Having been able to successfully launch some of the biggest Filipino challenger brands, it has gained credibility as one of the most business results-focused ad agencies in the country. This year, Harrison Communications takes innovation and engagement to a whole new level with the appointment of Elaine Meris as its new Managing Director.
Harrison Communications has succeeded in changing the industry landscape with its non-traditional approach to brand building, marketing communications and creative application of new technologies for the past decade. It has launched brands like telecommunications giant Globe, premiere bank Metrobank, car household brand Volkswagen, formidable local food brands, Universal Robina Corporation snacks, Zubochon and Bounty Fresh among others.
Raul Castro, McCann Worldgroup Chairman and CEO said, “Elaine is in-tune with the Pinoy pulse and knows how to navigate Pinoy brands well. She has launched many successful brands under her watch and can bring them into the global arena where it’s more challenging and competitive, making her the best candidate to lead Harrison.”
The agency will focus on expanding by attracting new clients, with special attention to challenger brands who are in search of an agile partner that can match the demands of their business. Meris is expected to lead Harrison to accelerated growth and oversee new account endeavors. Just a few months into the role, Meris has already added new clients to the Harrison portfolio.
“Harrison has always been fearless and playing it safe was never in its DNA. I hope to lead the way in making our clients feel that we know what they need and we have the capabilities and the connections to get this done. We get that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, especially for challenger brands. We have modular solutions that are customized depending on the brand’s business needs. We are fast, we think on our feet and we will deliver.”
“That is half of the equation. The other half requires fostering an environment where relationships are valued. At the end of the day, it’s still about people and creating meaningful connections, both with our clients and with each other. We have this mantra in Harrison that says “we get you, we got you” because we listen, we understand and once we are partners, we got your back, no matter what. And we have a lot of fun, laughter and collaboration in the creative process. That’s the kind of commitment, energy and unwavering spirit of optimism I want to foster.”
Meris, a graduate of the Ateneo De Manila University, has over sixteen years of advertising experience. Her last stint before returning to the Philippines was with Publicis Singapore, where she managed a wide range of product categories, from healthcare, FMCG, personal care, financial services, automotive, and electronics, across multiple platforms. She handled brands such as Abbott, GSK, HSBC, Agoda, Lexus, AXA, Audi, Nikon and on her first year was cited with a fun agency award as “Most Calm in the Storm of Crazy”. Prior to Singapore, she was with GASSO as Head of Accounts and was also previously connected with Publicis Manila and 141 Worldwide.
Her advertising career was longest with McCann Worldgroup Philippines where she handled numerous Unilab brands, Red Ribbon, Coca-Cola, BPI, Splash, MasterCard and many more. Meris was one of the agency’s most successful pitch team leaders, gaining several Unilab brands for McCann, among other new accounts. During this time, Meris led her team in winning awards and citations for account management and marketing
excellence, such as Unilab’s Rave Awards for Ceelin, Skelan and Best in Account Management, Jollibee Marketing Excellence Awards – Gold, Silver and Bronze, Splash Creative Agency of the Year, to name a few.
About Harrison Communications, Inc.
Harrison Communications, Inc. is a communications agency with a very active engagement network in the country. Its expertise is bound on truthful, shareable and irresistible ideas that create brand experiences. It offers the reach to engage communications campaigns, action and transaction. Across channels. Across consumer contact points.
