 |
North Sixth Group acquires KRMA, an AI-enabled digital marketing solutions provider. As part of the acquisition, NSG will merge its marketing services units, including public relations firm N6A and digital content firm Studios with KRMA to form N6 Powered by KRMA, creating a fully integrated offering that combines public relations expertise, technology and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies. KRMA founder & CEO Morgan Harris will come on board as CEO of North Sixth Group, parent company of N6 Powered by KRMA. One of the key highlights is the integration of KRMA’s proprietary AI technology into the suite of services offered to N6 Powered by KRMA clients. “The acquisition of KRMA and formation of N6 Powered by KRMA brings together the rich tradition of our longstanding PR and marketing services business units N6A and Studios with the future of marketing technology and predictive analytics that is being developed by KRMA,” said North Sixth Group chairman Matt Rizzetta.
 |
WPP and Spotify form a global strategic partnership that will provide WPP clients with early access to Spotify’s ad products, first-party intelligence and ways to reach engaged audiences at scale. Spotify will become the first digital audio platform to be integrated directly into WPP’s products and solutions. WPP will work with Spotify to deliver market-leading thought leadership and scaled training programs for its employees and clients that focus on digital audio creativity and Spotify's ad products. WPP’s teams and clients will also benefit from early access to Spotify’s neuro-insights research focused on audience trends and insights. One of the first outputs of the partnership is a WPP client-specific version of Spotify’s Sonic Science insights study, conducted with WPP agency Mindshare, that details the connection between Spotify, digital audio ads and listeners. “We’ve long partnered with WPP to enable agency planners and buyers to make more informed decisions when planning for digital audio,” said Spotify global head of advertising sales Brian Berner. “With our new global partnership, we’re helping WPP clients modernize their strategy and planning.”
 |
Luquire joins with qualitative research platform Sympler to provide consumer insights for the agency’s clients. Sympler employs conversational technology in the chat environments of Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook Messenger to reveal information about consumers. The company says that in those environments, people offer more candid insights than they do through traditional research methods. “The dry, linear approach to research yields the same old answers,” said Sympler co-founder Alexander Kane. “Luquire’s attitude and creativity align perfectly with our mission to go beyond surface-level answers, revealing a truer understanding of consumers’ beliefs and motivations.” Luquire’s client roster includes Bojangles, First Citizens Bank, RSM, and Visit North Carolina.
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.
