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Client

Strata accelerates automotive growth with senior client services appointment

by jummy84 November 21, 2025

written by jummy84

Strata, the brand experience agency within the Strata Group, has strengthened its automotive capabilities with the appointment of Louise Smith as Client Services Director, Automotive. The new role underlines the growing importance of automotive within Strata’s growth strategy and its investment in a specialist division for the sector.

Working alongside Group Head of Automotive, Paul Banham, Louise will lead client services for a portfolio of automotive brands. She will be a central point of contact for clients, ensuring they receive consistent, strategic support from brief through to delivery and helping to sharpen Strata’s automotive proposition.

Louise brings more than 20 years of automotive experience, built predominantly agency side. She has worked across brands including Volvo, BMW and General Motors marques, leading marketing programmes, pan-European campaigns and major product launches which includes the New MINI. Her career has focused on building long-term client partnerships and delivering campaigns that drive measurable results.

“Automotive has been the thread running through my entire career,” said Louise. “I have grown up in this sector, from hands-on marketing through to leading integrated campaigns across multiple brands. Strata already has an incredibly strong foundation in automotive, with an experienced team and a client list that spans some of the most exciting brands in the industry. My focus is on understanding where we can add even more value and creating experiences that deliver real commercial impact for our clients and their retailer networks.”

Louise’s appointment builds on the creation of Strata’s dedicated automotive division in 2024, launched in response to increased demand from a growing client portfolio that includes Polestar, Volvo, Renault Group, OMODA JAECOO and brands within the Stellantis group. Automotive is now one of several strategic pillars being championed by Strata’s senior leadership.

Cole Mulkerrins, CEO of Strata, added: “Louise’s arrival is an important next step in our automotive growth. She combines deep sector knowledge with first-class client service experience and will help deepen relationships with existing clients and ensure Strata is positioned as the agency of choice for automotive brand experiences.”

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November 21, 2025 0 comments

Music

Nicki Minaj’s Longtime Lawyer Drops Her As A Client Amid $10M Lawsuit

by jummy84 November 14, 2025

written by jummy84

Nicki Minaj’s latest legal battle has taken an unexpected turn as her longtime attorney, Judd Burstein, has officially stepped away from representing her in a $10 million defamation lawsuit.

The move has stirred considerable conversation, not only because of Burstein’s longstanding track record of successful defenses on Minaj’s behalf, but because of the abruptness of his departure.

In a statement explaining his decision, Burstein told Us Weekly, “After I won a dismissal of Tameer Peak’s defamation lawsuit against Nicki in New Jersey, I declined the opportunity to represent her when Peak refiled it in New York.”

Rapper Nicki Minaj performs onstage at Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash: Pop Up Edition at Philips Arena on June 17, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Paras Griffin/WireImage

Burstein emphasized that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as a judgment on the case itself. He insisted the decision was “unrelated to any concern about the merits of Peak’s claims” and reiterated his belief that the complaint is “entirely frivolous.”

He further maintained that he continues to “have great affection and respect for Nicki,” though his exit has fueled speculation about whether recent public scrutiny and Minaj’s perceived erratic behavior may have influenced the shift.

Peak’s lawsuit—now refiled in New York after being dismissed in New Jersey—centers on remarks Minaj allegedly made during an April 2024 Stationhead broadcast.

Host Nicki Minaj performs onstage during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at Prudential Center on September 12, 2023 in Newark, New Jersey.
Theo Wargo/Getty Images for MTV

According to the complaint, she referred to Peak as “one sandwich short of a picnic” and suggested he “clearly gets a check from the government,” comments he claims subjected him to public humiliation.

Despite Burstein’s past victories for Minaj—including the dismissal of a $20 million suit in 2022 and a 2024 case that led to a gag order—the rapper now finds herself without her key legal defender.

In Burstein’s place, The Northstar Group, owned by Londell McMillan, has stepped in temporarily. According to the firm, Burstein’s departure came without warning.

