Markacy, a strategic growth and performance marketing firm, has announced the appointment of Ryan Mason as its new President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). A seasoned digital growth executive, Mason brings a powerful blend of strategy, operational excellence, and hands-on experience in digital media, e-commerce, and marketing transformation.

With this strategic hire, Markacy signals its commitment to expanding its service offerings, scaling go-to-market initiatives, and helping brands turn marketing into a core profit engine.

Ryan Mason’s Leadership Background: From BCG to Brand Builder

Prior to joining Markacy, Mason served as North America leader of the Digital Growth practice at BCG X, the tech and digital innovation arm of Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In this role, he advised clients across the Consumer, Healthcare, and Private Equity sectors, helping them accelerate growth and overhaul their marketing and commercial operations for digital excellence.

Mason also brings in-house operating experience from his tenure at Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ), where he managed a DTC E-commerce Business Unit. There, he was instrumental in scaling profitable growth for a multi-brand beverage portfolio, proving his ability to deliver results across industries and company sizes.

Earlier in his career, Mason held leadership roles in digital media and ad-tech, including positions at VaynerMedia and SocialCode, further strengthening his credentials as a digital-first executive.

Quotes from Leadership

“I am thrilled to be joining Markacy as we embark on our next phase of growth. I look forward to working with our existing clients, expanding services to new clients, and advancing our efforts to transform marketing into a profit center for businesses of all sizes.”
– Ryan Mason, President & COO at Markacy

“Ryan has been an advisor to Markacy for years, and we could not be more excited to have him onboard. Markacy is dedicated to bringing the best minds to our clients, and Ryan's leadership and experience will help us continue to produce market-leading results.”
– Chris Jones, Co-Founder at Markacy

What Ryan Brings to Markacy

As President & COO, Mason will focus on:

• Scaling Markacy’s go-to-market strategy

• Growing the firm’s client base

• Expanding services, especially in areas like:

  • Holistic marketing measurement

  • Advanced analytics and performance insights

  • Full-funnel customer acquisition strategies

Mason holds an MBA in Finance from NYU Stern School of Business and a BA in Economics from The University of Michigan. He has lived in Manhattan for over 11 years, where he continues to be deeply engaged in the business and digital innovation community.

With Ryan Mason’s leadership, Markacy is doubling down on its mission to help businesses achieve sustainable, scalable growth. His unique blend of strategic vision, operational rigor, and digital-first thinking makes him the ideal fit to help guide Markacy and its clients into a new era of marketing-as-a-profit-center.

As AI technologies become central to business transformation, the AI Council at Direct Digital Holdings has taken a crucial step to help companies navigate the ethical and legal complexities of artificial intelligence. Their fourth eBook, “Responsible AI: A Beginner’s Guide,” serves as a foundational resource for business leaders and technology teams eager to implement responsible, transparent, and compliant AI systems.

Whether a company is just beginning its AI journey or is already leveraging advanced algorithms in decision-making, this guide provides simple, actionable strategies to ensure that AI innovations are built on a framework of safety, fairness, and accountability.

Why Responsible AI Matters Now

The widespread integration of AI in sectors like hiring, healthcare, finance, and customer service presents enormous opportunities—but also serious risks.

"AI systems now influence everything from hiring decisions to medical diagnoses, and without the right safeguards, even small errors can have serious consequences," said Anu Pillai, Chief Technology Officer at Direct Digital Holdings.

As governments begin to regulate AI usage more strictly, including laws such as the EU AI Act, California AI Transparency Act, and Executive Orders from the Biden Administration, organizations need to proactively align their practices with these standards—or risk facing penalties, brand damage, and loss of consumer trust.

What’s Inside the Guide

The “Responsible AI: A Beginner’s Guide” breaks down advanced ethical concepts and legal obligations into five clear sections:

1. Understanding AI Risk

Classify AI systems by their potential impact—from low-risk tools like spam filters to high-risk applications in hiring or diagnostics—and implement safeguards accordingly.

2. The Core Principles of Responsible AI

• Transparency: Make it clear how AI systems work and why decisions are made.

• Fairness: Prevent bias and ensure inclusive data.

• Accountability: Establish clear oversight and auditability.

• Privacy: Prioritize ethical data usage and user consent.

• Reliability: Ensure systems are accurate, robust, and consistent.

Each principle is illustrated with real-world examples and implementation checklists.

