DDB Sydney has confirmed its exit from Westpac's current creative agency pitch, ending a 13-year partnership with the big four bank.

The agency officially confirmed it'll stop working with Westpac in February 2025.

Mi3 understands the battle to become the successful tenderer is now between Accenture Song, Publicis Groupe - which has held Westpac's media account since 2020 - and potentially VML. Howatson+Co, which was also in the initial rounds of pitching, is understood to have been informed last week it's no longer in the running.

"Saying we’re proud of this relationship would be an understatement, we loved shaping this brand and believe it always showed in our work," DDB Sydney CEO Sheryl Marjoram, Chief Creative Officer Matt Chandler and Chief Strategy Officer Rupert Price said in a joint statement to announce the parting of ways.

The long-standing collaboration has seen DDB Sydney create emotionally charged work for Westpac, navigating leadership changes, a Royal Commission, a global pandemic, and the bank's 200th anniversary. The agency has also co-created products, services, and platforms for Westpac, including highlighting the work of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.

"To our clients, past and present, many of whom have become lifelong friends: you always asked the best of us and fought for the integrity of the work when it counted – we say a sincere thank you," the agency added.

In a statement to Mi3, Westpac Chief Brand & Marketing Officer Annabel Fribence, thanked DDB Sydney for their partnership and the contribution the team has made to the banking brand and business.

"Westpac made the decision earlier this year to move in a new direction with its creative account. While a new agency is yet to be appointed, we will continue to work closely with the DDB team over the coming months," she said.

The DDB Sydney leadership team said it's now looking forward to new partnerships. DDB Sydney is part of DDB Worldwide, an Omnicom company.