LONDON — PizzaExpress has hired The Academy as its retained consumer PR agency after a competitive pitch.

The agency’s remit includes creative campaigns to “build cultural relevance” and attract younger people to the brand across its pizzerias, delivery, collection and supermarket offerings. The consumer account was previously held by Lucre.

Neil Broderick, creative director at The Academy, will lead the agency team and will report into Charlotte Boyce at PizzaExpress, who leads consumer content, social and PR.

Boyce said: “We were really impressed by The Academy’s pitch process and creative credentials in building cultural relevance and share of voice in competitive categories. We’re really excited about working with the team and doing some fresh, brand-building work together.”

The Academy CEO and co-founder Mitch Kaye added: “PizzaExpress is one of the most loved brands in the country. They have an incredible heritage, and big ambitions. So this is a massive win for us, and an opportunity to help them ensure that their best years are ahead.”

PizzaExpress joins Amazon, Disney, Mastercard, Morrisons and Southern Comfort on The Academy’s client roster.