Papa John’s, the world’s third largest pizza delivery company, has selected Grey as its new national agency of record. Papa John’s announced last November that it had initiated a review. Grey was selected from about 20 agencies that participated in the initial RFP process, including Arnold, Doner and BBDO. Grey replaces Zimmerman Advertising Fort Lauderdale, which did not defend in the review. Zimmerman, however, continues planning and buying for the Pizza chain.
Grey is charged with evolving and freshening Papa John’s TV creative and all campaign communication elements, and integrating digital advertising and social media.
“Papa John’s has a lot of momentum right now throughout the world,” said Tony Thompson, Papa John’s president and chief operations officer. “We are confident Grey will help us capitalize on that momentum by leveraging our quality leadership position to achieve our next phase of growth.”
The brand’s annual media spend totals about $120 million.
“Everyone was very impressed with the Grey team and their in-depth understanding of our brand and the QSR pizza category,” said Bob Kraut, Papa John’s chief marketing officer. “Grey provided keen insights and strategy, which, combined with excellent creative, will help take the Papa John’s brand to the next level. We’re looking forward to working closely with them and welcome them to the Papa John’s team.”
“We are excited to be working with the pizza category’s leader in quality and customer satisfaction, and savor the challenge of elevating an already successful brand,” said Michael Houston, Grey’s CEO North America. “Expectations are very high, but we are confident that with our strategic and creative expertise we will be able to help Papa John’s achieve its next level of growth like we’ve done for a long list of clients.”
