George P. Johnson (GPJ), the world’s leading strategic experience marketing agency and a member of Project, A Creative Alliance for the Ambitious™, announces a series of key leadership appointments across the EMEA region and globally. Oliver Ehmke will assume the role of Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, based in Dubai, Jonathan McCallum moves into the position of Managing Director, Europe and Jens Arnegger has been appointed Country Manager, Germany.

The Little Black Book spoke to George P. Johnson’s newly promoted global CEO, Fiona Bruder, to find out about her leadership plans, why DEI will never be an afterthought, and having technology as the enabler, not the centerpiece.

The Clippers tasked the boutique production team at Spinifex Group with unlocking the full potential of the Clippers' Halo Board to redefine the live sport experience for players and fans. With more than 233 million pixels, the Halo allows for the simultaneous presentation of game stats, replays, sponsor materials, and more. The unmatched visual experience can be seen from anywhere in the stadium, making every fan feel like they have the best seat in the house.

In a move signaling the next evolution in creative commerce, Motive, a Denver-based advertising and creative agency who partners with some of the world’s biggest brands—including Pepsi Beverages, Frito Lay, Tony's Chocolonely, Disney, Dick's Sporting Goods, Burger King and more, is integrating Shoptology, the commerce-savvy agency known for its deep shopper strategy and innovative retail solutions. This strategic integration brings together two complementary forces: Motive’s unmatched ability to connect brands with culture, and Shoptology’s expertise in driving results through insight-led commerce strategy and creativity. Together, they will form a unified team with the power to create deeper consumer connections, sharper insights, and bold, culture-fueled creativity that drives results. Shoptology builds ideas that reimagine customer engagements to innovate category-defining growth for retailers and brands including 7-Eleven and Frito Lay.

Project, the award-winning alliance of global creative agencies, is announcing the appointment of three key executives to newly expanded roles, reinforcing its commitment to delivering transformational brand experiences through its creative alliance model. These critical positions will be filled by exceptional internal candidates, allowing them to continue their valuable agency leadership while also contributing to the alliance’s initiatives. The new positions include naming Marc Cracco as Project’s Chief Information Officer (CIO), Ed Scott as Project’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Lionel Curt as Managing Director, Project EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa).

Brands are agencies are contemplating if and how to show up authentically at Pride this year amid widespread pullback of diversity, equity and inclusion policies and programs. At Praytell, members of the agency’s LGBTQ+ ERG, Prism, will offer a floating “Pride Day Off” in June so staff can experience Pride the way that feels right for them, Praytell VP and group creative director David Bright says. “A lot is happening right now in the political climate. When we were looking at Pride this year, it felt a little bit different for how we needed to show up and how and what people need,” he says. The initiative is new this year to address some of the external challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community. The agency will also launch a curated Pride content series across social media and tailored internal messaging throughout the month, supplemented by weekly Slack check-ins and an organized in-person meetup.

George P. Johnson (GPJ), the world’s leading experience marketing agency, today announced the promotion of Fiona Bruder to Global Chief Executive Officer. A respected leader with over 25 years of marketing experience, Bruder most recently served as President of GPJ’s Americas operations. She has been a transformative force behind the agency’s growth and global expansion, and is known for cultivating deep client relationships and championing innovation during times of change.

Praytell has been named the global public relations agency of record for home swapping network Kindred. Praytell will be responsible for elevating Kindred’s brand visibility and driving engagement among current and prospective members. The agency will also focus on reinforcing Kindred’s leadership in the travel tech space by highlighting its innovative approach to home swapping. Initially, Praytell’s efforts will concentrate on the US and UK markets. The agency won the account following a competitive RFP process in January and began working with Kindred in February.

Event professionals praised the show's choreography, stage designs, and powerful messaging. G7's Wooten Joyce said, "Kendrick Lamar's halftime show was nothing short of groundbreaking, earning an A- for its cultural impact and political resonance. Those who found it boring or controversial likely expected a more traditional, high-energy spectacle filled with flashy visuals and catchy tunes. However, Kendrick’s performance was rich with deep meaning and storytelling, featuring hidden, impactful Easter eggs that may not have been immediately apparent to all viewers."