AI Is the Best Friend of Shareholder Activists
KekstCNC’s new white paper shows large‑language‑model AI is reshaping shareholder‑activism communications. J.P. Morgan stopped using traditional proxy‑advisor subscriptions in January, opting for a proprietary AI engine to guide its voting decisions. The study of contested votes from 2023‑2025 finds AI more likely to back activist proposals, while delivering markedly different recommendations than Glass Lewis and ISS. Because AI draws heavily on press releases and volume‑driven digital content, firms must rethink narrative construction for algorithmic interpretation.
On the Move: Dairy Foods Group Hires FH's McClain
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) hired Maggie McClain as vice‑president of communications, effective April 20, bringing extensive public‑affairs experience from FleishmanHillard, H+K Strategies, and food‑allergy advocacy groups. Bryson Gillette, the minority‑owned strategic communications firm founded by former Obama spokesman Bill Burton, appointed...
Accounts in Transit: Praytell PIcks Up Sustainable Brand If You Care
PR and branding agencies announced new agency‑of‑record contracts with three distinct brands. Praytell will serve as the integrated communications partner for sustainable household‑products label If You Care, taking over paid media, influencer and crisis support. Scout Lab has been hired...
On the Move: INFINITE Names Wiedeke Head of Talent
On April 14, 2026, three firms announced senior leadership appointments aimed at bolstering talent, strategy, and external engagement. Infinite created a new Head of Talent role, hiring Eric Wiedeke to drive global people initiatives. Anomaly promoted Kira Montgomery to executive...
Anthropic Plays Ballard Card
Anthropic, the San Francisco AI firm barred from Department of Defense contracts by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Hegseth, has engaged Ballard Partners to represent its interests in Washington. Ballard, known for close ties to the Trump administration, specializes in defense...
Hogan Lovells Expands Ukrainian Mandate
Law firm Hogan Lovells has broadened its Ukrainian engagement to include a 50/50 partnership that will develop critical mineral and energy projects under the newly launched US‑Ukrainian Investment Fund. The firm’s mandate now spans the Ministry of Economy, the Agency for...
AI Is Reshaping Earned Media, and PR Pros Need to Adapt
Artificial intelligence is reshaping earned media by influencing editorial decisions and search discoverability. A recent study shows AI‑optimized stories are 68% more likely to be run, while 230 million weekly global health queries rely on ChatGPT, with 82% of citations drawn...
WPP Mulls Burson Divestiture
WPP has engaged Goldman Sachs to explore a sale of its Burson PR unit, the flagship of its public‑relations division. The move is part of CEO Cindy Rose’s Elevate28 survival plan, which aims to shed non‑core assets after the PR...
Sitrick Buys Back His Firm
Mike Sitrick has agreed to repurchase his strategic communications firm, Sitrick & Company, from Dallas‑based RGP for $43.4 million. The transaction, first announced on April 10, 2026, is slated to close within 45 days, restoring full operational control to Sitrick. RGP is using...
On the Move: Lionsgate Promotes Pecchia to SVP-Corpcomms
Lionsgate promoted Laurel Pecchia to senior vice president of corporate communications, elevating a leader with experience at William Morris Endeavor, CBS Films and Lionsgate itself. Pecchia will direct media‑relations, executive and employee messaging, and board and earnings‑call preparation. In parallel, Anonymous Content...
Accounts in Transit: Nickerson Picks Up Smartify Media
Nickerson has been appointed agency of record for Smartify Media, a digital‑out‑of‑home network that specializes in digital windows and retail displays. The firm will drive integrated marketing and communications to accelerate Smartify’s growth in the commercial‑real‑estate sector. In parallel, Meyocks...
Age Influences Workplace AI Exposure
The Institute for Public Relations report reveals a stark generational divide in AI exposure at work. Employees aged 25‑34 are twice as likely as those 65+ to receive formal AI training (57% vs 31%) and guidance (57% vs 37%). Younger...
Stagwell Recruits Petersen as Chief Brand & Comms Officer
Stagwell announced the appointment of Lena Peterson as its chief brand and communications officer, reporting directly to CEO Mark Penn. Peterson arrives with more than three decades of experience at agencies such as UTA MediaLink, Publicis Media’s Starcom MediaVest, and...
PR Firm News: ICR Report Sees More SPAC IPOs Ahead
ICR’s April 2026 SPAC Market Update reports a surge in special‑purpose acquisition company IPOs, with 62 offerings in Q1 raising $13.2 billion—well above the recent four‑quarter average of 47 IPOs and $10.1 billion. Serial sponsors drove more than half of the activity, and...
Leading When Your Agency Is Acquired
Cortney Stapleton, former CEO of The Bliss Group, shares the leadership principles that guided her through the agency’s acquisition by Highwire. She emphasizes transparent communication, cultural alignment, and empowering teams as core to a smooth transition. Stapleton also outlines three...
