DALLAS: Ketchum has out-pitched two local agencies to become the
first-ever agency of record for UICI, a Dallas-based health- and
life-insurer.
Teresa Henderson, SVP and director of Ketchum in Texas, said UICI is
eager to establish and expand its brand identity. Six people in three
offices - Dallas, Houston, and Atlanta - will work on the account, which
Henderson said is a top client in the Texas corporate practice.
"They want to have a stronger presence and recognition from the analyst
community, and they're of course interested in some strong media
relations," said Henderson. "They haven't been represented in the media
for the great job they've done and the presence they have in the
insurance industry."
Matt Cassell, CFO of UICI, said he is eager for Ketchum to tell the
company's turnaround story, which he said is the result of refocusing on
core business.
UICI went public in 1986, and was successful from a stock-earnings
perspective until 1998, when the company had a significant loss in a
business it has since exited.
