Originally Released On

PR Newswire

Contact:

Stephanie Hernandez
PRophet Comms Tech
v-stephanie.hernandez@prprophet.ai

In 2020, PRophet launched the first AI-powered SaaS platform of its kind to help PR and communications leaders predict interest in their stories among high-authority journalists. Now, leveraging that same technology, PRophet has integrated with its influencermarketing.ai platform to identify and target social media influencers and journalists in one seamless process.

This development marks a pivotal step in PRophet’s evolution, blending earned media and influencer marketing capabilities in response to shifting media consumption habits, particularly among younger demographics. Recent Pew Research Center data revealed that one in five Americans now regularly get their news from social media influencers. PRophet’s improved functionality allows for streamlined engagement with these influential voices alongside traditional media outlets.

“Today we are introducing the first of many integrations that bridge the gap between earned media and influencer marketing,” said Aaron Kwittken, CEO and Founder of the PRophet suite. “By unifying these two critical disciplines through AI tools, PRophet is empowering savvy communications professionals to craft comprehensive comms strategies that reach audiences across all channels.”

The new integration enables brands and agencies to identify relevant influencers and content creators for news stories and announcements across platforms including Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and podcasts. Users can review the influencers’ audience quality score, engagement rate, follower credibility, and advanced insights such as popular hashtags or direct mentions.

Over the past 18 months, PRophet expanded from a single point solution to a comprehensive suite of tools following two key acquisitions late last year, LEADERS and UNICEPTA, greatly expanding its capabilities and global footprint and boasting a staff of nearly 600 across four continents and nine cities.

About PRophet
PRophet is a comms tech suite of AI-powered SaaS tools and services designed to empower modern communicators. Purpose-built for PR and marketing professionals, PRophet harnesses predictive, cognitive and generative AI to help users discover, target and engage with high-authority journalists and leading influencers. The media relations solution creates and tests “mediable” PR content to predict journalist interest and sentiment. The influencer marketing solution, influencermarketing.ai, combines influencer discovery, analytics, brand safety and tracking technologies to inform and manage influencer campaigns with precision. The suite also features, UNICEPTA, the largest provider of global media, market intelligence and social listening tools, delivering unmatched insights and analysis to communicators worldwide. PRophet was awarded PRovoke Media’s Innovation SABRE in 2023 and 2024, a 2024 Webby Award, and was included in PR News’ 2024 Tech Hotlist. PRophet is headquartered in New York City with offices in Washington DC, London, Cologne, Berlin, Zurich, São Paulo and Shanghai and is part of the Stagwell Marketing Cloud (SMC), a suite of data-driven SaaS solutions built for the modern marketer. Visit prprophet.ai to learn more.

About Stagwell
Stagwell is the challenger holding company built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world’s most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing. Led by entrepreneurs, our specialists in 35+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for our clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com.

Contacts:
Stephanie Hernandez
PRophet Comms Tech
v-stephanie.hernandez@prprophet.ai

Originally Released On

PR Newswire

Contact:

Shanna Brown          
Vice President, Marketing + Communications
Shanna.Brown@allisonworldwide.com
914.263.6837

“Allison’s priorities are clear: a client-first culture centered on every client’s success; future-focused innovation and anticipation; and expanding our capability and expertise with a world-class team delivering world-class results,” said Ray Day, Allison Worldwide executive chair and Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW), vice chair. “Since joining Allison in early December, I’ve been overwhelmed by interest from others wanting to join our team as we accelerate our shared vision of global growth.”

The six new communications leaders bring decades of combined expertise across a range of industries and communications specializations. They include:

