News Briefs
BRITNEY SPEARS’: TV ads for her second fragrance from Elizabeth Arden, fantasy, will premiere exclusively on AOL today, the day the fragrance launches nationwide at retail and her Web site, Fantasybritneyspears.com goes live. The commercial’s TV debut will be on MTV’s Total Request Live on Sept. 16 at 5 pm.
UNILEVER: Greenwich, CT, named AMP Agency as its African-American promotional agency of record for AXE men’s grooming brand. AMP will help set promotion strategy and will support current marketing efforts targeting African-American teens and men.
QUAKER: Chicago, is using street teams to sample new Quaker Weight Control Instant Oatmeal in New York and Chicago. Teams include a woman chained to a scale (an image borrowed from Quaker’s print ads) a guitarist playing Willie Nelson’s Always on My Mind. Do It Outdoors, York, PA, handles sampling; Element 79, Chicago, is lead agency on the launch. Weight Control Instant Oatmeal rolled out nationally this month; it has 25% more whole grains, fiber and protein that regular instant oatmeal to help people feel full. Two flavors, Cinnamon and Banana Bread, sell for $3.69 for a box of eight single-serve packets.
NINTENDO: has promoted Kevan Wilson to VP-sales, effective Jan. 2, 2006. In his new role, Wilson, an 11-year-veteran who currently works as senior director of sales, will oversee and establish the strategic direction for the Nintendo of America sales department. Wilson replaces Randy Peretzman, who will retire Dec. 31 after 20 years.
HIT ENTERTAINMENT: has appointed Peter Byrne as executive VP-international licensing, merchandising and home entertainment. The appointment went into effect today. In his new role, Byrne will work to expand the existing consumer products and home entertainment businesses for HIT’s classic preschool brands, including Bob the Builder, Thomas & Friends and Barney, and launch new content across all major international territories. Byrne is based on the company’s London office and reports to CEO Bruce Steinberg.
