MANILA – Vizeum topped media R3 agency rankings in January, and in February, Kalbe International Media Business consolidated its media business into Vizeum as the AOR for Lozenges and Diabetasol, inclusive of Extra Joss, Prenagen, Milna and Fitbar. This was after a 2 stage, three way pitch with market media agency giants – Starcom and Maxus.
Vizeum Philippines in the last eight months has rebuilt its business with the recruitment of highly experienced leadership and a powerhouse of young and passionate talent, and it is paying off.
Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN) President and CEO Boy Pangilinan knew that with the right person to lead the team, the untapped potential of Vizeum’s progressive culture would be activated. “I tempted Oyie Pingol — a seasoned media agency stalwart — to effect the organizational transformation, build the brand and grow the business,” he revealed.
When asked about her current role as prime mover of Vizeum, Oyie declares, “Talent is the core of every agency’s operation. Before we can push for business profitability, we need to make sure that we have the right talent and they are up to the challenge. Our recent business wins are manifestations of the impact of having the right talent and ensuring they are properly trained.”
Oyie moved from a big agency to a relatively smaller operation in Vizeum, but she believes that, “People choose people. Our winning formula is simple – get the best people and train them well. Our industry is in a constant flux of change, and a culture that supports and challenges means we attract the best talent, and clients see this”.
Oyie opines that while winning new businesses is a good indication of the agency’s performance, maintaining a happy client is equally crucial for growth. “For a young agency, there is no such thing as a small budget client. Every client no matter how small must be treated as special. We grow as our clients grow, we want long term relationships with our clients,” she emphasized.
To further bolster capabilities, Vizeum also made strategic hires last year, which included communications planning director Dan Ryan Catalan and other highly competent and digital savvy business unit heads. Oyie stated, “Dan Ryan brings his multi-faceted competency, grounded insights and media-neutral perspective to our work for clients. His capabilities match the Media+ mantra of Vizeum, which is all about solving business problems through media, data and technology.”
Vizeum’s transformation in terms of capability building, talent upgrade and system efficiencies will surely redound to more good things coming the agency’s way. “We are now just harvesting the fruits of the intense work that the team has been generously and passionately pouring in since last year,” Oyie said.
Kristian Barnes, Vizeum APAC CEO said “Oyie came on board with a clear vision and plan of how to revitalize Vizeum in the Philippines, and her success speaks for itself. It is fantastic to see, and fantastic for the whole team to be a part of.”
