 Emily Dunlop |
BCW Group has merged its technology brands North of Nine and PPR in the U.S. to form AxiCom U.S. Emily Dunlop, previously the leader of PPR U.S., is president of the newly formed entity. The merger is intended to build on the tech agency’s presence in seven European markets as well as beginning AxiCom’s global expansion. North of Nine is a full-service communications boutique focused on technology-based innovations, while PPR in the U.S. is a full-service consultancy. Both are former Burson-Marsteller Group companies. “The technology sector requires deep and dedicated knowledge and service and I’m excited about AxiCom now having a strong U.S. and European footprint. Emily Dunlop is one of the best technology leaders in the U.S. and will undoubtedly take the business to new levels,” said BCW Group global CEO Donna Imperato.
 Ronn Torossian |
5W Public Relations says it will launch a specialty practice focused on providing communications strategy and media relations services within the gaming and sports gambling industry. The firm’s experience within the gaming and betting industry includes work for Caesar’s Entertainment Corporation and Harrah’s Properties. Services that the new practice will offer include messaging and strategy, media relations, content creation, digital media campaigns and crisis support. “In light of the recent Supreme Court ruling, which we expect to have significant impact on the gambling and sports betting space, we are launching this practice area to provide businesses in this space with our highly specialized communications expertise and counsel,” said 5WPR CEO Ronn Torossian.
 Peter Prodomou |
Racepoint Global and Reputation Institute are partnering to launch an “insight to result” service for domestic and multi-national companies around the world, with a focus on China. Reputation Institute will provide its RepTrak study data, which incorporates feedback from more than 29,500 people among the informed general public in China, to help Racepoint Global fuel its communications programs. The China RepTrak® study is the largest corporate reputation study of its kind, and includes comparative rankings, demographic trends, and unique insights into the dynamics behind reputational impact on business performance. “Our partnership with Reputation Institute will help our clients understand the dynamics of reputation and clearly highlight the steps they need to take, whether it’s through earned, owned or paid channels, to deliver real business impact,” said Racepoint Global CEO Peter Prodomou.
DJE Holdings, parent of Edelman and Zeno, launches RUTH as an independent shop named after Ruth Edelman, mental health advocate, wife and longtime business partner of Dan Edelman.
New York City PR firms make up the largest slice of O'Dwyer's 147 firm overall ranking with 33 of 40 in the New York/New Jersey area either calling Manhattan their home or having a presence there.
Subject Matter+Kivvit, which joined forces in May, has rebranded as Avoq, an integrated shop with more than 200 professionals in Washington, New York, Asbury Park (NJ), Miami and Chicago.
While PR pros stationed at in-house comms. teams and those working for agencies share many of the same objectives, they also have markedly different top priorities, according to a recent report.
Edelman is cutting 240 employees or about four percent of its workforce to cope with the cooling down of the PR sector, according to a memo from CEO Richard Edelman.
Have a comment? Send it to 
No comments have been submitted for this story yet.