3. Governance in Action

A practical framework for integrating responsible AI throughout:

• Data handling

• Model development

• Deployment processes

• User feedback loops

4. Legal & Regulatory Preparedness

Explains how to stay ahead of evolving laws such as:

• EU AI Act

• California AI Transparency Act

• Biden Administration’s Executive Orders on AI

5. Benefits Beyond Compliance

Responsible AI isn’t just about legal risk. It’s a strategic advantage that leads to:

• Smarter, fairer decision-making

• Enhanced customer and stakeholder trust

• Reduced reputational and operational risk

The Bigger Picture: A Movement Toward Ethical AI

"We’re entering an era where ethical AI isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a legal and business imperative," said Pillai.

"This guide helps organizations understand what’s at stake and what actions to take."

This eBook is part of a broader initiative from the Direct Digital Holdings AI Council to empower businesses to adopt generative AI with clarity, confidence, and care. By simplifying the complexity around responsible AI, DDH is ensuring that ethical adoption becomes mainstream, not an afterthought.

Download the Guide

The full "Responsible AI: A Beginner’s Guide" is now available through Direct Digital Holdings' official website.

In a digital landscape where data security is paramount, PropellerAds, the flagship project of AdTech Holding, has once again demonstrated its leadership and integrity by successfully completing the ISO 27001:2022 re-certification audit. Conducted by the Cyprus Certification Organization, this achievement reaffirms PropellerAds’ status as a global benchmark in performance-driven advertising and information security management.

What Is ISO 27001:2022 and Why It Matters

ISO 27001:2022 is the most recent update to the globally recognized Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) standard. It provides organizations with a structured framework for managing and protecting sensitive information through:

• Robust security controls

• Comprehensive risk assessment

• Continuous improvement strategies

Receiving re-certification under this rigorous standard validates that PropellerAds is not only compliant but also actively evolving its approach to data privacy, cybersecurity, and risk management.

A Company-Wide Achievement

Achieving ISO 27001:2022 re-certification is no small feat. It required:

• Cross-functional collaboration

• Rigorous security assessments

• Detailed planning and documentation

• End-to-end system audits

"This certification is more than just an achievement; it's a reflection of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding the sensitive information of our customers and stakeholders," said Farukh Rakhimov, Head of Financial Operations and Compliance Group at AdTech Holding.

"Successfully passing this rigorous audit underscores our proactive approach to security and highlights our teams' hard work and diligence."

Why This Certification Matters to Clients and Partners

In a world where data breaches can cost millions and severely damage brand reputation, PropellerAds’ re-certification gives partners peace of mind that:

• Information is protected according to global best practices

• Data handling is transparent, ethical, and secure

• PropellerAds proactively addresses emerging cybersecurity threats

With a global presence spanning over 195 countries and 200,000+ partners, PropellerAds handles billions of impressions daily, making its continued focus on trust, compliance, and resilience even more critical.

Future-Focused on Security Excellence

This re-certification marks a milestone in PropellerAds’ ongoing mission to innovate responsibly and lead securely in the AdTech space. The company remains committed to:

• Continuous monitoring and improvement of its ISMS

• Staying ahead of evolving threats

• Adapting to new regulatory requirements and industry expectations

As digital ecosystems grow more complex, PropellerAds stands firm as a trusted partner, offering not only performance-driven results but also enterprise-grade security assurances.

PropellerAds

PropellerAds is a global advertising platform known for delivering scalable, high-performance advertising solutions. As a part of AdTech Holding, the company serves advertisers and publishers worldwide, helping them achieve measurable growth through advanced targeting, automation, and now—uncompromising data security.

In a strategic move to elevate out-of-home (OOH) advertising in one of the nation’s most dynamic urban centers, Clear Channel Outdoor has announced a new partnership that places brands directly in front of premium business and tourism audiences across downtown Chicago. With exclusive access to the PRU electric bus fleet, advertisers now have the opportunity to dominate high-demand routes - including the iconic Michigan Avenue, The Loop, and surrounding cultural landmarks.

This partnership represents a powerful innovation in mobile OOH advertising, combining sustainability with state-of-the-art ad displays, targeting a market known for its commercial density and visual influence.

