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Ruder Finn launches RF Studio 53, which the firm says will “create at the intersection of human imagination and digital intelligence.” The new initiative combines the creative and tech teams from recently acquired Osmosis Films and SPI Group with Ruder Finn’s US and UK-based design and video teams, along with developers from Ruder Finn’s TechLab teams based in the US and India. It will be led by Osmosis’s Zach Russo (creative director), along with Ruder Finn’s Tejas Totade (chief technology officer), SPI Group’s James Koppenal (managing director) and Ruder Finn UK’s Lee Manning (global head of design). RF TechLab will continue as Ruder Finn’s technology and analytics incubator while Osmosis Films will remain as an independent label within Studio 53 producing original content across film and emerging platforms. “As the communications world is transformed by AI and other technologies, bold creative storytelling that’s powered by machine learning will be critical to reach and move the right audiences across a range of emerging tech platforms,” said Ruder Finn CEO Kathy Bloomgarden.
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| Tyler Rathjen |
Decibel Blue Creative Marketing & PR founder David Eichler sells the agency to Tyler Rathjen, who has been a partner at the firm since 2016. All staff members will remain with Decibel Blue and the agency will continue to operate out of its offices in Phoenix and Denver. Eichler will assume a senior advisor role, while also moving on to pursue other passions. Under Eichler’s direction since 2005, Decibel Blue provides advertising, design, media relations, social media, digital marketing, and brand management services, and has worked with such clients as Tide Cleaners, Dunkin’ Donuts, Elements Massage, Amazing Lash Studio, My Sister’s Closet, Denver Metro Association of Realtors and Kentwood Realty. "Tyler is immensely talented,” said Eichler. “I can’t imagine anyone else carrying the torch into the future.”
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| Kevin Dinino |
KCD PR president Kevin Dinino is selected as one of San Diego Business Journal’s 2023 Leaders of Influence in Advertising, PR & Marketing. The Leaders of Influence Award honors executives across San Diego County for their status and contributions as distinguished professionals within their fields. This is the first year the publication is honoring leaders in this category. In addition to sitting on the Cyber Center of Excellence in San Diego board, Dinino is also a founding member of FinTech Connector, a technology-driven community platform and partner marketplace where professionals, entrepreneurs, organizations, and capital providers connect to collaborate and create the next generation of financial services innovation. KCD PR serves clients in the financial services, fintech and blockchain technology industries.
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.
Karsh Hagan and Madden Media join forces as KHM... Endeavor Communications opens an office in the Harbor Point neighborhood of Stamford, CT... Big Red Oak, a Toronto-based communications firm, and D.C. area-based PA firm New Hill Consulting have launched a joint service exclusively for companies in the nuclear energy sector... The Pollack Group has partnered with Brandi AI, a platform for enterprise brand intelligence, AI visibility and Generative Engine Optimization.