“That same day, Mr. Burstein abruptly withdrew entirely from his representation of [Minaj and her company], without giving any prior notice,” a representative stated.

The firm added that “[Minaj and her company] intend to appear and defend themselves in this matter, and we are requesting a stay of the proceedings, including all deadlines and further motion practice, so that [Minaj and her company] may have time to find and retain new litigation counsel, have counsel review the case file, confer with their new counsel, and prepare any responsive filings in an orderly manner.”

The Northstar Group has requested a 45-day window for Minaj to secure new representation as she prepares to confront Peak’s renewed allegations in her home state.

November 14, 2025 0 comments

Events

Identity and Smyle unite to reinvent client experience and disrupt the industry with unmatched expertise

by jummy84 October 7, 2025

written by jummy84

Two of the UK’s most celebrated experience and event agencies, Identity and Smyle, are today announcing their strategic decision to unify under a single brand: Identity, launching in November.

While consolidation in the events and experiential industry often signals increased costs and disruption for clients, this unification is designed to do the opposite: deliver greater creative and experiential capabilities at better value, while maintaining the same teams and culture. It will position the new organisation as one of the world’s most comprehensive independent agencies.

The move brings together the award-winning talent, creativity, and delivery expertise of both agencies under one name, providing clients with a broader, deeper, and more efficient suite of services.

Smyle is renowned for creating insight-driven, memorable experiences for brands including Amazon, TikTok, Adobe, and Salesforce, while Identity brings extensive capabilities in large-scale event management and a strong heritage delivering high-profile public sector and major international events, including COP26 and COP28, the King’s Coronation, and London’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. The transition will culminate in the unveiling of a refreshed Identity brand in November 2025.

As part of this next chapter, the group’s specialist brands – gaming and e-sports agency NJ Live, content creation specialists Dreamlike Studio, employee experience agency Powered by Humans, and sporting event experts The Sports Presentation Company – will also be joining the new-look Identity’s journey, strengthening capability while driving smarter delivery for clients.

“Both Identity and Smyle are performing exceptionally well in their own right,” said Michael Gietzen, CEO of Identity. “But the market is evolving, and clients expect more. With this unification, we’re combining talent, technology, and global reach to deliver more for clients, without compromise on cost or creativity. It’s about disrupting the expectation that scale means expense and showing that unification can unlock real value.”

Olivier Vallee, Managing Director of Identity, said: “This is a moment of strength. By unifying now, we combine scale with specialism, delivering enhanced experiences for clients in a more efficient and effective way. Our teams’ talent remains the cornerstone of everything we do.”

Dominic Thomas-Smith, Managing Director of Smyle, added: “We’ve always shared a belief in the power of experience. This alignment is not just strategic, it’s disruptive. Together, we’re challenging industry norms and creating something greater than the sum of our parts, for clients and for our people.”

The newly unified Identity will continue to expand its international footprint. While headquartered in the UK, the agency already operates globally, with an established presence in the UAE and Saudi Arabia and a new office opening on the US East Coast in October.

This announcement is a statement of intent: to lead the global experience and events industry into a new era, while remaining deeply connected to what makes them meaningful: people, creativity, and impact.

October 7, 2025 0 comments

Events

Electric Cat Celebrates Big Client Milestone and Record-Breaking Growth

by jummy84 September 15, 2025

written by jummy84

Electric Cat is proud to announce the onboarding of its 65th client, marking a major milestone in the company’s third year of trading. The Marketing and PR agency is delighted to welcome The Arena Group, Vento Insurance, Premier Events, and Saward Marketing & Events to its growing roster, strengthening a client base that already spans some of the most innovative event suppliers and event agencies in the industry.

This achievement comes as Electric Cat forecasts its financial year-end to be the most successful to date. The specialised agency is on track to double last year’s turnover, cementing its reputation as the industry’s fastest-growing creative marketing partner.

