McCann Echo 2015
McCann Echo
49 Bloomfield Avenue
Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046
Telephone: 973-257-3900
E-mail: sonja.foster-storch
@mccann.com
Website: mccannecho.com
QUICK FACTS
Accounts
Account wins 5
Active business clients 8
Brands by 2014 sales
Brand-product accounts held 25
Services Mix
Professional 80%
DTP 20%
Client Roster
Abbott
Boehringer Ingelheim
Bracco Diagnostics
Eisai
EMD Serono/Pfizer
Galderma Laboratories
Novo Nordisk
Teva Pharmaceuticals
ViiV Healthcare
According to executives, McCann Echo has always marched to the beat of its own drum – inventing opportunities to nurture creativity and dreaming up ways to be more caring, all while relying on their collaborative spirit to get there – because to the people at this agency, there is no other way.
“We’re encouraged to think big for our clients, the causes we believe in, even ourselves,” said Ryan Benz, VP, account group supervisor. “We’re given the freedom to follow our instincts. If it feels right, we don’t overthink it; we just go for it.”
And nothing feels more right than being a truly distinct agency within McCann Health, executives say. After more than a decade of being a part of the McCann Torre Lazur Healthcare Group, the newly redubbed McCann Echo has proven it can stand on its own – and stand out.
The year’s accomplishments
Executives say McCann Echo has never stood out quite like this. The agency celebrated 12 new wins and 11 percent growth, marking six consecutive years of double-digit increases. For the first time, McCann Echo broke the $30 million mark.
According to agency leaders, this success will push headcount close to 200 (with 40 open positions at press) – causing McCann Echo to expand its custom-designed space yet again.
What is most admirable about this agency, executives say, is that the people are most proud of their culture. They believe this is why so many employees stay – many for decades – why clients expand their assignments, and why McCann Echo is a growing hot spot for top-notch talent.
Agency executives say an exciting new partnership with Abbott Vascular will allow McCann Echo to launch branded and unbranded direct-to-patient campaigns for an innovative product both in the US and globally.
A partnership with Bracco also began and McCann Echo helped shape the launch for Lumason while expanding the agency’s diagnostic experience.
McCann Echo fortified its existing partnership with Eisai Co. After collaborating on direct-to-patient assignments for Belviq, the agency’s responsibilities expanded to healthcare professional and direct-response television assignments.
Galderma Laboratories LP and McCann Echo joined together to begin launching a new treatment in acne, adapalene 0.3%/BPO 2.5%.
Additionally, McCann Echo strengthened its U.S. and global business with Novo Nordisk. The year was bookended by wins for the global launch of faster-acting insulin aspart and the U.S. launch of insulin degludec.
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. picked McCann Echo to launch a cutting-edge option for pain management. .
EMD Serono and Pfizer continued to work with McCann Echo to evolve Rebif and create a new MS LifeLines nurse program.
With Galderma, McCann Echo launched a campaign for Epiduo Gel that executives say is changing physicians’ perspective about acne – by literally putting them in their patients’ shoes. Additionally, the agency continues to support the global launch of Mirvaso. Most notably, Galderma and McCann Echo crafted a launch campaign for Soolantra, which boldly communicates that rosacea is no match for this tough topical.
While McCann Echo celebrated a growing partnership with Novo Nordisk, the team also maintained focus on existing accounts. They launched a new campaign and programs for Levemir and Levemir FlexTouch, and continued their brand responsibilities for NovoLog and NovoLog Mix 70/30.
Additionally, ViiV Healthcare and McCann Echo are in their fifth year together, partnering on two consecutive worldwide launches – last year with Tivicay and this year with Triumeq – both important steps forward in HIV. Also, their responsibilities continue for in-line brands Epzicom and Selzentry.
Structure and services offered
As part of McCann Health, McCann Echo is a distinct, full-service agency with access to world-class resources – including a robust strategic planning and medical department as well as interactive teams that focus on advertising and promotion to healthcare professionals, patients, and consumers. “The strength of McCann Echo is evident when you see our teams pull together to deliver an amazing presentation, unbelievable ideas, or prepare a brand for launch,” says Charlene Leitner, executive VP, managing director.
Future plans
What does 2015 hold for McCann Echo? “Continued innovation,” according to agency President Sonja “Sunny” Foster-Storch. “We want to continue to be the agency that reimagines healthcare. We’re off to another great start, and this year we’re going to surprise and delight clients, their audiences, and each other as we push brands into a new realm.”
Philanthropy/citizenship
Last year, McCann Echo took on many special causes: Camp Nejeda, a summer camp for kids with type 1 diabetes; Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center, a community arts education center in the Bronx; and New Jersey AIDS Services (NJAS), an organization that helps homeless men and women with HIV get back on their feet.
For Camp Nejeda, the McCann Echo team spread awareness with inspiring videos that showcase the impact of this one-of-a-kind camp. They also invested their time, participating in many fund-raising events.
With Mind-Builders, the agency leveraged its expertise to keep the art center’s presence alive in the community through a multichannel communications program.
For NJAS, which helps those who live with HIV, the agency was involved in every way: the NJ Ride Against AIDS, cooking for the residents, teaching art classes, and creating a moving World AIDS Day initiative.
McCann Echo also continued two of its holiday traditions: creating special cards for clients (inviting them to support a school in need through DonorsChoose.org) and each other through “Giving Carries,” an initiative that benefits three staff-chosen charities. Over the course of a decade, the team has raised more than $20,000.
