Changes to the marketing industry create new opportunities for agencies to redefine their role, says Deloitte

Toronto, ON January 29, 2015 – Marketing functions have changed significantly over the last five years leaving a gap between what marketers need and what is delivered, according to Deloitte’s Relationship Reset: Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Survey released this week at FFWD Advertising and Marketing Week. This, and other findings from the survey suggest that as marketing functions continue to transform this will result in clear opportunities where in-house marketing departments can work with external agencies more effectively.

In partnership with the Institute of Communication Agencies (ICA), Deloitte surveyed over 300 CMOs and heads of marketing departments across the country about where the industry is heading, key challenges they face as marketing leaders and how they perceive external agencies add value. Marketers overwhelming believe (71 per cent) that harnessing data analytics is one of the most important challenges they face. Two- thirds (66 per cent) of marketers use analytics in making key decisions related to marketing. However, half of respondents (51 per cent) do not have the in-house skills to harness data and 44 per cent also do not rely on agencies for support with data analytics.

“This is an exciting time for the marketing industry. With the role of the marketer evolving it is necessary for the marketer-agency relationship to progress as well,” said Colleen Albiston, Chief Marketing Officer, Deloitte. “From our research there are clear gaps that marketers cannot fill in-house, and they will look to agencies for this support. Agencies have an important opportunity here that they shouldn’t pass up.”

82 per cent of CMOs believe that the marketing function is facing an increasing challenge to transform and acquire new skills. More than half (70 per cent) of CMOs believe that agencies need to help drive growth, and over 40 per cent foresee a heavier reliance on agencies over the next five years.

Additionally, 80 per cent believe that the expectations of marketing have increased dramatically, with 89 per cent of respondents agreeing that digitalization has changed the role and content of marketing. CMOs are viewed as being more influential to an organizations success over the past five years (75 per cent).

“The ICA is delighted to have collaborated with Deloitte on this important study to better understand the opportunities and challenges faced by Canadian marketers. It is clearly evident that our member agencies are important partners in driving business growth and innovation in this era of radical change.” Gillian Graham, ICA CEO.

About the Deloitte Relationship Reset: Chief Marketing Officer Survey
The research findings are based on a study conducted by Modus Research on behalf of Deloitte and in partnership with the Institute of Communication Agencies. Over 300 lead marketers at mid to large -size organizations (with 50+ employees) throughout Canada were surveyed over the phone. Results were then compared to a survey, of ICA members, commissioned by the ICA.

About FFWD Advertising & Marketing Week
The Institute of Communication Agencies (ICA) spearheads FFWD Advertising & Marketing Week along with its member agencies, other related associations, the media and other companies involved with the communications industry. This year’s chair is Laurie Young of Ogilvy. For more information visit www.advertisingweek.ca or @adweekcdn #FFWD2015.

About the ICA
The Institute of Communication Agencies represents Canada’s communications and advertising agencies. It backs the importance, value and contribution that advertising makes to the business community. The ICA is considered to be the leading source of information, advice and training for the communication and advertising industries. For more information visit www.icacanada.ca or @icacanada.

About Deloitte
Deloitte, one of Canada's leading professional services firms, provides audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services. Deloitte LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership, is the Canadian member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee, and its network of member firms, each of which is a legally separate and independent entity. Please see www.deloitte.com/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited and its member firms.

Contacts

Emily Richardson
Manager, Media Relations
Deloitte
416-202-2872/ 416-294-5366
emrichardson@deloitte.ca

To arrange an interview with the ICA:
Susan Willemsen
The Siren Group
Tel: (416) 461-5270
Mobile: (416) 402-4880
susan@thesirengroup.com