Alongside creative marketing services, Electric Cat now offers business development and sales enablement as part of its expanded offering. The agency’s unique model – no retained clients, lengthy contracts, transparent pricing, and live timesheets – has not only attracted clients but delivered tangible results, with 25% of ongoing partners more than doubling their investment.

Cat Kevern, Managing Director, comments: “Onboarding our 65th client is a huge milestone – especially when that client is a company of the scale of Arena Group operating globally. It shows just how far Electric Cat has come and the level of trust we’ve earned in the industry. To be on track to double our turnover this year is an incredible achievement, and it’s down to the brilliant team who make Electric Cat what it is. Not only in our delivery skills, but our culture, the way we work and living by our values, we’re building something that feels really special.”

Eloise Newing, Account Director, adds: “We’re seeing PR make a real comeback because AI is transforming the way people buy – buyers are turning to AI search engines such as ChatGPT to find suppliers. That means if your business isn’t showing up consistently across multiple channels, you’re losing to competitors. Marketing isn’t a nice-to-have – it’s essential. Brands are realising that in a world driven by algorithms and automation, it’s human connection and authentic storytelling that cut through. September is always an exciting time in the industry, with teams back in the office, we’ve certainly got our work cut out for ourselves as we approach Q4.

With a strong pipeline heading into the next financial year, Electric Cat is poised to continue its growth trajectory, building long-term partnerships and delivering creative marketing strategies that stand out in the live, MICE and Event Tech sectors.

Electric Cat is a B2B marketing and PR agency working exclusively with event suppliers and agencies, helping them reach their ideal audiences. Their team combines deep industry knowledge with a playful, bold approach – delivering marketing strategy, social media management, PR, graphic design, and more. Learn more at electriccat.co.

September 15, 2025 0 comments

Events

Verve appoints Michael Pring as Global Client & Development Director

by jummy84 September 9, 2025

written by jummy84

Verve The Live Agency has appointed Michael Pring as Global Client & Development Director, a newly created leadership role designed to accelerate the agency’s international growth and deepen client partnerships across its expanding footprint in Europe, the US, and APAC.

Michael joins Verve’s senior leadership team on 8th September and will work across all markets, including Verve’s operations in London, Dublin, Amsterdam and Singapore.

A seasoned agency leader, Michael brings over 25 years of experience driving growth and delivering award-winning work for some of the world’s most respected brands. He spent more than a decade at AMV BBDO in London, where he held several senior roles including Chief Marketing Officer, Deputy Chairman, and most recently Chief Operating Officer. During his time at the agency, he led AMV’s flagship Guinness/Diageo relationship globally as well as the PepsiCo International Beverages business, helping shape global campaigns, sponsorships and innovation launches.

Michael’s appointment signals Verve’s continued investment in senior talent and global scale, following a period of strong growth and international expansion. In his new role, he will focus on unlocking new client opportunities, supporting the launch of Verve Singapore, and driving strategic development in key markets.

Ronan Traynor, Founder & CEO of Verve, said:
“This is a significant hire for Verve. Michael brings an exceptional track record in client leadership, growth and creative excellence, along with deep relationships and experience at the highest level. He shares our belief in the power of live experiences to drive real business impact, and is ideally placed to help lead our next phase of international growth. As we scale with ambition and purpose, his perspective and partnership will be invaluable.”

Michael Pring said:

“I’m really impressed with the business Ronan has built over the years, and with the talent, energy and culture of the agency. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in and playing a part in what comes next.”

Verve is a multi-award-winning experiential agency and certified B Corp, with offices in Dublin, London, Amsterdam and Singapore. Part of The Opus Group, a global network of leading experiential agencies, Verve has recently been recognised with Best Event Team at the 2025 Campaign Experience Awards, CSR Agency of the Year at The Drum Awards, and Event of the Year at the European Sponsorship Awards.

September 9, 2025 0 comments