FBD Insurance has retained The Public House to handle its creative and strategic account after the insurer decided against holding a competitive pitch. The three-year renewal will extend the partnership, which began in 2019, to a full decade. The Public House produces the insurer’s advertising and has previously won a Bronze Effie Award for the work.
Partnership extends to ten years
Agency relationships rarely survive seven years in the current market, but The Public House’s managing director Kerrie Sweeney said the client’s choice to continue was a significant milestone. She noted that the team has focused on producing insurance advertising that people actually want to watch, remember, and discuss.
The Public House’s leadership believes the best work is still ahead of them, despite celebrating industry recognition in the past. The insurer’s head of marketing, Sharon Treanor, confirmed that the renewal reflects the strong relationship built over several years. She stated that the collaboration is set to deepen customer engagement and support long-term business ambitions.
Marketers often mistake brand evolution for the need for fresh agency blood, yet continuity can be a strategic advantage. When a client retains a partner who has handled multiple market cycles together, that agency understands the brand’s history and the specific nuances of its audience. This trust allows for bolder creative risks that might be too unstable for a new relationship, providing a stable foundation for sustained growth.
Mercedes-Benz returns to ‘The Traitors’ Ireland
Mercedes-Benz Ireland will return as the official car partner for the second series of the RTÉ reality show The Traitors Ireland. The partnership was brokered by Core Sponsorship and will see the vehicles appear in every episode of the upcoming season. Six graphite grey Mercedes-Benz GLC SUVs were used during production at Slane Castle in Co Meath to transport contestants.
Alex Culligan, head of media sponsorship at Core Sponsorship, described the integration of the GLC into the show as a natural fit. The sponsorship aims to create a distinctive presence that feels authentic to both the brand and the viewing experience.
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WPP Media leadership transition
Ken Nolan has been appointed interim CEO of WPP Media in Ireland, replacing Bill Kinlay who is stepping down after being diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease. Kinlay has led WPP Media Ireland, formerly EssenceMediacom Ireland, for 27 years, and in announcing the news the company praised his humanity, integrity and quiet strength.
He will step down at the end of August, with chief operating officer Nolan due to take the helm. In a statement to staff, Kinlay expressed deep gratitude for his 39-year career with the company, noting that it holds a special place in his heart. He acknowledged the challenges of his diagnosis while emphasizing a desire to enjoy the time remaining with his family.
Stripe appoints communications lead
Ella Tubridy has joined Stripe as the payments company’s communications lead in Ireland. Tubridy previously worked for 150Bond as a senior account executive before moving to London to work as an account manager for Goals House.
She shared her excitement about reconnecting with Irish talent and organizations on LinkedIn, stating her intent to help tell their stories with Stripe. Tubridy brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles in account management and communications to her new position at the global payments infrastructure company.
Disney and TikTok strike IP deal
Disney has agreed a content-sharing deal with TikTok to allow its intellectual property to be used in short-form videos on the popular platform. Under the agreement, TikTok users will be able to feature the likeness of characters from Disney, Pixel, Marvel, Star Wars and other brands.
The agreement will be piloted in the US in the coming months with the intention of being expanded to other markets in future. Some of the content created under the deal will be featured on the Disney+ Verts platform, which is being launched in the US.
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