 |
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.
 |
| 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.”
 |
| 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.
Caster Communications is acquired by long-time agency leaders Alexandra Crabb and Peter Girard... DiGennaro Communications launches The Authority Studio, a freestanding content strategy and production offering... The Brandman Agency, which specializes in luxury travel and lifestyle, rebrands as Brandman.
Public Inc., a social impact agency based in Toronto and New York, acquires Rocket Social Impact, an advisory firm that works with nonprofit and corporate social impact organizations... Ruder Finn launches “What’s Next: The Ruder Finn Podcast,” a new platform hosted by CEO Kathy Bloomgarden... Crowe PR joins United Partners Network, a network of independent PR agencies with members across more than 65 markets worldwide.
Ruder Finn launches rf.Voices, an integrated influence offering that brings together AI-powered influencer marketing, customer advocacy and paid amplification under one measurable framework... The Pollack Group is accepting applications through March 31 for The Big Red Grant, a $40,000 pro bono strategic PR and marketing engagement program awarded to a nonprofit organization ready for growth... D S Simon Media releases a report that says almost seven in ten producers (68 percent) are more interested in airing a story when they know it has been optimized for AI.
Precision Strategies, an integrated strategy and marketing agency with offices in Washington and New York, acquires Firehouse Strategies, a DC-based public affairs firm... AVENIR GLOBAL acquires London-based Thinks Insight & Strategy... Good Company, which bills itself as a “cultural engineering firm,” is launched by DJ Hardy, a veteran of Johannesburg-based communications consultancy arxna and M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment and Casey Stickles, who has worked at 5WPR, Rubenstein and MWW.
PSC (Princeton Strategic Communications) acquires Nonprofit Partners... CG Life launches 24/364, a cultural brand platform intended to drive awareness, connection and action aimed at keeping rare disease at the forefront of the health and social conversation... Interluxe Group, which focuses on brand experiences and in-person activations; Quinn, a strategic communications agency; and media and digital agency North & Warren are uniting under the Interluxe Group banner.
