Publicis scoops £8m Royal Mail DM

Royal Mail has handed its DM account – worth an estimated £8m – to Publicis Chemistry, in a move which reunites MarketReach head Jonathan Harman with his old boss, Publicis chairman and chief exec Nigel Jones.
The duo first worked together at Claydon Heeley Jones Mason, where Harman (pictured) was managing director. Harman went on to work at RMG Connect (now JWT) and Carlson Marketing (now Aimia).
He joined MarketReach in October last year and it is understood was one of the main instigators of the review, which also covers Parcelforce Worldwide, MarketReach and Royal Mail Letters. Jones has been at Publicis since 2008.
The incumbent Proximity declined to pitch for the DM account, after it was re-appointed to the Royal Mail Group and Royal Mail digital accounts at the end of last year.
A Royal Mail spokesman said: “Royal Mail Group has awarded a framework contract for strategic direct marketing services to Publicis Chemistry following a competitive tendering process.
“Following the appointment, Publicis Chemistry will provide all direct marketing services, including advertising, creative, design and sales promotion, for all of Royal Mail Group’s range of services.
“The appointment does not affect Beta’s relationship with Royal Mail as its integrated creative agency.”
Nigel Jones said: “Royal Mail Group is one of the leading delivery and media businesses in the world. It has huge ambitions across all of its divisions and we look forward to being an active part of that future.”
Publicis Chemistry chief executive Mike Welsh said: “Our appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Royal Mail Group and we have an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for their business.”
The agency’s initial activity will include advertising the MarketReach service, which launched last year and provides companies with mail solutions to grow their businesses.