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HUNTER launches Bobbie, an influencer and creator marketing unit. It is directed at marketers seeking an influencer-focused partner combining seasoned human instincts with the latest technology to identify and engage creators and drive business impact. Headquartered in New York, the new unit will also work out of Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto, Montreal and London. Hunter chief influencer officer Donetta Allen will serve as president of Bobbie, while Monica Caponigro, who led influencer marketing at Nordstrom after serving as Hunter’s SVP of influencer, will be the solution’s managing director. Research conducted by Bobbie says that three quarters of marketers plan to have dedicated influencer marketing budgets in 2025, up from just 37 percent in 2017. “At Bobbie, we'll focus on matching brands with the trusted voices that will communicate messages in a natural, approachable way that does more than reach audiences—we'll help them build life-long relationships,” said Allen.
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P-22 Agency is launched by former We Are BMF head of business development Ty Bentsen. With a namesake inspired by Los Angeles’ famous mountain lion, the agency operates out of LA and New York, working in sectors that include luxury and lifestyle travel, tourism, commercial and private aviation, and wine/spirits. P-22 is focused on supporting emerging brands, minority-owned companies and legacy brands. In addition to raising the visibility of clients, Bentsen has positioned brand and property leaders as voices of authority in business and financial publications. P-22 Agency was also designed with a strong emphasis on staff development and mentorship. “My goal is to strike an equilibrium between our relentless commitment to client success and offering a supportive, flexible work environment for our team,” Bentsen said.
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| Mike Krass |
Mike Krass, founder of Moon Holdings, a holding company for niche professional services firms., purchases interior design and home brand centric public relations and marketing agency, A Design Partnership. Krass will assume the role of ADP’s CEO. Former ADP CEO Natalie Norcross, will remain with the firm as its chief growth officer, spearheading all business development efforts. The agency will retain all its current employees as well as its roster of clients. Krass, who started up digital marketing agency MKG Marketing in 2011, looks to expand ADP’s existing digital ads capabilities. “Natalie and the team at ADP have created a firm centered around design and home brand expertise that grew to a size and scale very few agencies have achieved,” said Krass.
Brunner, a Pittsburgh-based integrated marketing agency, acquires AdSkate, an AI-powered creative analytics and marketing intelligence platform that helps brands and agencies optimize advertising performance... Augustine Agency launches Flavor Theory, a foodservice marketing practice aimed at helping restaurants, food manufacturers, distributors and institutional dining organizations grow their brands and businesses... The Acceleration Community of Companies releases a report finding that almost half (49 percent) of Gen Z sports fans say they have become interested in a new sport or athlete because of fan-created content or something entirely outside the sport. 
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.
