The little pug that made Hutch's television ad one of the most successful campaigns of our times will get to stay despite Vodafone taking control of the mobile firm.
"The dog will (continue to) appear (in advertisements)," was Vodafone CEO (emerging markets) Paul Donovan's emphatic reply when asked if the familiar face of Hutch will fade away.
"Hutch is a great brand. But we are also committed to the Vodafone brand," he said, while noting that the transition from one brand to the other may take a number of years.
Earlier Vodafone CEO Arun Sarin said the company would consult customers on the branding strategy. "There is no time-frame under which we have to release the Hutch brand."