"I had a clear vision and high goals right from the start, but I am still impressed by what we have achieved together as a team to date," says Sam Lutz, founder and owner of Drop8. The appointment of Meier, Lalive and Brändle as partners is a logical consequence for him as well as a "gesture of appreciation that comes from the heart", Lutz continues.
By strengthening its management team, Drop8 is underlining its commitment to continuous development and driving innovation on a solid basis. It also aims to further strengthen its own market position and offer its customers even higher quality and innovative strength.

Monty Meier was the first Drop8 employee to join the company in April 2018, just a few months after it was founded. He has been Managing Director of Drop8 since January 2022.

Fabrice Lalive, currently Director Innovation & Technology, joined Drop8 as a trainee in October 2018 after completing his Bachelor's degree in Communication and Media at the University of Zurich.

Patrik Brändle, who joined Drop8 in April 2019, began his career at the company as a trainee and developed into a central figure as Director Campaign Management. He holds a Master's degree in Strategic Communication & Management from the University of Zurich.

"Dealing competently with diversity and living an appreciative culture are challenging topics. In addition to diversity competence, this also requires dialog and storytelling," explains Barbara Fry Henchoz, founder of Re-Thinking Diversity. Hence the commitment to the professional association: "Perikom combines HR and communication, the two key areas for D&I, under one roof and is therefore the perfect partner for shaping a future-oriented work culture".

From diversity & inclusion to sustainability 

With Re-Thinking Diversity, the Perikom association now has 15 partner members who, among other things, regularly organize evening events for HR and communication managers to share their experiences.

The first event of the new partner member will be presented in a webinar using the Swiss Armed Forces as a case study. HR managers Martina Morard-Egli, Michael Zürcher and Vanessa Kleinschnittger will show how the undesirable influence of unconscious bias on personnel decisions can be sustainably reduced through targeted HR process design. The Webinar "The Power of Process Design" takes place at the end of February.

Nötzli is leaving the TX Group at her own request to pursue a new professional challenge, according to a press release issued on Tuesday. As Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer, she has been responsible for corporate communications, investor relations, public affairs and sustainability since the beginning of 2021 (Markt-kom.com reported).

With the departure of Nötzli, the TX Group's communications will now be reorganized. From January 2025, responsibility will be decentralized to the CEOs of the individual Group companies. This will allow for more flexible and efficient communication, according to the statement.

Nötzli will remain in charge of investor relations, financial communications and communications for the publisher and Chairman of the Board of Directors until the end of April 2025. (SDA)

In the last three months, Jung von Matt Limmat has acquired new clients and projects and further expanded its collaboration on international projects. This is why the Zurich agency is now strengthening its creative team for 2025 with Arnt Christmann and Simon Cazzanelli.

"The fact that Arnt and Simon are joining us pleases me in three ways: not only are they excellent creatives with experience, but they also share a common vision of an empathetic performance culture that always focuses on people as well as the creative top product. What's more, they already have dark green blood flowing through them," says Christian Kies, Chief Creative Officer of Jung von Matt Switzerland.

For more than ten years, Arnt Christmann and Simon Cazzanelli have formed a creative duo that has worked in various German agencies. In recent years, the focus has increasingly been on the automotive sector with the client Mercedes-Benz. However, they have also worked on other national and international accounts, including EDEKA at Jung von Matt in Hamburg.

"Originally, we were only visiting Zurich to eat the best cheese fondue in town with Christian. But then we were persuaded to stay by the view of the Swiss Alps and the prospect of being able to share our idea of a full focus on contemporary creation with national impact and international appeal in harmony with sustainable creative management with even more people. Just like you do with a good fondue," say Arnt and Simon about their new commitment.

QoQa, the app for trend shoppers, is wowing with its new advertising campaign: under the motto "Because you love it", the platform relies on bright colors, puns and a whole load of pink. The latest campaign celebrates the reasons why users love the app's limited offers - and does so with a good dose of tongue-in-cheek humor.

A multi-award-winning champion

QoQa, winner of the Champion 2024 title and winner of two other Digital Commerce Awards, has long been a permanent fixture in the Swiss shopping world. The new campaign conveys this success and the enthusiasm of the community in fresh subjects that attract attention with surprising elements.

Versatile and present

The campaign, developed and implemented by BOLD, is being launched with a combination of TV commercials, posters, DOOH and a wide range of online measures. QoQa proves once again that it not only surprises with limited offers, but also with creative advertising that impresses on all channels.

A pink highlight

With its unmistakable style, QoQa brings color to the Swiss advertising landscape. "Shop until you turn pink" is not just a promise, but an invitation to discover the world of QoQa - full of inspiration, humor and, of course, the best offers.

