Wieden+Kennedy sets up in Australia to service McDonald's win

American advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy will set up offices in Australia to service McDonald's following its recent win.

"After working with this brand for the past 5+ years, it’s no secret that our love for McDonald’s runs deep," a spokesperson from Wieden+Kennedy said in a statement.

The win will see the independent creative agency work alongside creative agency DDB, as well as media agency OMD, Akcelo and Digitas.

"We’re excited to expand this relationship to Australia, and we look forward to bringing to life unique fan truths that celebrate what makes Macca’s so special to people."

Wieden+Kennedy will work with the fast-food giant to create unique moments that are culturally specific to the Australian market. The agency will begin with a small core team before building out as needed. Talent from the agency's global network will be, or have, relocated while local personnel hires will be made.

A spokesperson from McDonald's confirmed the addition of Wieden+Kennedy as an additional creative agency partner to its roster.

"The appointment sees the highly successful creative company join our award-winning agency village, which aims to continue to deliver compelling and successful campaigns to drive our brand and business forward.

"We were incredibly impressed by W&K’s understanding of our fans and creative approach and we are excited to work with them, alongside our existing agency partners - DDB, OMD, Akcelo and Digitas - in 2025.

"We would like to acknowledge and thank the other agencies who participated in the process."

Last year, McDonald’s Australia and Netflix brought the Dalgona Candy Challenge to life with the Squid Game Meal, only in Australia in anticipation of Squid Game 2.

Developed by OMD and Akcelo, the Dalgona Candy Challenge and ‘Dare to Play’ campaign taps into the global popularity of Squid Game, giving fans the chance to engage in an interactive version of one of the show’s most iconic and viral challenges, with exciting prizes to be won.

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