Persado, a leading AI-powered content platform for marketing compliance and performance, has been honored with Tearsheet’s 2025 Marketing Award for Best Product/Service Designed for Gen Z. The recognition highlights the impact of Persado’s Motivation AI platform in helping financial institutions engage a digitally savvy generation while maintaining rigorous compliance standards.

• Top Industry Recognition:
  
  The Tearsheet Marketing Awards spotlight the best in financial marketing, customer acquisition, and brand growth. Persado stood out for its ability to balance Gen Z engagement with regulatory compliance—a rare and powerful combination in the financial sector.

• Powerful Gen Z Market Opportunity:
  
  According to NielsenIQ’s “Spend Z” report, Gen Z is projected to control $12 trillion in spending by 2030, overtaking baby boomers by 2029. This tech-native generation demands authentic, personalized brand communications, especially from finance brands.

• What Sets Persado Apart:
  
  Persado’s Motivation AI analyzes intent, emotional drivers, and customer behavior across 17+ billion interactions to produce high-impact, compliant content across email, SMS, social, and web. It is the only AI solution tailored specifically to marketing content in regulated industries like banking.

• Authenticity Meets Compliance:
  
  In 2024, Persado launched pre-built Gen Z segments to fast-track personalized message generation. These segments ensure financial services marketers can “speak Gen Z” authentically while remaining compliant with fair lending and anti-discrimination laws.

• Proven Results for Financial Institutions:
  
  Banks using Persado including NatWest, JPMorgan Chase, Ally, and SoFi—have collectively generated over $2.5 billion in incremental revenue. Clients also see an average 40% uplift in conversion rates, demonstrating real ROI at scale.

• Executive Insight:
  
  “Gen Z craves authenticity. That’s a challenge for regulated brands, but Persado’s AI makes it possible to deliver engaging and compliant content at scale,” said Assaf Baciu, Co-Founder and President of Persado.

Persado’s win reflects the growing importance of Gen Z-focused marketing strategies that merge performance, personalization, and compliance. As this segment grows in influence, platforms like Persado offer financial brands a competitive edge—enabling them to meet customers where they are, with messages that resonate and convert.

Trusted Media Brands (TMB), the powerhouse behind brands like Taste of Home, Reader’s Digest, The Pet Collective, and Family Handyman, has announced the appointment of Stephen Colvin as its new Chief Executive Officer. Colvin takes the helm from Bonnie Kintzer, who is retiring after an impressive 11-year tenure marked by strategic transformation and growth across digital and FAST platforms.

• A Veteran Media Leader Takes the Reins:
  
  Stephen Colvin brings deep expertise and a growth-focused mindset to TMB. Most recently CEO of Nivloc Media, Colvin previously served in senior roles including Global Chief Commercial Officer at Bloomberg Media, where he oversaw substantial revenue expansion across digital, TV, events, and podcasts. His resume also includes leadership at Robb Report, Newsweek/The Daily Beast, CBS Interactive, and Dennis Publishing US.

• Comments from the New CEO:
  
  “I’ve always been impressed by Trusted Media Brands’s exciting portfolio of diverse content, its culture of innovation, and its leadership in FAST,” said Colvin. “I look forward to leading the company’s next phase of growth, content development, and partner expansion.”

• A Legacy of Transformation Under Bonnie Kintzer:
  
  During her tenure, Kintzer led TMB’s successful shift to digital media and FAST channel innovation. Notable achievements include the launch of the Trusted Creators Program for Taste of Home and the surge in viewer engagement across streaming platforms—particularly through At Home With Family Handyman, the company’s fastest-growing FAST channel.

• Innovation and Audience Engagement:
  
  TMB’s new Trusted Creators Program is already delivering significant results, with original creator videos exceeding engagement benchmarks by 62% in views and 48% in interactions. Meanwhile, the company's overall annual watch time exceeds 12 billion minutes, underscoring its growing audience footprint.

• Passing the Torch:
  
  “Trusted Media Brands has undergone such an amazing transformation, and I am incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished,” said Kintzer. “Stephen is the perfect choice to take this journey forward.”