Responsible QoQa Services: Nina Bühlmann, Christoph Karcher, Mathieu Pereira, Thierry Rey. Responsible agency: BOLD Production TV Spot: Boom Creative Studio Direction: Mitch Bekk Cast: Elie Feller Music: Pablo Nouvelle DoP: Daryl Hefti Photo: Nicolas Burri

Trend 1: AI is becoming a marketing driver

In 2025, artificial intelligence will evolve from a field of experimentation to a mainstay of marketing strategies. Applications in campaign optimization, personalization and content generation will increase added business value. "A variety of tools can contribute to the fact that we will see interesting development potential, especially in content marketing and customer care," says David Gabriel, founder and CEO of Smarketer. Matthias Rohde, Product Lead CRO, adds: "In the context of personalization, AI offers enormous potential to make progress."

Trend 2: Marketing mix modeling defies the end of third-party cookies

Marketing mix modelling (MMM) remains a key tool for optimizing cross-channel advertising strategies despite data protection regulations and limited tracking options. "MMM helps to understand users and target marketing budgets," explains Sarah Vögeli, Senior SEA Growth Consultant at Smarketer. Automated solutions, supplemented by human expertise, maximize the effectiveness of the method.

Trend 3: Voice search and visual search on the rise

Traditional text search is increasingly being replaced by voice and image-driven approaches. Users expect brands to provide optimized content for platforms such as TikTok and Instagram and to adapt more closely to changing search habits. "Search is becoming more visual and audio-driven, which creates completely new opportunities for advertising media and content," explains David Gabriel.

Trend 4: Shopping assistants and chatbots are revolutionizing commerce media

AI-supported shopping assistants such as Amazon Rufus are transforming the way customers discover and buy products. They provide personalized advice and enable deeper insights into user behavior. "With Rufus, Amazon is becoming even more of a one-stop shop for product information and reviews," says Robert Schulze, Managing Director of Amzell, a Smarketer Group company.

Trend 5: Sustainability becomes the core of marketing

The integration of ESG (Environmental Social Governance) criteria into the brand strategy will be essential in 2025. Consumers, especially younger target groups, are increasingly paying attention to the ethical and sustainable actions of companies. "Brands that act transparently and credibly gain the trust of consumers and benefit in the long term," says Sarah Vögeli.

Education and training as a success factor

The Smarketer Group emphasizes that technological developments also require competent specialists. Companies should therefore invest more in training their marketing teams in order to not only keep up with the latest trends, but also actively shape them.

About Smarketer

Since 2011, the Smarketer Group has been supporting over 1,500 customers from various industries with performance marketing solutions. With over 350 employees, it offers comprehensive services in the areas of Google Ads, social media advertising and Amazon advertising. Its clients include brands such as Brillen.de, Walbusch and Garmin.

The Bünting Group, an established player in the food retail sector, has chosen Havas Social as its new agency partner. The agency won the pitch against two competitors and will take over digital brand management from January 2025. From social media activations to community management and content creation, Havas Social will be responsible for all relevant areas.

Birgit Schröder, Head of Corporate Development, Marketing and Sustainability at the Bünting Group, praised the tailor-made strategy: "Havas Social impressed us with a customized concept that precisely captures our challenges in food retail and translates them into innovative solutions." She particularly emphasized the understanding of the Combi and Famila Nordwest brands, which provides a basis for fresh impetus and an improved customer approach.

A connection with tradition

The collaboration between Havas Social and Bünting has a long history. Even before the new unit was founded, HRZN, which has been merged into Havas Social, had been looking after the Bünting Group for eight years. The return is therefore not only a business success, but also an emotional decision. "Bünting was one of our first customers, and the return is a real affair of the heart for me," explains Stephan Lachmann, Managing Director of Havas Social.

Havas Social: social-first with substance

As a one-stop store for holistic social media solutions, Havas Social offers comprehensive expertise - from consulting and strategy to content creation and community management. The agency places particular emphasis on "social first" and uses its own content studios to create eye-catching campaigns that connect brands with their audience in the long term. With many years of experience in the FMCG, food & beverage and other key industries, Havas Social is the ideal partner for companies like Bünting.

A statement for shared visions

The renewed collaboration marks a significant milestone. "Together, we have set standards in the past," Lachmann continues. The partnership is a strong statement of trust and shared visions that will redefine food retail digitally.

Flauder +C is the latest addition to the Flauder family and offers a regional alternative in the booming market for functional drinks. The low-calorie refreshing drink made from aronia berries and prickly pears contains Appenzell Mineral and an extra portion of vitamin C - perfect for anyone who wants to combine taste and health.

Creative signature of Studio Wurst

Following the successful summer campaign for Flauder Original, Goba is once again relying on the expertise of creative agency Studio Wurst. The studio developed a cheerful label design for Flauder +C that emphasizes the bright red color of the drink with transparent labeling.

Fresh campaign around the POS

The launch campaign, also by Studio Wurst, focuses on refreshing Blöterli and is present on posters around the point of sale and on social media. With a clear, colorful message, the campaign appeals to consumers who value regionality and innovation.

Focus on the functional beverage market

With Flauder +C, Goba aims to secure a firm place in the growing vitamin water segment. The new product combines Appenzeller tradition with modern consumer needs - a further step towards establishing the Flauder family as a brand with variety and quality.

