DDB Sydney has had a long relationship with McDonald’s Australia. 54 years is far longer than most client-agency partnerships. But it is coming to an end.

DDB Sydney will lose the account at the end of 2025.

Wieden + Kennedy launched in Sydney in January this year, after the agency was added as a creative partner for McDonald’s Australia. The fast food chain had announced in October last year, that it was looking for additional creative agency partner. DDB Sydney had already lost a portion of the account, McCafe and McChicken, to W+K.

Akcelo, Digitas, OMD and Annalect (the last two part of Omnicom Oceania as is DDB) retain their roles, and Eleven has been added for earned media.

McDonald’s Australia’s new CMO, Annabel Fribence, said in a statement, “I want to personally thank DDB Group Sydney for being a long-term partner of our brand and business. DDB has been a true partner, pushing us, supporting us, and ultimately ensuring we continue to grow. Together, we have evolved the iconic Macca’s brand, and we are proud of the incredible creative legacy we have built.”

DDB Sydney CEO, Sheryl Marjoram, stated, “Our partnership with Macca’s has been defined by more than shared goals, it’s been powered by determination, proving longevity is earned, not given. Our partnership navigated change, seized opportunities and built solutions. We’re proud of the success we celebrate today.”

At this point, there is nothing to suggest that a creative pitch will open to find a replacement for DDB. Wieden + Kennedy is likely to gain.

Here’s some of what DDB Sydney has been doing for the brand this year: