferys said: “We’re thrilled to have been chosen to work with one of the UK’s leading holiday brands. We’re looking forward to delivering cutting edge CRM to help power their growth.”
Armadillo’s clients include McDonald’s, hotels.com and Disney.
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P&O and Cunard sail into Lida