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MAD Global Strategy, a bipartisan public affairs firm, sets up shop in New York through its acquisition of boutique political consulting firm Millennial Strategies. Millennial co-founders Jeff Guillot and Alex Voetsch will join MAD Global as managing directors to lead the New York operation. Before joining MAD Global, Guillot oversaw Millennial’s governmental and public affairs division and Voetsch led Millennial’s campaign division. Longtime Millennial Strategies staffers Jenny Kate Schlagel and Tiffany Bryant will be joining Guillot and Voestch on the MAD Global team. “Our acquisition of Millennial Strategies not only expands our East Coast footprint, but also boosts our reach and expertise in the New York metropolitan market,” said Laura Matos, Partner, MAD Global. “Jeff and Alex’s Democratic networks and experience amplifies our firm’s capabilities to provide valuable counsel to clients on both sides of the aisle. New York is the third state in which MAD Global has opened full-time operations, joining New Jersey and Ohio as bases of operations.
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Gregory FCA completes a 12-month study showing that generative AI has had a positive effect on its productivity. The study, which looked at the firm’s performance from the first half of 2023 compared to the first six months of 2024 (the first full year of AI deployment), analyzed metrics across the firm’s operations, including revenue per employee, as well as client attrition and employee turnover. It found that AI increased firm productivity a healthy 10.2 percent, equating to about $2 million in additional revenue. Gregory FCA also has seen a 3.75X return on investment once license and training costs are considered. In addition, there was a 31 percent reduction in client churn, and employee attrition was down 54 percent. “This study represents the first quantitative evidence of how AI is transforming public relations by improving the quality and velocity of client work products,” said Gregory FCA CEO Greg Matusky.
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| Eric Wright |
D S Simon Media EVP, marketing & business development Eric Wright marks 25 years with the company. Wright, who came on board in 1999, has been instrumental in elevating D S Simon Media’s company’s brand presence and expanding its market reach while navigating the evolving landscape of economic and regulatory challenges. Before joining the company, he was director, client services at D.C.-based radio broadcasting agency North American Network. “Eric’s 25 years with D S Simon Media is a testament to his loyalty, dedication, vision, and expertise,” said D S Simon Media president & CEO Doug Simon. “His contributions have been pivotal in our growth and success. We are incredibly grateful for his leadership and look forward to many more years of continued success together.”
Mark Allen & Co. acquires Alban Communications, establishing its first Miami office... Buchalter, a business law firm, launches a crisis management and strategic response group... 5W PR expands its beauty practice to include TikTok Shop-aligned PR campaigns and creator amplification strategies.
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.
