 |
| Kathy Bloomgarden |
Ruder Finn launches analytics-driven content marketing offering to help clients develop cross-platform branded content. Under the leadership of executive vice president of brand marketing John Nolan, the team will develop narrative strategies and branded content platforms. Nolan will report to CEO Kathy Bloomgarden, who has driven the expansion of the agency’s digital offering, exploring emerging tech in social listening, AI, voice and VR/AR. “Our new offering will leverage tech-enabled listening tools and AI-driven analytics, which are critical to finding the insights necessary to target, connect with and build bridges across disparate communities and audiences,” Bloomgarden said.
 |
Weber Shandwick slates two summer learning programs offering college students and recent graduates a deep dive into the rapidly evolving media landscape. The 2021 Media Genius Fellowship is a six-week, paid immersion in which ten Fellows will work full-time with the agency’s Media Genius team to explore new platforms, emerging content formats and evolving uses of tech. Media Genius Exchange, a six-week, discussion-based learning community, will offer 50 students an opportunity to examine key issues facing today’s media ecosystem. These programs are the newest extension of Media Genius, a Weber Shandwick Innovation Lab focused on tracking, investigating and adapting to media and culture change. “Building new tools to understand shifts and combat dangers is core to what we do. For us to get there, we need to rely on the next generation of industry talent,” said Weber Shandwick chief innovation officer Chris Perry.
 |
Luquire George Andrews is rebranding itself to Luquire, a move that the agency says reflects the digitally focused firm it has evolved into over the past several years. As part of the rebrand, Luquire designers created a new logo and the agency has unveiled www.luquire.com, along with updated social channels (@luquireagency). The Charlotte, NC-based firm announced its new brand with a little help from former Carolina Panthers All-Pro Luke Kuechly, who recorded a humorous video mimicking Panthers fans’ signature “LUUUUUUKE” chant. “For years, clients have told me that when they’re faced with a big business challenge or opportunity, their first thought is, ‘Call Luquire,’” says Luquire. “That word has come to represent more than a person’s name – it symbolizes the deep, talented team and advanced capabilities we’ve amassed.”
FGS Global launches its AI Advisory practice and acquires Memetica, a specialist technology consultancy in AI-driven threat detection and mitigation across social, dark web and fringe platforms... The Harris Poll, which is part of Stagwell, launches Harris QuestRQ, a reputation system for business, communications and marketing leaders... The Change Agencies, an inclusive communications agency network, brings on The Holliday Collaborative Agency in Indianapolis and Meraki Communications Group in Alexandria, VA, as members.
The Public Relations Global Network adds Agence Profile in Paris and IDDEA Comunicaciones in Bogotá to its membership... Signal Group, a DC-based firm, launches AI Frame, a PA offering to help organizations understand and manage how they appear across Large Language Model AI platforms... Spears Group, a New Orleans-headquartered integrated marketing and advertising agency, sets up shop in Houston... IPREX brings on new partner agencies in Italy, Chicago, Las Vegas and India.
The New York Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America names Attention Comms CEO Paul Cohen as 2026 president of its board of directors. Cohen succeeds Ken Kerrigan, who has held executive posts at Bliss Group, Infinite and Weber Shandwick... Startr Co. of Los Angeles, marks its 10th anniversary with the launch of a renewed brand identity and redesigned website.... Michael Best Strategies, an affiliated consulting firm of national law firm Michael Best, is introducing a corporate advisory service.
Real Chemistry launches RC Resolve, a healthcare advisory practice... Seven Letter, a bipartisan strategic communications firm, adds offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Huntsville... GMMB founding partner David Mitchell died on Jan. 2 at 75. Mitchell’s career in communications began in June 1978, when he joined the staff of the United Auto Workers as assistant to the director of public relations and publications.
Berns Communications Group expands its advisory services and rebrands as Berns & Co... DVV Media International, a B2B media and events company serving the transport and logistics markets, sells its Road portfolio of products to Mark Allen Group... MAD Global Strategy of New Jersey launches a Washington presence. 