• Ellen Barry, Allison Managing Director, Corporate Affairs: Barry most recently led her own strategic and crisis communications firm, having served in senior leadership positions at Cardinal Health, Teneo, Brunswick, Joele Frank and Fleishman-Hillard. At Allison, she serves as a senior strategist for boards and executives on reputation, crises, corporate positioning and financial communications.
• Kiersten Fries, Allison Chief Strategy Officer: Fries joins from Omnicom Public Relations Group and Ketchum, where she served as Global Chief Growth and Marketing Officer. At Allison, she leads global client success, growth and strategic development – especially for Fortune 500 clients and prospects.
• Aaron Kokoruz, Allison Senior Vice President, Earned Media Relations: Kokoruz joins most recently from Ketchum, where he was part of the earned media leadership team. He also serves as an expert travel contributor for NBC News, leveraging his extensive experience in the space. At Allison, he brings deep relationships across the earned media spectrum and expertise in executing high-impact media campaigns.
• Rebecca Lindland, Allison Managing Director, Automotive: Lindland joins from Cars Commerce, Fisker, Cox Automotive and IHS Automotive with more than two decades of experience in the automotive and tech industries. At Allison, she leads the global automotive industry offering and solutions for clients.
• Robyn Patterson, Allison Senior Vice President of Public Affairs: Patterson joins Allison from the White House, where she most recently was Advisor to the Press Secretary, as well as the former deputy public affairs director for the U.S. Department of Commerce. At Allison, she supports clients with deep government and public affairs expertise, while supporting crisis management and reputational growth.
• Tony Sardella, Allison Managing Director of Data and Predictive Analytics: Sardella joins Allison from most recently serving as Founder of predictive analytics firm evolve24, where he was also CEO, along with decades of experience as a senior communications leader at Monsanto, Oxy and Intertek. He also is a senior research fellow at Washington University. At Allison, he leads all data, research and analytics for clients and is advancing work on the future of predictive analytics.

“These new team members represent one of the most significant infusions of new talent in Allison’s recent history,” said Jonathan Heit, CEO of Allison Worldwide. “Their expertise and vision will play a crucial role in shaping our future and reinforcing our position as a trusted partner for our clients.”

About Allison Worldwide
Allison Worldwide is a global communications agency dedicated to driving growth, innovation, and positive change for clients, colleagues, and communities. With a diverse range of expertise and a forward-looking mindset, Allison delivers game-changing results that make a lasting impact. Allison is owned by Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW), one of the fastest-growing and most influential marketing and communications networks in the world. Agency partners leverage Stagwell’s technology, data analytics, insights, and strategic consulting solutions to drive measurable results and optimize return on marketing investment for more than 1,700 clients worldwide. Learn more at www.allisonworldwide.com.

About Stagwell
Stagwell is the challenger holding company built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world’s most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing. Led by entrepreneurs, our specialists in 35+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for our clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com.   

For more information, please contact:

Shanna Brown          
Vice President, Marketing + Communications
Shanna.Brown@allisonworldwide.com
914.263.6837

Originally Released On

PR Newswire

Contact:

HUNTER
Samara Farber Mormar
smormar@hunterpr.com

Stagwell
Kara Gelber
kara.gelber@stagwellglobal.com

“This combination is yet another step in making Stagwell the right size to deliver comprehensive, integrated solutions for modern brands,” said Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO of Stagwell. “By bringing together KWT Global and HUNTER, we’re not just combining two award-winning agencies – we’re creating a unified, modern communications solution well positioned to help brands navigate today’s complex media landscape.”

Frequently recognized as a “Best Place to Work,” “Mid-Sized Agency of the Year” and “Consumer Agency of the Year,” HUNTER has grown by double digits for five consecutive years. KWT Global, named a “PR Daily Top Agency” and an “Agency of the Future in 2024” has doubled in size over the past three years and is frequently recognized for its industry innovating product offerings, thought leadership and employee development programs alongside its impactful and award-winning client work. 

“This is the logical next step in our ambitions to better serve our clients’ needs with integrated, culturally relevant, digital-first solutions and foster an environment where our staff are inspired to employ cutting edge communications technology,” said Grace Leong, CEO of HUNTER. “HUNTER and KWT Global are already frequent collaborators. By combining resources, we will rally the power of both agencies toward a common goal: to craft, place, share and amplify the narratives of the world’s best companies and brands while maintaining our hallmark focus on exceptional client service and our creative, inclusive, and supportive company culture.”

“This comes at a time of significant transformation in the communications industry, as clients increasingly seek comprehensive solutions to their marketing challenges,” said Gabrielle Zucker, CEO of KWT Global. “Our clients and staff will benefit from HUNTER’s award-winning consumer expertise, ability to tap into cultural conversations, and creative prowess while leveraging KWT’s ability to create future-forward solutions for communications challenges such as KWT xVoice. By integrating talent across agencies, we’ll be able to bring our clients more ideas, more specialized thinking, and more comprehensive solutions.”