As TMB continues to evolve into a multi-platform content leader, Stephen Colvin’s appointment signals a renewed commitment to innovation, creator partnerships, and audience-centric content growth. With its strong FAST portfolio and legacy brands, TMB is well-positioned to thrive under its new leadership.

Databricks, the leading Data and AI company, today announced the launch of Data Intelligence for Marketing, a powerful solution that combines the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform with ready-to-use integrations across top marketing technology providers. This unified platform enables marketing teams to access real-time customer and campaign data, empowering every marketer to self-serve insights and deliver personalized, efficient campaigns at scale.

The solution is already powering global brands’ marketing stacks by breaking down data silos and providing a complete, real-time view of customers and campaigns. By consolidating data and leveraging AI, marketers can easily gain insights, personalize customer experiences, and optimize campaign effectiveness—all from a single, unified platform.

Why Data Intelligence for Marketing Matters

• Unified Marketing Data: Connect all customer and campaign data for improved segmentation, personalization, and conversion rates.

• Accessible Insights for All Marketers: AI-driven analytics empower marketers—regardless of technical skill—to explore and act on data in real time.

• Enhanced Efficiency: Quickly adopt AI-powered recommendations, triggers, and automation fueled by accurate, real-time data for smarter marketing decisions.

Rick Schultz, CMO of Databricks, said:

"Data Intelligence for Marketing ensures every marketer can get the data they need to make smarter decisions faster and run relevant, efficient campaigns. By unifying customer and campaign data with AI-driven analytics, the platform empowers real-time, conversational insights that help marketers drive impactful growth."

Proven Results with Leading Brands

• Skechers reported a 324% increase in click-through rates, 68% reduction in cost-per-click, and 28% uplift in return on ad spend using Databricks and ActionIQ.

• PetSmart orchestrates personalized journeys for over 65 million loyalty members with Hightouch on Databricks, syncing millions of records daily and sending over 4 billion personalized emails annually.

• Acxiom improved time-to-market for customer insights by 30% and cut operational costs by 15% with Databricks.

Strategic Partnerships for Seamless Martech Integration

Databricks integrates with industry leaders including Adobe, Amperity, Braze, Census, DeepSync, Epsilon, Hightouch, OneTrust, Salesforce, Snowplow, Tealium, and Uniphore. Consulting and solution partners like Celebal Technologies, Deloitte, LatentView, Lovelytics, Slalom, and Tredence help ensure tailored, scalable marketing innovation.

What Industry Leaders Are Saying

• Adobe’s Ryan Fleisch: "Co-developed integrations with Databricks help marketers harmonize data while prioritizing privacy."

• Amperity’s Derek Slager: "Combining Amperity and Databricks accelerates insight and personalizes at scale for brands like GM."

• Deloitte’s David Geisinger: "Together with Databricks, we set a new standard for data-driven marketing innovation."

• Epsilon’s Dennis Self: "Databricks powers real-time, personalized experiences at scale for our clients."

• HP’s Kumar Ram: "Partnering with Databricks unlocked dormant first-party data value."

• HSBC’s Alessio Basso: "We’ve reduced data processing from 6 hours to 6 seconds."

• PetSmart’s Tino Tomasone: "We sync millions of records daily to power billions of personalized emails."

• Skechers’ Manish Agarwal: "Databricks enhances our marketers’ ability to engage and increase customer lifetime value."

Databricks’ Data Intelligence for Marketing empowers marketing teams of all sizes to unlock the full potential of their data and AI investments. By connecting fragmented data sources and delivering accessible AI-powered insights, Databricks helps marketers deliver personalized, efficient campaigns that drive growth and customer loyalty in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.

Reach Agency, a leading full-service creator marketing agency, proudly announces its official badge as a TikTok Marketing Partner, joining the platform’s exclusive Marketing Partners Program. Recognized specifically in the program’s Creative category, Reach Agency stands out as a best-in-class creative company with deep expertise in TikTok marketing.

