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FGS Global launches its AI Advisory practice and acquires Memetica, a specialist technology consultancy in AI-driven threat detection and mitigation across social, dark web and fringe platforms. The new practice is part of FGS Global's recently formed AI and Innovation group, which is led by global head of AI and innovation Aaron Kwittken. It is fueled by FGS Labs, the firm’s global development team that builds client-facing and internal technology to meet bespoke needs—including the development of Fergus, the firm’s AI-powered agentic platform. “Our AI Advisory practice provides both the strategic framework and tactical and technical capabilities clients need to navigate this transformation confidently, persistently and effectively,” said Kwittken. Memetica, a longtime partner of FGS Global, provides bespoke monitoring and analysis of online channels, including “deep” and “dark” web platforms to help clients identify, assess and mitigate situations where online narratives can quickly escalate into real-world consequences.
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The Harris Poll, which is part of Stagwell, launches Harris QuestRQ, a reputation system for business, communications and marketing leaders. The system connects live firm reputation metrics to over three decades of trended proprietary corporate ranking data from The Harris Poll’s Reputation Quotient framework and its live HarrisQuest brand tracking platform. It lets let firms measure their reputation live in society; beyond their category; and against their own history. “With Harris QuestRQ, we’ve taken decades of reputation science and rebuilt it for the pace and complexity of today’s world. It’s leaner, faster and smarter—giving leaders the always-on visibility they need to make reputation a true, real-time decision-making asset,” said The Harris Poll managing director of reputation Wendy Salomon.
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The Change Agencies, an inclusive communications agency network, brings on The Holliday Collaborative Agency in Indianapolis and Meraki Communications Group in Alexandria, VA, as members. Every agency owner in the network is Black, Asian American, Hispanic, Indigenous, and/or LGBTQ, and 11 of the 16 member agencies are owned and led by women. Each agency member is an expert in engaging populations around issues and opportunities that drive culture. Sectors served by The Change Agencies member firms include consumer, travel and tourism, healthcare, housing and aging services, the arts, retail, telecommunications, automotive, technology, financial services, education, government and public affairs. “This network brings together some of the most trusted, culturally fluent communications firms in the country,” said The Holliday Collaborative Agency CEO and founder LaMar Holliday. “It allows us to pair our Indianapolis-rooted expertise with national reach, giving our clients access to deeper insight, broader perspective, and greater impact across every market we serve.”
The Messina Group is rebranding as Fortius Global and opening an office in London. Jim Messina, who launched the firm in 2013 after serving as campaign manager for Obama for America, will serve as CEO of Fortius Global and continue to set the vision, strategy, and execution for Fortius and its companies... The New York Chapter of the National Investor Relations Institute names the new members of its NextGen Committee for the 2026-2027 term... Billion Dollar Boy, a social and influencer marketing agency with offices in New York and London, acquires Santa Monica, CA-headquartered Creator Authority.
Slowey McManus Communications is receiving a majority stake investment from Adi Sarosa, founder and managing partner of AA24 Communications... Seven Letter, a Washington, D.C.-based bipartisan strategic communications and public affairs firm, marks its 20th anniversary... Jack Morton launches a new global brand identity.
Peregrine, which specializes in asset and wealth management, adds a Los Angeles office to its locations in New York and London... The Dilenschneider Group, which was founded by Hill & Knowlton CEO Robert Dilenschneider, marks 35 years in business... Meltwater launches Intelligence is Always in Style, a marketing campaign based on a short-film series starring actress Kim Cattrall.
53Six, a Dublin- and London-based sports marketing agency, is acquired by Irish experience and entertainment group FUEL... Blue Highway Advisory releases a report that looks at how the shift from CEO to AI has changed the way in which consumers access information, and offers advice on how to handle the new landscape... Get Engaged, whose services include campaign ideation, social media management, influencer marketing, celebrity partnerships, content production and paid media, joins SAMY, a social-first agency headquartered in Madrid. 
The Hoffman Agency, a Silicon Valley-based firm with offices in Europe, Asia and the U.S., teams up with United Partners Network, a global community of independent communications agencies... ChangeMakers acquires R&G Strategic, a Halifax, Nova Scotia-based firm with a practice that spans ESG and sustainability strategy and reporting; stakeholder engagement; climate and GHG consulting; sustainability campaigns; branding; communications; and marketing... AltaVista Strategic Partners, a Baltimore-based firm, opens an second office in Tampa, effective Oct. 15.
