Pizza Hut UK Splits with Ad Agency

Pizza Hut has split from its advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy as the fast food chain gears up for a major relaunch at the end of the year.

The parting, by mutual consent, comes three years after Wieden+Kennedy won the account, which is estimated to have an annual marketing spend of £13m.

Pizza Hut will conduct the search for its new advertising agency itself. "We are focussed on a major brand relaunch at the end of 2008 and are very excited about working with a new agency that can deliver on a campaign of that importance," said Hugh Wood, marketing director Pizza Hut UK.

"We've enjoyed working with W+K over the past three years and we'll continue to do so over the next few months as we conduct a pitch process.

"They're a great agency but after 3 years both parties feel it's time for a change and we part on good terms and wish them the very best for the future."

Wieden+Kennedy managing director Neil Christie said the two companies had enjoyed a "great relationship". "But we feel that, moving forward, we're not the right agency partner for them," Christie added.

"We've discussed this with Pizza Hut and decided to part amicably to allow them to move on with the next phase of development of their business. We wish them all the best."