Responsible at Goba: The members of the Executive Board Kurt Widmer, Silvia Wetli, Roland Wehrli and the marketing management under Sonja Breda and Nathalie Zellweger. Responsible at Studio Wurst: Pedro Moosmann and Nino Zuberbühler

In the digital age, it is no longer enough to impart knowledge - it must be presented in an appealing and practical way. JardinSuisse focuses on content that not only informs gardeners, but also inspires them. Winter topics such as the correct care of potted plants or sowing cold sprouts are perfect for conveying relevant messages with added value.

Example of potted plant care
With clear, practical tips such as "Only water when the substrate is completely dry" or the advice to keep winter rooms bright and cool, JardinSuisse provides hobby gardeners with helpful ideas. But the added value does not end with information - the content encourages you to get active and enjoy the gardening season.

Stories that captivate
Even in winter, the heart of every garden beats for exciting highlights. The winter blossom, a shrub with a beguiling scent, brings color into the cold months - and at the same time provides an emotional story for content marketing. "Enchanted by the scent - and the first insects too" not only appeals to garden fans, but also relies on visual and olfactory associations.

Advice and added value
JardinSuisse shows that modern content combines added value and entertainment. With practical tips, emotional stories and illustrative examples, they create content that resonates for a long time - and not only informs the audience, but also inspires them.

Creative professionals in the audiovisual industry are facing major challenges: According to the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers The increasing use of artificial intelligence threatens to result in a loss of income of almost 25 percent. Musicians, composers and filmmakers are particularly affected, as their works could increasingly be replaced by AI-generated content.

Growing market, falling income

While AI providers such as OpenAI, Microsoft and Google could reach a turnover of 64 billion euros by 2028 according to forecasts, the share of value creation is shifting further and further to the detriment of creatives. AI training based on existing human works without consent or compensation remains legally controversial and could further weaken the position of creatives, according to the organization.

New challenges for streaming and music libraries

In the streaming sector, AI-generated content could soon account for a fifth of revenue. The trend is even more drastic in music libraries and background music for videos, where AI applications could take over up to 60 percent of revenue. The synchronization of moving images is also increasingly at risk.

Demand for political action

The lobby group believes that politicians have a duty to protect the value of creative work with clear regulations. Without measures, there is a threat of an "income storm" that could cause lasting damage to the entire industry.

Focus on social tensions

The Beobachter's Justice Barometer, conducted for the first time in collaboration with Coop Rechtsschutz, provides insights into the subjective perception of injustice in Switzerland. 5,500 people aged 16 and over were surveyed. The results paint a differentiated picture: While a slight majority rate life in Switzerland as rather fair, one in eight people feel that the situation is "not fair at all". The asylum system and economic development were particularly criticized. Around half of those surveyed are bothered by the fact that foreigners who commit crimes are deported too rarely. Almost as many complain about the rising cost of living, with which wages are barely keeping pace.

Dwindling trust in the elite

The barometer also shows that trust in the state, politics and the economy is eroding. Many fear that the interests of the general public are no longer adequately represented by the elite. At the same time, the results shed light on a number of systematic injustices that are strongly influenced by individual perceptions and political attitudes. Political scientist Cloé Jans sums it up as follows: "We are living in polarized times, you can clearly see that."

Annual analysis planned

In order to continuously monitor social developments, the Justice Barometer will be conducted annually in future. The opinion research institute GFS Bern is responsible for the scientific implementation.

Soon it will once again be "Who will be 'Advertiser:in of the Year' 2025?". We have been selecting personalities from the Swiss advertising and communication scene for over 45 years. Since 2023, it is not only the high-caliber jury that decides who will be nominated, but also the opinion of the community.

We are looking for people who are active in the industry as service providers in the broadest sense. They should have distinguished themselves through outstanding achievements and represent the local industry as opinion leaders and ambassadors. It is irrelevant whether this person works in an agency or freelance and whether they work in a creative, strategic or advisory capacity.

The nomination takes place via the free newsletter from m&k advertisingweek.ch will take place. One person can be nominated per subscriber. Please provide the full name and explain in one or two sentences why this person should be given a chance to become "Advertiser:in of the Year" 2025. The nomination window opens on Monday, December 9, 2024 and closes on Friday evening, December 13, 2024.

After the nomination phase, the m&k editors review the entries. The ten most frequently mentioned nominees are presented to the jury, consisting of the last ten "Advertisers of the Year". Each jury member can also nominate an additional person.

From the final list of nominees, the jury will select a top 3, which will be announced in spring 2024. As in previous years, voting will again take place via the newsletter of m&k advertisingweek.ch will take place. Further information on the voting will be communicated in due course.

You can only take part in the nomination and the official voting in spring if you are a newsletter subscriber. If you have not yet done so: Sign up today for our newsletter to receive relevant news from the industry daily and free of charge as well as the chance to vote! Your details will of course be treated confidentially. They are only used to prevent multiple nominations. All personal data will be deleted immediately after voting.

We look forward to your input and wish you a happy Advent season.

Your m&k Werbewoche editors