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WPP is integrating Symphony, TikTok’s generative AI tools, into WPP Open, its AI-enabled marketing platform. The collaboration gives WPP teams early access to TikTok’s innovations. Among the key features available to WPP clients are Symphony Digital Avatars, which allow WPP clients to use licensed and consensual, AI-generated representations of real people, and Global Reach, Local Impact, Symphony’s AI dubbing translation tool, which supports over 15 languages worldwide. "With TikTok's Symphony Suite, we're giving our creatives even more firepower to push boundaries and experiment for our clients, said WPP chief creative officer Rob Reilly.
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| David Zapata |
Zapwater Communications founder and CEO David Zapata is appointed executive chair of the board of Travel Lifestyle Network, a global network of independent communications agencies specializing in the travel and lifestyle sectors. Zapata will work to foster increased synergy among member agencies and deliver enhanced value to clients through integrated communications and marketing initiatives. Also joining the TLN board of directors are Actimedia PR & Digital CEO Trupti Vasudev, representing Asia/Pacific); Marelle Communications (Canada) president Marilyne Levesque, representing the Americas; GroupExpression (France) co-founder Virginie Le Norgant, representing Europe. Additionally, TLN founder Hanna Kleber, chairwoman of The Kleber Group, continues to serve as Honorary Chair.
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MAD Global Strategy opens an office in Charleston, WV. George Shalhoub, fundraiser for West Virginia governor Patrick Morrisey, will join MAD Global as VP. MAD Global partner Jai Chabria served as chief strategist to Governor Morrisey’s winning campaign last November, and the firm has been working in West Virginia for five years. “From navigating West Virginia’s fast-moving political landscape to advancing policy goals that will shape the region, MAD Global is excited for what’s ahead,” said MAD Global CEO and founder Mike DuHaime.
The Public Relations Global Network adds Agence Profile in Paris and IDDEA Comunicaciones in Bogotá to its membership... Signal Group, a DC-based firm, launches AI Frame, a PA offering to help organizations understand and manage how they appear across Large Language Model AI platforms... Spears Group, a New Orleans-headquartered integrated marketing and advertising agency, sets up shop in Houston... IPREX brings on new partner agencies in Italy, Chicago, Las Vegas and India.
The New York Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America names Attention Comms CEO Paul Cohen as 2026 president of its board of directors. Cohen succeeds Ken Kerrigan, who has held executive posts at Bliss Group, Infinite and Weber Shandwick... Startr Co. of Los Angeles, marks its 10th anniversary with the launch of a renewed brand identity and redesigned website.... Michael Best Strategies, an affiliated consulting firm of national law firm Michael Best, is introducing a corporate advisory service.
Real Chemistry launches RC Resolve, a healthcare advisory practice... Seven Letter, a bipartisan strategic communications firm, adds offices in Los Angeles, New York, and Huntsville... GMMB founding partner David Mitchell died on Jan. 2 at 75. Mitchell’s career in communications began in June 1978, when he joined the staff of the United Auto Workers as assistant to the director of public relations and publications.
Berns Communications Group expands its advisory services and rebrands as Berns & Co... DVV Media International, a B2B media and events company serving the transport and logistics markets, sells its Road portfolio of products to Mark Allen Group... MAD Global Strategy of New Jersey launches a Washington presence. 
Motio is launched by former BPD chief strategy & innovation officer Sasha Boghosian and Ryan Colaianni, who was CCO at BPD as well as an SVP at Edelman... PMG acquires Digital Voices, an influencer marketing agency with a team of 70 employees across London, New York and Costa Rica... Gregory
