Leo Burnett, Spark SMG named Creative, Media Agencies of Record for h.h. gregg

CHICAGO, May 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Indianapolis-based appliance and electronics retailer h.h. gregg has selected Leo Burnett USA as its advertising Agency of Record and Spark SMG, a full-service media agency of Starcom MediaVest Group, as its media buying and planning Agency of Record.

"From the beginning, Leo Burnett and Spark demonstrated a deep understanding of our business and our vision for the future," said Jeff Pearson, SVP of Marketing, h.h. gregg. "After a diligent process we chose Leo Burnett and Spark as the best agencies to help us build a winning national brand."

Leo Burnett will lead all brand positioning, strategy and creative initiatives for h.h. gregg, and Spark will conduct all media buying and planning, including traditional and digital media.

h.h. gregg is one of the nation's leading and fastest growing retailers of home appliances and consumer electronics, operating more than 228 stores throughout 65 markets in the United States and located primarily in the Midwest, Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

"When we first met the h.h. gregg team there was immediate chemistry between our two organizations," said Bill Hickman, Chief Growth Officer of The Leo Burnett Group. "Now, four months later as we announce our new relationship, I have no doubt that this initial 'chemistry' will result in a longstanding partnership filled with genuine collaboration and transformational creative work."

The account will be led from the Chicago offices of Leo Burnett and Spark SMG. The first campaign is scheduled to launch later this year.

"h.h. gregg is a key player in the electronics market. As they continue to grow, we look forward to working with them to introduce their brand to new audiences in new areas of the country," says Chris Boothe, CEO of Spark SMG.

About h.h. gregg
h.h. gregg is a specialty retailer of home appliances, televisions, computers, consumer electronics, home entertainment furniture, mattresses, fitness equipment and related services operating under the name h.h. gregg^™. h.h. gregg currently operates 228 stores in Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

About Leo Burnett
Leo Burnett Worldwide, part of Publicis Groupe, is one of the world's largest agency networks with 96 offices and nearly 10,000 employees. In 2013, the global network was named "Most Awarded Network" by the International ANDY Awards and received "Network of the Year" honors from Dubai Lynx and AdFest. At the 2012 Cannes International Festival of Creativity, Leo Burnett won a record-breaking 55 Lions and was also named "Network of the Year" by YoungGuns, Golden Drum and the MENA Cristal Awards. A HumanKind communications company, Leo Burnett Worldwide has a simple and singular approach: put a brand's purpose at the center of communications to truly connect with people. Leo Burnett works with some of the world's most valuable brands including The Coca-Cola Company, Fiat, Kellogg's, McDonald's, Nintendo, P&G, Samsung and Tata among others. To learn more about Leo Burnett Worldwide visit our site, Facebook page and follow us via @leoburnett.

About Spark SMG
Spark SMG is a full-service media agency dedicated to exploring new ways to create meaningful connections in the rapidly accelerating communications environment. Part of the Starcom MediaVest Group, Spark is part of one of the largest and most celebrated global brand communications and consumer contact organizations, with more than 110 offices in 67 countries worldwide.

SOURCE Leo Burnett Worldwide; Spark SMG; h.h. gregg