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| Amy Rutkin |
Rutkin Strategies, a consultancy practice, is launched by Amy Rutkin, who is retiring from her role as staff director to the House Judiciary Committee and long-time chief of staff to Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY). Rutkin Strategies is partnering with two women-owned government relations agencies, Kasirer of New York and NVG of Washington, DC., with Rutkin serving as a senior advisor to both firms. The new practice will provide key services to each firm’s clients through strategic insights, relationship development, policy advising and direct government relations. Her connecting the two firms across the DC-NY power landscape will also result in enhanced opportunities and synergies. “Amy’s knowledge of government, her unparalleled connections both in DC and here in NY, along with her expertise on a broad range of issues will be an enormous asset to our clients and a perfect complement to our existing team,” said Kasirer president Suri Kasirer. “She is a true leader on so many important issues and made an unquestionable impact on the House and its most prolific committee,” said NVG managing partner Andrea LaRue.
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| Coltrane Curtis, Lisa Chu |
Stagwell acquires Team Epiphany, a consumer marketing agency that specializes in cultural relevance, experiential, progressive multi-cultural marketing and influencer integration. Team Epiphany will continue to operate independently as part of Stagwell's Constellation network, which includes 72andSunny, Instrument and The Harris Poll. It is led by founder and managing partner Coltrane Curtis and managing partner Lisa Chu, who will remain in their current positions. Launched in 2004, the agency has worked with such clients as Airbnb, American Express, Coca-Cola, LEGO, HBO (MAX), Campari and Amazon. “When I met the team, it became clear to me that their deep appreciation and mastery of culture is an essential ingredient for contemporary brands focused on forward-looking growth," said Constellation chair Justin Lewis. Team Epiphany is Stagwell's first acquisition of the year after picking up Movers+Shakers in November 2023, Left Field Labs in October, Tinsel Experiential Design in July, and In the Companies of Huskies in April.
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5WPR launches a dedicated defense PR and aerospace PR vertical. Services offered to defense clients include messaging and positioning, media relations, initial public offering media strategy, new market expansion campaigns, visibility programs, content creation, sponsorships/partnerships, digital media campaigns, event planning, thought leadership and speaking opportunities. The new vertical is led by a team of experts who possess a long history of leading successful campaigns for defense and aerospace clients including Shield AI who 5W has assisted to expand their footprint and enhance their brand reputation. “We have extensive experience working in these industries and understand how to navigate both the historical context of the industry while bringing a tech-focused approach as AI and robotics continue to heavily influence the space,” said 5WPR co-CEO Matt Caiola.
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.
Real Chemistry acquires Spurwing Communications, which advises pharmaceutical and healthcare organizations—as well as clients across a broader range of industries—throughout APAC... 5W AI Communications (5WPR) is moving its headquarters from New York to Florida (Miami, Tampa)... Valence Communications, which will focus on biopharmaceutical companies, launches under Matt Middleman, who was founder and CEO at LifeSci Communications.
Moburst, which specializes in digital marketing and AI-powered solutions, acquires Amazon marketing agency Hyperzon... The Public Relations Global Network launches its Health Practice Group, which brings together more than 20 independent agencies across four continents to support health care, life sciences and pharma organizations... ICR’s newly released Q2 2026 SPAC Market Update & Outlook shows a healthy environment for IPOs... Red Banyan, a senior-level crisis management, litigation PR, and reputation management firm, makes its first appearance in the Chambers and Partners listings.
Deerfield Group, a marketing, communications and media firm focused on the healthcare and life sciences sectors, receives a strategic majority investment from Martis Capital, a private equity firm... Bospar and market research firm Propeller Insights release the results of a study that shows public understanding of AI and the role it plays in brand discoverability is lagging behind the progress of the technology itself... Highwire launches AcroIntelligence, a proprietary Large Media Model designed to help companies identify emerging narratives, understand competitive shifts, and make faster, more informed decisions.
