Virgin Red Appoints Wunderman Thompson UK to Handle Creative and CRM

Virgin Red, the rewards club for the Virgin Group, has appointed Wunderman Thompson UK to handle its international creative and strategic output following a competitive pitch handled by intermediary the Aperto Partnership.

Wunderman Thompson triumphed in a competitive pitch to win the business, and will implement CRM, creative and strategy for the brand across the UK, as well as launching Virgin Red in the US in early 2024.

Virgin Red is on a mission to become the world’s most valued rewards programme, and plans to launch in one to two new markets each year, enabling members to turn the everyday into something special. Members earn points which can be redeemed for rewards ranging from 'everyday treats', such as cinema tickets or coffee, to once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Wunderman Thompson will be responsible for delivering innovative marketing campaigns that encourage sign-up and engagement with Virgin Red, while strengthening the entire Virgin portfolio. Scope will include developing a new brand idea and integrated activation launch, a flagship creative campaign as well as always-on paid performance executions, and a refreshed CRM strategy.

Kelly Best, Virgin Red’s managing director of product, marketing and customer experience, said, “We were seeking an agency that could combine strategic thinking, outstanding creativity, and practical CRM skills to help accelerate our growth. The team at Wunderman Thompson applied their strategic expertise to our brand and impressed us with the creativity of their execution. They listened carefully throughout the process, stimulated our ideas and – most importantly – worked collaboratively with us to get to a winning outcome. We are looking forward to working with them in 2023.”

Jim Dyer, head of client leadership at Wunderman Thompson UK said, “After an incredibly enjoyable pitch process, we’re delighted to be appointed as Virgin Red’s Creative and CRM agency. Virgin Red is building an exciting proposition and has ambitious plans in 2023, and with the iconic Virgin brand essence at it's heart, we're over the moon to be helping them on their journey.”

Pip Hulbert, CEO of Wunderman Thompson UK, said, “Virgin Red’s ambitions make them a really exciting brand to partner with, and their plans for future growth offer endless opportunities to bring our creative, strategy, experience and data capabilities into play.”

Virgin Group businesses include Virgin Red, Virgin Money, Virgin Trains, Virgin Active, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Atlantic Holidays, Virgin Radio, Virgin Galactic, and Virgin Books, Experiences, Casinos, Betting, Games, Hotels, and Wines.