HUNTER drives growth and earns valuable attention and reputation for clients across food & beverage, travel, home, fashion & lifestyle, technology, retail, health and beauty sectors, including Amazon, Reckitt, Benjamin Moore, Vera Bradley, Danone North America, and TABASCO^® Brand Pepper Sauce—the agency’s first client 35 years ago and still a client today. KWT Global, known for operating at the intersection of precision and possibility, works across a portfolio of clients spanning travel & hospitality, financial services, health, wellness, luxury, lifestyle, fashion, retail and technology brands, including Tanger, Fairmont, PODS, Technogym, Tommy John, IRONMAN, Lovesac, L’Oreal, Liquid I.V., Experian and Laurel Road. 

A collective of female leaders with a long history of driving innovation and growth will be at the helm of HUNTER’s evolution:

1. Grace Leong will continue to serve as CEO.
2. Gigi García Russo continues as HUNTER’s Chief Transformation Officer.
3. Gabrielle Zucker, KWT Global CEO, has been named Global Chief Client Officer with oversight of U.S. and London client experience.
4. Samantha Turtle, who leads HUNTER’s Los Angeles office and Entertainment Marketing practice, will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer.

Together they represent an all-female C-Suite and a collective executive leadership team that is 90% female.

About HUNTER: 
Founded in 1989, HUNTER is an award-winning consumer marketing communications firm with offices in New York, Los Angeles and London and a footprint across North America. Beginning with research-driven consumer insights, HUNTER executes strategic, integrated programs that drive cultural relevance, increase engagement and earn measurable business results for consumer products and services. The 300-person firm employs a powerful blend of marketing solutions including strategic planning, social and digital media, talent and influencer engagement, media relations, experiential and multicultural marketing, and content creation and distribution for all platforms and channels to earn consumer attention on behalf of some of the world’s best known and most beloved brands. The agency is a member of Stagwell Inc. (NASDAQ:STGW).

About KWT Global: 
At KWT Global, we believe creativity with intention resonates. As an integrated communications agency operating at the intersection of precision and possibility, we empower brands to navigate ever-evolving landscapes with confidence and clarity, blending art and science to create precise programming that captures imaginations, evolves perceptions and drives change. Our team of strategists, marketers, designers, creators, communicators and connectors collaborate across vertical, industry and expertise to build curated programs that address unique business challenges. We are the partner that helps brands evolve to meet their moment, time and time again. The agency is a member of Stagwell Inc. (NASDAQ:STGW).

About Stagwell Inc.
Stagwell (NASDAQ:STGW). is the challenger holding company built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world’s most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing. Led by entrepreneurs, our specialists in 35+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for our clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com.

Contact:
HUNTER
Samara Farber Mormar
smormar@hunterpr.com

Stagwell
Kara Gelber
kara.gelber@stagwellglobal.com

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2608334/Hunter_Logo.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2608335/Stagwell___Press_Release_Photo.jpg

Originally Released On

PR Newswire

Contact:

Deborah.abraham@forsman.com
Trudi.harris@forsman.com 

As Global CCO, Justine will play an invaluable role in expanding and strengthening the collective’s global creative offering across its nine offices. Justine will initially be based in New York, relocating to London later in the year.

Said Armour: “The global creative industry is crying out for a truly distinctive, unique offering like the collective at Forsman & Bodenfors. The Swedes are genuinely creative in their very DNA; from the process to the org structure, F&B approaches things in a completely counter-cultural way compared to a traditional agency. I find this invigorating, and it’s no surprise that the collective has made some of my most favourite work in the world over the years. The F&B culture is designed to support and produce creativity that stands apart and transforms thoroughly, and I’m looking forward to helping bring that magic to a wider array of creative talent and clients around the world.”

Most recently, Justine was a Partner and CCO at independent New York agency, FIG. Justine joined FIG from Grey New York where she was chief creative officer, the only woman to hold the position in over 105 years. Prior to Grey she built a diverse portfolio across agencies including 72andSunny, Wieden+Kennedy, Publicis Mojo and Saatchi & Saatchi. She began her career in her native Australia, at McCann Erickson Brisbane.

“Justine’s outstanding creativity and track record of producing work that helps brands grow makes her the perfect partner for us – curating Forsman & Bodenfors’ direction as we move into a new era” commented James Denton-Clark, the agency’s recently appointed Global CEO. 

