Whirlpool has named Digitas, Chicago, its interactive and relationship-marketing agency of record. The agency also reported adjusted earnings that beat analysts' expectations.

Digitas, which had previously handled public relations and event marketing for Whirlpool brand KitchenAid, will now handle interactive-campaign strategy, creative, interactive media planning, buying and direct-to-consumer marketing for Whirlpool in the U.S., writes AdAge. The portfolio includes the Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Jenn-Air and Amana brands.

Meanwhile, Digitas reported lower net income in the third quarter because of severance costs - $2.1 million - related to the reduction of its workforce by 50 employees, AdWeek reports. Net income of $6.2 million, or 7 cents per share, down from $8 million and 8 cents per share in the year-ago period. Fee revenue for the period was $95.6 million, up from $85.5 million a year earlier.

Adjusted earnings came to $12.1 million, or 13 cents a share - beating analysts' expectations of 12 cents a share, reports MediaPost. For the full year, the company predicted fee revenue of $387-$390 million, and earnings per share of 44-46 cents.

The consolidation with Digitas is another step toward further "brand building and consumer engagement," Jeff Davidoff, Whirlpool's VP of marketing communication, North America, said in a statement. The marketer earlier this year consolidated its creative accounts with Publicis USA and media duties with Optimedia, AdAge points out.