Lexis won a competitive pitch against C&W - which has handled PR for Diet Coke since November 1996 - in addition to Shine Communications and Henry's House.
Lexis consumer division joint head Marilyn Wicks said a six-strong agency team will work on a major brand campaign for 2003. She said the remit would involve creative, online and events work, in addition to media relations.
Wicks said the campaign is set to target 'young men', specifically 20 to 39-year-olds in the workplace. The Lexis team reports to Coca-Cola GB brand PR manager Georgina Comrie.
C&W's work on Diet Coke will end at the end of this year. The agency continues to handle consumer PR for the main Coke brand's football programme, in addition to Five Alive, Powerade and Roo Juice. It also handles trade PR for bottling partner firm Coca-Cola Enterprises.
Jackie Cooper PR remains in place for Sprite, Fanta, Dr Pepper, Oasis and Lilt, while Henry's House works on Schweppes and Malvern Water. Real PR handles some consumer and corporate work in Scotland.