Gabe Gordon, Co-Founder and CEO of Reach Agency, said,
"This recognition further reinforces Reach Agency's position at the forefront of the creator economy. It validates our deep understanding of emerging platforms and trends—and how we translate that into impactful, culturally relevant work for our clients."

What It Means to Be a TikTok Creative Partner

As a TikTok Creative Partner, Reach Agency helps brands produce and optimize high-performing TikTok content for both organic reach and paid advertising campaigns. The agency offers end-to-end support, from creative production to creator management, delivering the volume and quality of content necessary to sustain continuous engagement and campaign performance.

Melissa Yang, Global Head of Marketing Partnerships and Industry Education at TikTok, said,
"TikTok's creative partners are a powerful resource—bringing expert strategy, from managing creators to producing high-quality content to help brands further connect their communities on TikTok."

Proven Success and Industry Recognition

Reach Agency is trusted by top advertisers such as Nestlé and Unilever to build and scale their TikTok presence. Known for authentic collaborations rather than one-off sponsored posts, Reach Agency has successfully integrated creators like Alix Earle, Ilona Maher, Meghan Trainor, and Lance Bass with major brand campaigns, delivering content that resonates on TikTok’s “For You” pages.

The agency has earned multiple awards for its TikTok campaigns, highlighting its ability to bridge the gap between creators and brands with creativity at the core.

Looking Ahead

Reach Agency’s inclusion in TikTok’s Marketing Partner Program signals an exciting future, promising continued innovation and leadership in the creator economy. As brands increasingly prioritize authentic content and community engagement, Reach Agency is positioned to help them thrive on TikTok and beyond.

Eventique, a world-class event production agency celebrated for its bold creativity and innovative execution, has been honored with three major awards at the 15th Annual Eventex Awards, a prestigious global platform recognizing excellence in the event and experiential marketing industry.

Award-Winning Campaigns and Recognitions

The Eventex Awards spotlight exceptional achievements in event strategy, innovation, and execution worldwide. This year, Eventique took home:

• Gold – Best Brand Experience (Food & Beverage): Jack Links’ National Jerky Day

• Silver – Best Boutique Agency

• Bronze – Best Sustainability Initiative: monday.com Elevate Conference

Eric Wielander, Eventique’s Vice President of Strategy + Creative, remarked,
"I could not think of a better series of acknowledgments. Being recognized for our quirky, on-brand ideas for Jack Links, leading the way with a new Eventex sustainability category for monday.com, and celebrating the overall creativity and energy of our team is truly humbling."

Collaboration and Innovation Drive Success

Liron David, Founder and CEO of Eventique, added,
"These achievements reflect trust, collaboration, and passion. monday.com empowered us to advance our sustainability vision, while partners like Padilla PR and Sky Elements brought the Jack Links campaign to life. Our incredible in-house team is the foundation of our continued growth and innovation."

A Legacy of Excellence

With these latest accolades, Eventique’s total industry award count rises to 17 since 2020, confirming its reputation as one of the most decorated agencies in experiential production. In 2024 alone, Eventique earned four Eventex Awards, including Best Art Event and Best Outdoor Event for Field of Light at Freedom Plaza, Best Fundraising Gala for The Humane Society of the United States' To The Rescue!, and Best Seasonal Experience for L'Occitane Holiday Playhouse.

Strolid Inc., a tech-enabled leader in automotive services, today announced the appointment of Michael Donovan as Vice President of Marketing. This strategic hire strengthens Strolid’s leadership team as the company scales its US Business Development Center (BDC) and rapidly growing global vCon conversational intelligence platform.

Donovan will spearhead efforts to enhance brand visibility and drive adoption of Strolid’s high-touch BDC solutions and advanced conversational data analytics, redefining customer engagement for automotive dealerships and beyond.

Michael Donovan

Bringing nearly 20 years of digital marketing leadership in the automotive sector, Donovan is the founder of OOMDO, a specialized agency delivering innovative solutions for Tier 3 dealerships. He has held senior roles at Dealerverse and Lia Auto Group, where he drove improvements in digital engagement and lead conversion through data-driven insights and creative storytelling.

