303 MullenLowe has been appointed as integrated trans-Tasman agency of record for an award-winning global children’s audio storytelling brand effective immediately, following a competitive pitch.

Announced on Thursday afternoon, the marketing services group’s remit remit extends across the full breadth of local marketing activity for tonies, including strategy, creative, brand positioning, social, PR, influencer, content, events and production.

Since launching in 2016, tonies has had huge market success in the US, UK and Europe and it now is set to expand in Australia and New Zealand.

Tonies market lead for Australia and New Zealand, Ulrike Becker, said the company was impressed with 303 MullenLowe’s vast capabilities and felt a “strong cultural fit”.

“We’re looking forward to working with a team that truly understands our brand and audience, and that can provide all our marketing requirements under one roof,” Becker said.

303 MullenLowe Sydney’s managing director, Karen Coleman, added: “We are incredibly excited to be partnering with tonies as it brings its outstanding children’s audio system into the local market, and into Australian and New Zealand homes.

“Launching into a new market takes a range of capabilities and we are delighted to be able to offer tonies a fully integrated offering. It’s an outstanding product and with local know-how, tonies will no doubt become a brand that resonates with parents and children alike here in Australia and New Zealand as it has done around the globe.”

The news comes after 303 MullenLowe Perth chief creative Damian Royce announced his departure earlier this month, while the Sydney office also underwent a leadership restructure.