Chief Marketing Officer

Leading Automotive Brand

"When I started as CMO, we were in a bit of a mess. We needed a creative agency fast for our July launch, but we'd been working with different agencies on an ad hoc basis and, frankly, we'd built up a reputation that made good agencies think twice about working with us.

“IAS completely turned things around. They understood our business well from previous collaborations, but what truly impressed me was how they didn't just say 'pick this one’. They guided us through the process of making a proper decision. Their approach quickly weeded out the unsuitable agencies, allowing us to see clearly what we really wanted.

“The whole thing moved incredibly fast. We didn't get bogged down in endless meetings or paperwork—we could just focus on our jobs while they sorted everything out. By the end of June, we had one of the top agencies in the country, and our launch campaign was ready to go.

“We'd never have pulled this off without them—not a chance."

Chief Marketing Officer

Financial Services

"After five years with our media agency, the relationship had run its course. We needed a change, but had never run such a comprehensive review process before.

“What set IAS apart was their insistence on chemistry sessions. Previous consultants only brought in the agencies at the final presentation stage, which felt like gambling. IAS ensured we visited agency offices, met staff beyond the pitch team, and got a real feel for their culture. It was revelatory.

“The media auditing component was brilliant—something we'd never experienced. Having actual buying rates scrutinised and built into contract guarantees was eye-opening and, frankly, quite shocking in parts. Their meticulous scoring system gave us complete confidence.

“Throughout the process, we continuously learned about media, various agency approaches, and our actual needs. The incumbent was eliminated after chemistry, saving everyone's time and confirming our instincts.

Chief Marketing Officer

Leading eCommerce Company

"Thirteen years with the same agency, and we'd never looked elsewhere. However, with ambitious expansion plans and serious new competition, we realised we needed to consider our options. The complexity was daunting.

“We needed a truly integrated creative and media agency. Even more challenging, conflicts were everywhere. Nearly every reputable agency had clients that would clash with us. This wasn't just about finding capability; it was about navigating a minefield.

“IAS's industry expertise was absolutely vital. They didn't just give us a list of agencies; they did the detective work. They understood which conflicts could be managed and which were deal-breakers. Their ability to 'look under the hood' of agencies was exceptional. We learned things about potential partners that we would never have discovered ourselves.

“The winning agency even had to relocate a conflicting brand within their group—imagine trying to negotiate that without expert guidance! IAS managed these delicate discussions with deft skill.

“After thirteen years of loyalty, we needed to be sure we were making the right decision. IAS's thoroughness gave us that confidence completely."