Siebel Systems, the world’s second-largest applications software
company, has set up a three-way pitch for a new agency to handle its UK
PR.
The pitch is understood to include Grant Butler Coomber,
Miller/Shandwick Technologies and Manning Selvage and Lee. Incumbent
agency Insight Marketing and Communications has resigned the brief to
promote Siebel’s software systems for sales, marketing and customer
service operations after 18 months.
According to Insight senior director Chris Warham, his agency resigned
the account because an existing client, Peoplesoft, acquired Vantive,
one of Siebel’s competitors. ’It was inappropriate to continue working
for Siebel,’ he said.
Phill Robinson, Siebel’s UK vice president of marketing, refused to
comment on the number of agencies pitching, but said a decision is
expected in six to eight weeks.
’We are seeking a more strategic relationship with an agency,’ he
said.
’Siebel is aiming to capitalise on its position in the e-business
marketplace.’ Siebel’s growth worldwide has been dramatic, leaping from
a pounds 5 million turnover in 1995 to pounds 625 million last year.
PR is currently part of the in-house marketing function overseen by the
UK marketing manager. Relationships with market analysts will be kept
in-house after the new agency appointment, Robinson said.
