#USA #New York #Stagwell #Hunter #KWT Global

Hunter and KWT Global Merge to Form a Powerhouse in Integrated Communications

In an exciting development for the marketing and communications landscape, HUNTER and KWT Global have announced their merger under the HUNTER name, creating an extensive global consultancy team of approximately 400 employees. This union is part of the ongoing transformation driven by Stagwell Inc (NASDAQ: STGW), which is known for challenging traditional marketing paradigms.

The combined agency, based in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and London, aims to enhance its positioning in consumer sectors including financial services, travel, and hospitality, while simultaneously expanding its corporate, crisis, and B2B capabilities. This agreement, spearheaded by an all-female executive leadership, signifies a strategic move to harness complementary skills and expertise in order to deliver cohesive marketing communications solutions that drive cultural relevance and foster positive brand reputation.

Mark Penn, Chairman and CEO of Stagwell, articulated that this merger represents a considerable step forward for their strategy to provide comprehensive solutions suited to the modern marketing landscape. “By merging KWT Global with HUNTER, we are integrating two renowned agencies to form a unified entity capable of helping modern brands navigate the complexities of today's media environment,” Penn stated.

Celebrating a Shared Commitment to Excellence

Both agencies have previously received numerous accolades, highlighting their records of growth and innovation within the industry. HUNTER has been recognized as a Best Place to Work, and it also holds the title of Mid-Sized Agency of the Year while achieving continued double-digit growth for five years. Meanwhile, KWT Global, identified as a PR Daily Top Agency and labeled as an Agency of the Future for 2024, has seen similar success, doubling in size over the last three years.

Grace Leong, CEO of HUNTER, emphasized that the merger is an important milestone in their mission to better cater to clients’ evolving needs with integrated, culturally relevant solutions. “In today’s rapidly changing communications industry, we recognize the importance of unifying our resources to cultivate an environment that nurtures cutting-edge technological solutions in our service offerings,” Leong remarked.

Creating Opportunities through Collaboration

Both HUNTER and KWT Global have a history of collaboration that is likely to strengthen their combined capabilities. This merger is not just about expansion; it’s about pooling resources to effectively tell stories for some of the world’s leading brands. Gabrielle Zucker, CEO of KWT Global, noted that their clients would benefit from HUNTER’s established consumer expertise and KWT’s innovative approach, including offerings like KWT xVoice — a service tailored for contemporary communication challenges.

The merged entity will now focus on crafting, sharing, and amplifying the narratives of renowned brands while maintaining their commitment to exceptional client service and retaining their vibrant company culture. Both agencies have a broad array of clients across various sectors, from Amazon and Reckitt to Technogym and L'Oreal, and they plan to leverage their diverse experiences to create robust marketing strategies.

Forward-Thinking Leadership

The leadership team navigating this new chapter is primarily female, including Grace Leong continuing in her role as CEO, Gigi García Russo as Chief Transformation Officer, and Gabrielle Zucker serving as Global Chief Client Officer. Samantha Turtle will take the position of Chief Operating Officer, responsible for the Los Angeles office and Entertainment Marketing practice.

Together, this collective of leaders embodies a forward-thinking approach to agency operations and client relationships. As they embark on this exciting journey, the combined strength of HUNTER and KWT Global signifies not just a merger, but a commitment to driving growth and innovation within the communications industry.

Conclusion

With the merger of HUNTER and KWT Global, the marketing landscape is poised for a transformative shift that enhances the agency's capabilities while addressing the increasingly intricate challenges faced by brands today. As they integrate their resources and expertise, HUNTER aims to solidify its position as a frontrunner in delivering innovative solutions to clients, ensuring their continued success in a rapidly evolving marketplace.