“Creativity at Forsman & Bodenfors has always been about how we approach the task and the outcomes rather than outputs. Justine really gets that creativity is the process through which we can achieve these outstanding results,” Denton-Clark added.

Recognised across every major global award show including Cannes Lions, D&AD, One Show, LIA’s and more, Justine has previously been named to Adweek’s Creative 100 list; listed by Campaign magazine as a US Female Frontier honouree and recognised as one of AdAge’s Leading Women. A champion of diversity, equity and purpose, Justine has spoken at numerous events including One Club Creative Summit, SXSW and TribecaX.

About Forsman & Bodenfors Founded in 1986, Forsman & Bodenfors has achieved global fame as a creative collective that transforms businesses and shifts culture. One of the most awarded agencies in the world, F&B is renowned for its uniquely flat structure, radically collaborative ways and highly creative ideas that transcend media and earn their way into culture for clients including Volvo, Oatly, H&M, LG, P&G and Therabody. The collective has grown from Swedish roots to offices around the world, including Gothenburg, Stockholm, London, Dublin, Dubai, Singapore, Shanghai, Toronto and New York. The first creative agency to be certified by the Fair Pay Workplace for gender pay equity, Forsman & Bodenfors is part of the challenger network Stagwell.

Contacts

Deborah.abraham@forsman.com +65 9114 9063
Trudi.harris@forsman.com +44 7520 665371

Originally Released On

PR Newswire

Contact:

Carrie Hsu
pr@stagwellglobal.com

Originally Released On

PR Newswire

Contact:

Kara Gelber
Stagwell 
pr@stagwellglobal.com

At Stagwell, we believe a thriving news industry is not only the foundation of a healthy democracy, but also a critical platform for marketers and advertisers. However, recent discourse around brand safety – the effort of protecting a brand’s reputation by controlling advertisement proximity to certain content – has disproportionately hurt the news industry, as advertisers shy away from news due to misconceptions and an abundance of caution. Stagwell launched the Future of News Initiative with the goal of reinvigorating the relationship between news and marketing through research, events and informed discussion around brand safety.

This latest study, fielded among more than 1,000 CEOs and Board Directors across 14 countries, and conducted by Stagwell’s HarrisX research consultancy, underscores that business leaders overwhelmingly value the importance of news media as a powerful advertising tool.

CEOs and Board Directors Are Strong Proponents of News Media

• 90% of CEOs and Board Directors follow the news closely, reading an average of six articles per day.
• A strong majority say news media raises awareness of critical issues (83%), can positively influence society (81%), and is critical to democracy (79%).
• The executives view advertising in news media as a strategic tool, with 86% saying companies should advertise on news media and 87% calling it a sound investment to reach and influence stakeholders.
• 75% say their companies should advertise in news more, compared to just 7% who want to scale back their advertisement in news.

CEOs and Board Directors Think Brand Safety Protocols Are Overapplied

• 84% of CEOs and Board Directors say their organizations apply brand safety protocols, but 57% think it is a mistake to apply brand safety across all news outlets and types of news content.
• 69% say brand safety protocols are overapplied to the point of hurting media outlets and advertisers.
• 75% of executives of large companies in particular believe brand safety has been overapplied.

Tempered Expectations for 2025

• 42% of CEOs and Board Directors expect the global economy to improve in 2025, while 35% predict stagnation and 23% anticipate a decline.
• 36% believe inflation will ease, but 35% foresee no change and 29% expect worsening.
• Only 33% foresee improvement of geopolitical and military conflicts this year, with 41% expecting no change and 26% predicting escalation.

Throughout WEF next week, Stagwell will host programming laddering back to its Future of News initiative including a News x Democracy panel with AG Sulzberger, Chairman and Publisher at The New York Times, and Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO of Stagwell. Stagwell will also host a Cocktails and Conversation event in partnership with The Washington Post to celebrate a new year of collaboration and innovation in shaping the future of news.

Later this month, Stagwell will also host an inaugural Publisher Showcase with its coalition of publisher partners at Stagwell’s headquarters in One World Trade Center. For more information about the initiative and to get involved, visit https://www.stagwellglobal.com/future-of-news/.

Methodology
This study was conducted with 1,028 CEOs and Board Directors in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. The executives interviewed for the study lead publicly traded, privately-owned companies and public sector organizations across industries. The online interviews were conducted by HarrisX from December 30, 2024 to January 14, 2025.

