Carat vs Serviceplan Group

The Juror’s Perspective: ISO Creative Use of the Power of Media

New blog post from Carat offering a juror's perspective on creative use of media power at Cannes Lions.

Pringles launches Mars-era social campaign 'Du auch?'

Pringles has launched its first major campaign under new owner Mars in Germany, introducing the claim “Du auch?” as part of a broader international “Pass the Pringles” identity. The integrated campaign emphasizes “social snacking” and includes a public social experiment with creators handing and sharing Pringles cans to create recognisable social moments. Media execution, planned by Dentsu’s Carat, uses a mix of (D)OOH focused on major cities, online video (primarily YouTube), VOD, social channels (Instagram and TikTok) and retail media. Creative and branding partners named are AMV BBDO (creative) and Jones Knowles Ritchie (JKR). The article notes that although Mars moved its global media account from WPP to Publicis in mid‑2025, Pringles’ European media business appears to remain with Carat.

• Pringles launched a German campaign under new owner Mars with the claim “Du auch?”.
• The campaign is part of the international “Pass the Pringles” identity and highlights a concept described as “Social Snacking”.
• Media mix announced by MEEDIA: (D)OOH, online video (primarily YouTube), Video on Demand, Social Media (Instagram and TikTok) and Retail Media.

Serviceplan Boosting Health appoints Christian Necker as co-CEO

Serviceplan Boosting Health, the healthcare agency of the Serviceplan Group, is expanding its leadership with a dual leadership structure. Christian Necker is joining Dörthe Besse as co-managing director. Necker, who previously worked as a freelance marketing and communications consultant for the past six months, will be responsible for driving artificial intelligence initiatives within the agency. The appointment is part of Serviceplan's strategy to strengthen its healthcare offering with AI expertise. Necker is a familiar face, having previously worked at Serviceplan.

• Christian Necker appointed co-Managing Director at Serviceplan Boosting Health.
• Necker joins Dörthe Besse to form new dual leadership.
• Necker was a freelance marketing and communications consultant for the past six months.

ING Germany Appoints Saint Elmo's as Creative Agency

ING Germany has appointed Saint Elmo's, a subsidiary of the Serviceplan Group, as its new creative agency following a competitive pitch against several participants. The decision comes as part of ING's ongoing efforts to refresh its brand communications and creative strategy. Saint Elmo's will be responsible for developing and executing creative campaigns for the financial services provider, with the first project already in progress. The pitch win marks a significant addition to Saint Elmo's client portfolio and reinforces the agency's position in the German market. The move is seen as part of broader trends in the banking sector to modernize their marketing approaches and engage with customers through more compelling creative content.

• Saint Elmo's, a subsidiary of the Serviceplan Group, has won the creative pitch for ING Germany.
• The pitch involved multiple unnamed participants competing for the account.
• The first creative work from Saint Elmo's is already underway for ING Germany.

Julian Uhlhaas named Vaude Head of Marketing

Julian Uhlhaas took over as Head of Marketing at Vaude on August 1, 2026, succeeding long-serving marketing chief Manfred Meindl. The Tettnang-based outdoor outfitter appointed the 40-year-old after about 15 years in brand management and communications, most recently serving as General Manager at Serviceplan Group’s agency model The Marcom Engine, where he led campaigns for BMW and Mini across 24 markets. Vaude owner and CEO Antje von Dewitz said Uhlhaas brings the strategic and creative experience needed to develop the brand for existing and new audiences. He joins to strengthen Vaude’s positioning in core and growth markets. Jonas Hirscheider will take over Uhlhaas’s markets and campaign responsibilities at The Marcom Engine. The appointment was reported by HORIZONT on August 4, 2026.

• Julian Uhlhaas assumed the Head of Marketing role at Vaude on 2026-08-01.
• He succeeds Manfred Meindl, who shaped Vaude's brand over the past 15 years.
• Uhlhaas previously served as General Manager at Serviceplan Group’s The Marcom Engine, leading BMW and Mini campaigns across 24 markets and has about 15 years' experience in brand management and communications.