CINCINNATI, April 30, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Kao USA has appointed Arnold Worldwide, LLC as its global creative agency of record for the John Frieda and Jergens brands following an intensive review process.

Arnold Worldwide will be the lead agency responsible for strategy and creative, pending the signed contract. Once finalized Arnold will officially begin work effective May 1 2014. 

In making the announcement, Dave Muenz, Vice President and Regional Executive Officer, Mass Business Sector, said, "All finalist agency teams did an outstanding job during the process. We would have been delighted to work with all of them. Our decision came down to our confidence in the quality of the team, insights on brands and ideas to build our business. We also felt a strong sense of connection with them. We look forward to our new partnership with Arnold."

Pam Hamlin, Global President, Arnold Worldwide, said, "For us, this was a good match, because we share many of the same cultural values, passion for the target market and we both have a strong desire to innovate.  This creative partnership will allow us to leverage technology to build stronger relationships with beauty conscious consumers."

In February 2014, Kao placed its global creative account in review.  A decision regarding who will service the Biore and Curel brands will be made at a later date.  The review does not affect other KAO USA agencies for media and digital in Kao's key markets.

Kao retained the services of Joanne Davis Consulting, Inc., New York, NY, to assist in the agency review process.

About Kao USA Inc.:
Kao USA Inc. is a leading manufacturer of premium beauty care brands that are recognized around the world for their innovation and quality. The Kao USA Inc. brand portfolio includes; Jergens® and Curel® hand and body lotions; Biore® facial care; John Frieda® hair care; Ban® antiperspirants, as well as Goldwell and KMS California professional hair care and Molton Brown products for body and home. Founded in 1882, Kao USA Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kao Corporation.

About Arnold Worldwide, LLC
Arnold Worldwide is a global communications company, proud to represent a diverse portfolio of clients including ADT, Carnival Cruise Lines, Fidelity Investments, The Hershey Company, Huntington Bank, Jack Daniel 's, Kohler, Milk-Bone, New Balance, Ocean Spray, Progressive, Sanofi, Titleist,  Tyson Foods, University of Phoenix, and many other great brands. Arnold delivers services across all communication touch points – advertising, digital, promotions, direct, design, branded content – and is part of Havas Creative with offices in Boston, London, Madrid, Milan, New York, Prague, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Sydney, Toronto and Washington DC. www.arnoldworldwide.com 

SOURCE Kao USA Inc.