About Stagwell
Stagwell is the challenger holding company built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world’s most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing. Led by entrepreneurs, our specialists in 35+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for our clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com.    

About HarrisX
HarrisX is a leading public opinion research, data analytics, and strategy consulting company with offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Singapore. HarrisX conducts multi-method research in over 50 countries around the world on behalf of Fortune 100 companies and philanthropic organizations, public policy institutions, global leaders, media and NGOs. HarrisX is a proud member of Stagwell Global (STGW). Learn more at www.harrisx.com.

Contact:
Kara Gelber
PR@stagwellglobal.com 

By: Ray Day

CONTACT:

Ray Day
ray.day@stagwellglobal.com 

We wanted to share our latest consumer and business insights, based on research from Stagwell. Among the highlights of our weekly consumer sentiment tracking:

FOOD INFLATION FORCES MORE COOKING AT HOME

More Americans plan to cook at home this year to save money, based on our Harris Poll research with Flashfood.

• Food prices are predicted to increase 1.9 percent in 2025, according to the USDA.
• 83% of U.S. consumers say saving money is an even bigger priority in 2025 than it has been in other years.
• 81% say saving money on food is a top priority.
• 89% believe cooking meals at home is not only one of the best ways to save money on food, but also a healthier alternative to takeout or dining out.

DRY JANUARY OR CANNABIS 2025?

For many, it’s “dry January,” yet it’s also a cannabis-filled 2025, based on our Harris Poll research.

• 75% of Americans said they considered participating in dry January.
• 75% of those looking to de-stress in 2025 also are considering incorporating THC/CBD products into their routine – with DoorDash adding hemp-derived product delivery in some states.

PARENTS WANT CHILD CARE HELP AT WORK

Parental stress is nearly double that of the general population. Based on our Harris Poll study with Bright Horizons, the workplace is a big part of the problem and the solution.

• 34% of working parents feel they’re working too many hours.
• 58% say they’re not giving 100% of themselves at work, and 63% worry they cannot give their all to their families.
• 46% place “help with paying for child care” at the top of their benefits wish list.
• See also: HR Leaders Say Flexible, Employer-Sponsored Child Care Benefits Are Essential for Employers in Today’s Market

ICYMI:

In case you missed it, check out the thought-leadership and happenings around Stagwell making news:

• YOU’RE INVITED: The Ultimate Trend Report: A Round-Up of 2025’s Best Trend Predictions
• How AI Will Revolutionize Comms in 2025
• Americans View Tech Sector and A.I. as Major Economic Drivers and Support the Industry Working with the Incoming Trump Administration
• Main Character Health: The Death of Basic Wellness
• Predictions For The Tech Job Market In 2025
• 5 Bold Ad Trends Set to Define Super Bowl LIX
• PRSA Member Mondays with 2025 Chair Ray Day

Originally Released On

PR Newswire

Contact:

Kara Gelber
Stagwell 
pr@stagwellglobal.com

Noriyoshi Yoshie/ Shohei Goto/ Eri Itoh
Corporate Planning Division, ADK Holdings
adkpr@adk.jp

ADK GLOBAL
info@adk-globalnetwork.com

This acquisition comes as Stagwell expands its global footprint and invests further in AI-enabled solutions at the forefront of digital marketing. By bringing ADK GLOBAL into Stagwell, the network’s regional staff count rises to over 2,000 team members, spanning agencies and affiliates on the ground in Australia, Bangladesh, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Stagwell and ADK GLOBAL’s complementing suite of AI-powered solutions for digital marketers are set up to help clients, including global and Asian brands such as LG, Shanghai Disney Resort, Google, Dexcom and Adidas, deliver impactful results. Furthermore, with the addition of ADK GLOBAL, Stagwell now has a complete offering in APAC of media, creative, and PR for any local, regional or global client opportunity.

“Our vibrant APAC division and its regional coverage are significantly enhanced by the addition of ADK GLOBAL,” shared Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO of Stagwell. “We’ve been focused on winning local accounts that we can then extend regionally and globally. The ADK GLOBAL team has been pioneers of this strategy and we’re looking forward to introducing their clients to opportunities across borders and to our suite of digital solutions for the modern marketer.”