Why Michael Donovan Joined Strolid

Donovan praised Strolid’s innovative culture and unique blend of people and technology.
"The automotive industry is at a crossroads, and Strolid is uniquely positioned to lead. My goal is to amplify our story, connect meaningfully with dealerships, and ensure our marketing reflects the transformative impact of our BDC services and vCon technology," Donovan said.

CEO Perspective

Vin Micciche, Strolid’s Founder and CEO, highlighted Donovan’s long-standing relationship with the company:
"Michael believed in Strolid from the early days, designing our first website for free. His loyalty, creativity, and belief make him invaluable as VP of Marketing."

Next Steps and Vision

Donovan’s immediate focus includes launching targeted marketing campaigns, refining Strolid’s brand narrative, and leveraging analytics to demonstrate the value of Strolid’s solutions on dealership performance.

InterMedia Group of Companies, a leading integrated performance marketing and media agency, today announced the appointment of Lorraine Galano as Account Director. With 15 years of experience across premier media agencies and performance marketing organizations, Galano brings proven expertise in client strategy, cross-channel media execution, and integrated campaign management.

In her new role, Galano will lead account strategy and execution for several key clients, spearheading cross-functional teams that deliver accountable, omnichannel performance solutions further reinforcing InterMedia’s position as a leader in media precision and strategic client partnerships.

Industry Recognition

"Lorraine brings a unique blend of media rigor, strategic insight, and client service excellence," said Kevin Szymanski, Executive Vice President at InterMedia Group of Companies. "Her success across traditional and emerging digital performance channels makes her an invaluable asset for clients navigating today’s complex media landscape."

Career Highlights

Before joining InterMedia, Galano served as Senior Director at Direct Avenue and held key strategic roles at leading media agencies, pioneering data-informed planning and media strategy for high-growth and established brands alike. Her experience across agency and in-house settings provides a comprehensive perspective on crafting effective, results-driven media programs.

Galano’s Vision

"I'm excited to join a company that champions performance," said Galano. "InterMedia’s legacy of results-driven media excellence and forward-thinking approach to attribution uniquely position us to deliver exceptional value in today’s fragmented media landscape. I look forward to partnering with clients to drive measurable business outcomes through innovative media solutions."

Sooth, a leader in predictive emotional and behavioral intelligence for marketers, today unveiled its groundbreaking Emotional Logic Interface (Eli) a proprietary AI system designed to decode human behavior before it happens and guide brands on what actions to take.

Built on insights from 300 million individuals across 20 countries and mapped to 100,000 emotional and behavioral signals, Eli models the deep emotional drivers behind purchasing decisions, empowering marketers to move beyond traditional data approaches.

Empowering Marketers with Predictive Precision

"Most marketers still make decisions based on demographics and transactions, which only explain 7% of buying behavior," said Ian Baer, Founder & CEO of Sooth. "Eli was built to decode the emotional, practical, and situational needs that drive 13 out of every 14 buying decisions. Brands are drowning in data and dashboards—Eli delivers clarity, fast."

Unlike tools that analyze past or present data, Eli predicts what’s next with capabilities such as:

• Emotional Blueprinting: Predicts triggers behind 90% of human decisions to prevent off-target messaging and campaign misfires.

• Creative & Message Evaluation: Scores creative content against audience-specific emotional and practical drivers instantly.

• Behavioral Audience Analysis & Targeting: Replaces static personas with predictive models of real human behavior, revealing hidden opportunities and threats.

• Predictive Media & Channel Strategy: Projects ROI across 25 media channels, cutting waste and optimizing ad spend.

A Proven Foundation

Baer brings 30 years of experience solving complex business challenges for brands like Verizon, Chase, Pfizer, Samsung, Audi, and Hilton—work that inspired Eli’s design.

"We built Eli to fix what's broken in marketing," Baer added. "Clients leave with precise, actionable recommendations that create immediate impact."