- Andrew McMains, Adweek

Ogilvy & Mather, New York, has won global creative duties on SPI Group's Stolichnaya vodka after a review, the client confirmed today.

The WPP Group shop bested the New York office of Interpublic Group's McCann Erickson in the final round of the contest, according to sources.

"During the pitch, Ogilvy delivered everything that Stoli needs today: creativity, speed, flexibility, competitiveness and devotion," said Andrey Skurikhin, co-owner of SPI.

Company CMO Martin van't Zelfde added that SPI was "impressed with the range of ideas across multiple media platforms that will connect with our target audience to support our ambitious objectives for the brand."

Previously, Publicis handled Stoli's ad duties.

Global major media spending on the brand was not immediately available. In the U.S. alone, ad spending topped $10 million last year (including online) and $2 million in the first five months of 2008, according to TNS Media Intelligence.

For Stoli, Ogilvy will handle traditional advertising, interactive ads and direct marketing. The agency's first work is expected before the end of the year.

"Our team came up with a powerful creative concept that enables us to elevate the brand's profile, reach its target audience and break through in the marketplace with terrific work," said Chris Wall, vice chairman of creative in Ogilvy's New York office.