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WPP joins VMLY&R and Geometry to form VMLY&R COMMERCE, a “Creative Commerce Company” that will operate as a distinct unit within the VMLY&R global network. The new entity will be led by current Geometry global CEO Beth Ann Kaminkow, who takes on the position of VMLY&R COMMERCE global chief executive officer. VMLY&R COMMERCE will be fully operational from January 1, 2021, with the integration of the agencies’ teams and assets continuing through 2021. Between them, the Geometry and VMLY&R networks have more than 11,000 employees across 80 countries worldwide. “This new company will offer outstanding creativity, industry-leading commerce expertise, and sophisticated data and technology skills to help brands grow in an omni-channel world,” said WPP chief executive officer Mark Read. “It also meets clients’ needs for simple, tightly integrated propositions from their marketing services partners.”
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| Adrienne Ankola-Rochetti |
CSM Sport & Entertainment, partnership and brand experience firm, launches a social impact consulting practice in North America. The new consultancy will work to help brands identify actionable and relevant ways to align purpose with partnerships that deliver meaningful social and business impact. It is led by former LeadDog Marketing Group senior director, social impact Adrienne Ankola-Rochetti, who will take on the position of vice president of social impact. “Our dedicated focus to guiding brands into impactful relationships is a natural progression for our business,” said head of CSM North America Christa Carone. “With clients like Susan G. Komen, National Park Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Sesame Workshop, and The NYC LGBT Center, we have established roots in cause marketing that shape our unique approach to helping brands find meaningful and purposeful partnerships.”
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PAN Communications publishes eBook offering insight and advice for comms teams looking to align their PR and inbound marketing programs. “How to Build a Successful Lead Generation Strategy Working With Your PR Agency” outlines a six-step process to help communicators achieve that goal. It also looks at issues including how to achieve lead generation success from earned to owned to paid campaigns; tips on working with your agency to implement integrated programs in the virtual world; measuring the results of boosting your lead generation efforts; and the effect that the experience economy can have on lead generation. To access the eBook, click here.
Brunner, a Pittsburgh-based integrated marketing agency, acquires AdSkate, an AI-powered creative analytics and marketing intelligence platform that helps brands and agencies optimize advertising performance... Augustine Agency launches Flavor Theory, a foodservice marketing practice aimed at helping restaurants, food manufacturers, distributors and institutional dining organizations grow their brands and businesses... The Acceleration Community of Companies releases a report finding that almost half (49 percent) of Gen Z sports fans say they have become interested in a new sport or athlete because of fan-created content or something entirely outside the sport. 
VPE Communications, which helps organizations authentically connect with diverse audiences, celebrates 38 years in business and announces a new ownership structure... Praytell expands into the Asian market with the opening of a new office in Singapore... The International Public Relations Network unveils a new visual identity and redesigned website. 
SourceCode Communications launches SourceCode Germany, establishing the agency's first office in continental Europe... Clario Group acquires Ted Miller Group, a Miami-founded agency focused on clients in the technology, travel & leisure and financial services sectors... Global Situation Room’s Global Risk Advisory Council is hosting a July 23 webinar that will go over the results of its new Reputation Risk Index.
Havas acquires MUT, a Barcelona-based firm focused on experiential marketing and sustainable events... IPREX lauches its AI Task Force...D S Simon Media, one of the first companies to produce a satellite media tour, celebrates its 40th anniversary... Washington Women in Public Relations is sponsoring an event that shows communications pros who work with associations how they can get their messages across clearly, credibly and courageously. “How Associations Lead with Strategic Storytelling,” at 6 p.m. on July 16.
TEAM LEWIS starts up its AI Practice... Thunderly launches a year-long storytelling campaign focused on how franchising can provide a pathway to business ownership... JIN, a European communications consulting group, introduces "AI Campaigning", a corporate offering designed to model and anticipate stakeholder behavior.
