TACO BELL DROPS AD AGENCY
By Adnews Staff
Fast-food chain Taco Bell has reportedly fired its advertising agency TBWA Chiat/Day of Playa del Rey, California, according to a report in the New York Times. On Tuesday Taco Bell said it was dismissing its agency of three years and consolidating its account temporarily at Costa Mesa, California-based FCB Worldwide. Billings for the account are estimated at US$20 million. The dismissal of its agency coincides with the departure of Taco Bell's president Peter Waller, who headed the chain's marketing efforts. FCB will be handling all aspects of the account until Waller's successor, Emil Brolick, decides whether FCB will keep the duties or if the account will be placed in review. TBWA Chiat/Day was behind the creation of Taco Bell's talking Chihuahua character. Tricon Global Restaurants, based in Louisville, Kentucky, owns Taco Bell as well as the KFC and Pizza Hut chains.