New York-based PR shop Goodman Media International, Inc. today announced the launch of a new digital communications division titled GMI Digital.

Goodman Media International, Inc.

Goodman CEO and president Tom Goodman told O’Dwyer’s that the agency wanted to embark on a digital unit to formalize the work it has been doing in digital spaces for some time, and as it turns out, ”everything came together at exactly the same moment.”

GMI Digital will be led by Amy Jaick, who will serve as the new unit’s executive director and will develop strategies while serving as digital counsel for many of the firm’s clients.

Jaick joins Goodman Media from financial technology company Estimize, where she was digital marketing director. Prior to that, she was with UK publisher The Economist, which she joined in 2010 and initially served as communications manager before being named senior marketing manager in 2013. Jaick was previously stationed with Goodman Media, between 2006 and 2010, where she held the role of senior account executive.

“We found the best possible candidate to run it — and she was home grown, having worked at Goodman Media — and we're doing this as we celebrate our 20th anniversary,” Goodman said. “It just seemed like the right time to put it all together in one neat package, which our current and future clients would not only understand, but embrace."

Goodman, who was formerly a communications chief for CBC Inc. and CBS News, founded the agency in 1996. The agency, which specializes in media relations, crisis communications and events, maintains additional offices in Boston and Detroit, was founded by CEO and president Tom Goodman. It celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.