“ADK GLOBAL has joined Stagwell to collaborate in overseas business. By leveraging Stagwell’s global network, which includes regions in North America, Europe, and Asia, along with their digital-based full services, we will integrate ADK Group’s expertise and personnel to develop our overseas marketing business. This will enable us to provide even more optimal solutions to our client companies, primarily focusing on Japanese clients,” stated Toshiya Oyama, Representative Director, President & Group CEO of ADK Holdings. “Meanwhile, in the content business, including anime and IP, ADK Group will promote the vision of ‘Growing brands and fans,’ and aim to further strengthen its overseas operations by enhancing our business structure.”

“We will continue to strengthen our collaboration with ADK in Japan while maintaining our current management and account teams to provide our services,” said Yasuyuki Katagi, CEO of ADK GLOBAL. “By leveraging the strengths of Stagwell, which operates on a global scale, we will further elevate the quality of our expertise in integrated marketing solutions and contribute to the growth of our clients’ businesses.”

The addition of ADK GLOBAL follows Stagwell’s 11 acquisitions in 2024: Create. Group (MENA), UNICEPTA (Germany), Consulum (MENA), LEADERS (Israel), Business Traveller (Global), BERA (U.S.), Luxine Relations Publiques (Canada), PROS (Brazil), What’s Next Partners (France), Sidekick (U.K.) and Team Epiphany (U.S.). 

About Stagwell
Stagwell is the challenger holding company built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world’s most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing. Led by entrepreneurs, our specialists in 35+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for our clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com.

About ADK Group
ADK Group is an integrated marketing company led by ADK Holdings, consisting of three business companies: ADK Marketing Solutions, ADK Creative One, and ADK Emotions. It contributes to the results of client businesses across the entire marketing field. The group possesses a uniqueness in developing businesses that are expert in anime and intellectual property (IP). https://www.adk.jp/en/

About ADK GLOBAL
ADK GLOBAL is the collective team for a network of subsidiaries whose primary business is marketing operations outside of Japan for the ADK Group. In 1979, we opened our first overseas office in London. ADK GLOBAL has offices in 10 markets, including mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Australia, and the United States. We currently have 600 employees providing integrated marketing solutions based on a deep understanding of local markets and consumers to approximately 300 clients. https://adk-globalnetwork.com/

Contacts:
Kara Gelber
Stagwell 
pr@stagwellglobal.com

Noriyoshi Yoshie/ Shohei Goto/ Eri Itoh
Corporate Planning Division, ADK Holdings
adkpr@adk.jp 

ADK GLOBAL
info@adk-globalnetwork.com 

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2599560/Stagwell_ADK_Global.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1586110/Stagwell_Logo.jpg

Originally Released On

PR Newswire

Contact:

Quinn Werner
Stagwell EMEA
PR@stagwellglobal.com 

Diego has 30+ years’ experience in the advertising industry. Most recently, he served as CEO of MullenLowe Italia where he worked with many international clients of a high calibre. In his previous positions, he worked with brands such as Allianz, Edgewell Personal Care, McDonald’s, Costa Crociere, Phoenix Pharma, Unilever, Lufthansa, ENI.

The opening of Stagwell Italy comes after an exciting year of expansion for Stagwell in Europe following the opening of its European headquarters in London in April 2024 along with three 2024 European acquisitions: UNICEPTA (Germany), a leading provider of media intelligence, Sidekick (UK), an award-winning collective of specialist agencies focused on experiential, digital storytelling, and branded content and WHAT’S NEXT PARTNERS (France), a digital brand and marketing consultancy specializing in data-powered strategies, integrated communications, and creative content.

“Stagwell Italy allows us to bring our challenger mindset and unique capabilities to an important market. As we continue strategic European growth and remain an ideal size for clients, Diego and his network are vital to Stagwell’s ambitions to expand seamlessly into Italy,” shared Chairman and CEO of Stagwell Mark Penn.  

James Townsend, CEO of Stagwell EMEA, said, “As we continue to execute our global growth strategy, our EMEA region continues to develop rapidly and Diego Ricchiuti brings the strategic experience with enterprise brands we need for Stagwell Italy to have a fast start in a key market for us.”

Diego Ricchiuti, recently appointed CEO of Stagwell Italy, added, “With over three decades of advertising experience, I think Stagwell’s collective capabilities spanning consumer research, media, data, technology, creative, and digital transformation represents the most modern and innovative player in the industry and I am excited to be a part of this impressive network. I can’t wait to help James and the team take Stagwell to the next level.”

About Stagwell
Stagwell is the challenger holding company built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world’s most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing. Led by entrepreneurs, our specialists in 35+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for our clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com.   

Contact:
Quinn Werner
Stagwell EMEA
PR@stagwellglobal.com 

Originally Released On

PR Newswire

Contact:

Dritan Nesho
Dritan@HarrisX.com

Nearly four in five (79%) U.S. adults say tech has a positive economic impact and 57% expect the industry to be a major economic driver over the next five years. For comparison, approximately just one in three Americans think the real estate (35%) and auto (32%) industries will play a major role in the U.S. economy.

However, while a majority of Americans (55%) want the leaders of technology companies to speak up on issues affecting industry and society, sixty percent say these leaders mostly get it wrong when they speak up. Respondents indicated that they want tech leaders to focus more on workplace and governance issues and less on divisive social and political themes.

Workplace and economic issues appear to be the safest topics for tech leaders to take a stance on. While a strong majority say tech CEOs should speak up on issues such as paid family leave (68%), minimum wage (66%) or the environment (65%), significantly fewer believe they should take a public stance on social and political issues such as transgender rights (38%), abortion (39%) or elections (41%).

“For three decades the technology sector has defined the ‘new economy’ and modern opportunities, in the process building a very strong reputation,” said Dritan Nesho, CEO of technology research firm HarrisX. “As it now embarks to once again reshape the global labor and economic landscape via A.I., Web3, and other novelties, the way tech CEOs navigate and address the impact of their innovations, and the regulations that will surely follow, will determine how the industry is perceived and treated for decades to come.”

The heads of Stagwell’s Risk and Reputation practice added their analysis on the data during a roundtable at CES.

Zac Moffatt, the CEO of Targeted Victory and the Republican co-Chair noted that “the landscape of public discourse has shifted with the 2024 presidential election, and companies need to quickly rewrite the playbook of how to engage with both the public and government over the next several years.”

Nevertheless, public sensitivities on several key themes such as the environment, human rights, income inequality, and DE&I remain strong, added Doug Thornell, CEO of SKDK, and the Democratic co-Chair, “The risk of dismissing these themes is high. The years ahead require both balance and courage.”

The Stagwell/HarrisX poll, which was conducted online January 3-6, 2024 with 1,498 registered voters, also shows that 67% of voters want tech companies to work with the incoming Trump administration. Nearly as many (58%) also believe the Trump presidency will provide a boost for the technology industry. Just 27% think tech companies will be worse off under President-elect Donald Trump.

The study also shows that as the tech industry and financial investors are doubling down on AI, Americans are less certain about its economic impact. While 60% think AI will replace more jobs than create new ones, just 30% of Americans believe AI will decrease their personal earnings in the future.

The public uncertainty towards AI is also reflected by the fact that voters are evenly divided on the approach they think the U.S. government should take in regulating the new technology. Fifty-three percent say the government should first monitor the development and implementation of AI versus 47% who say it’s better to start regulating AI right away.

In the post-election landscape, Stagwell and HarrisX are committed to helping businesses navigate the political crosshairs. For more information on how Stagwell’s Risk and Reputation Unit can help navigate the political minefield, visit https://www.stagwellglobal.com/risk-reputation-unit/.

Survey Methodology
The survey was conducted online within the United States January 3-6, 2025 among 1,498 registered voters in the United States by HarrisX. The sampling margin of error of this poll is +/-2.5 percentage points. The results reflect a nationally representative sample of registered voters. The survey sample was weighted for age, gender, region, race/ethnicity, income, and region where necessary to align it with the actual proportions in the population.

About HarrisX
HarrisX is a leading public opinion research, data analytics, and strategy consulting company with offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Singapore. HarrisX conducts multi-method research in over 50 countries around the world on behalf of Fortune 100 companies and philanthropic organizations, public policy institutions, global leaders, media and NGOs. HarrisX is a proud member of Stagwell Global (STGW). Learn more at www.harrisx.com.

About Stagwell
Stagwell is the challenger holding company built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world’s most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing. Led by entrepreneurs, our specialists in 35+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for our clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com.    

Contact:
Dritan Nesho
Dritan@HarrisX.com