Highlights of the Partnership

Premium Access to Chicago’s Business Arteries

The four all-electric K9MD buses from BYD are a visual and environmental standout, driving along critical business and tourism routes such as:

• Michigan Avenue

• The Loop business district

• Grant Park and Millennium Park

• The Art Institute of Chicago

• Lakefront areas and transit hubs

These moving billboards reach both daytime commuters and leisure travelers, ensuring multi-demographic visibility for brands.

Downtown Reach with Limited Competition

Chicago’s downtown OOH inventory is limited, making this opportunity exclusive and strategic. Consider these insights:

• 23,793 residential population in the coverage zone

• 284,083 daytime working population (2023 Census Estimates)

• Visibility during peak drive times, lunch hours, and midday rush

This initiative gives brands a presence where static OOH options are scarce but footfall and vehicle traffic are consistently high.

Technology-Driven Brand Engagement

The BYD K9MD buses are equipped with Wi-Fi and modern transit tech, enhancing the rider and passerby experience. The digitally enhanced ad panels offer superior visibility and potential for interactive formats in future iterations.

This is not just static advertising—it’s dynamic brand storytelling in motion, amplified by the energy of one of America’s top media markets.

Statements from Clear Channel Outdoor Leaders

"This new partnership gives our advertisers additional exposure and the largest OOH display on the legendary Michigan Avenue," said Barry Butler, VP of Sales at Clear Channel Outdoor-Chicago.

"No one else can provide this option during the workweek like we can."

"These large-scale moving advertisements will be seen throughout downtown by both tourists and locals...including tens of thousands of workers," added Erin Wolff, SVP of Real Estate & Public Affairs for CCO-Midwest.

Expanding CCO’s Footprint Across the Windy City

This initiative adds to CCO’s already dominant presence in the Chicago media ecosystem:

• Exclusive media provider for O’Hare International and Midway Airports

• Sole provider for the 500 W. Madison Transit Center, Chicago's largest commuter hub

• Full coverage across Cook County and the tri-state area

Brands working with CCO gain access to the most diverse and far-reaching OOH network in the region—spanning walk, ride, drive, and fly touchpoints.

A Game-Changer for Urban Advertising

As Chicago continues to evolve as a hub of business, tourism, and media, Clear Channel Outdoor is setting a new standard for how and where brands connect with their audiences. The launch of large-scale, mobile OOH displays on electric buses not only reflects the future of sustainable marketing—it gives advertisers the power to own the streets of downtown Chicago during the most influential hours of the day.

In today’s digital-first world, where customer expectations are constantly evolving and competition is intensifying, agencies must offer more than just traditional marketing support—they must become true digital partners. 5W Public Relations (5WPR), one of the largest independently owned PR firms in the U.S., is rising to that challenge. The agency recently announced a major expansion of its digital marketing capabilities, rolling out specialized services across critical industries like law, insurance, health & wellness, and B2B services.

These enhanced offerings are designed to provide integrated, performance-driven marketing strategies that meet the unique challenges and goals of today’s digital landscape—whether that’s improving brand visibility, generating qualified leads, or building deeper customer connections.

"We are thrilled to enhance our digital marketing capabilities, enabling us to provide our clients with the most effective, tailored solutions," said Paul Miser, EVP & Group Director, Digital at 5WPR.

Breaking Down 5WPR’s Enhanced Digital Marketing Suite

Integrated Marketing

A unified approach combining:

• SEO and SEM

• Email marketing

• Public relations

• Paid media

This multi-channel integration helps brands create seamless customer journeys, delivering consistent messaging and maximizing campaign impact.

B2B Digital Marketing

With a focus on:

• Lead generation

• Account-based marketing (ABM)

• Relationship nurturing

5WPR’s B2B strategies are custom-built to drive business growth, helping professional services firms attract and convert high-value clients.

Content Marketing

From blogs and whitepapers to videos and webinars, 5WPR’s content team crafts narratives that:

• Strengthen brand authority

• Educate target audiences

• Improve organic visibility

This focus on storytelling ensures brands connect on a deeper level with their audiences.

Social Media Marketing

Customized strategies for:

• LinkedIn

• Instagram

• TikTok

• X (formerly Twitter)

• Facebook

With platform-specific tactics, brands can engage diverse audiences, increase followers, and drive meaningful conversions.

Performance Marketing

Every campaign is data-driven and results-oriented, with KPIs like:

• Website traffic

• Conversion rates

• ROI tracking

This ensures full accountability and helps optimize budgets for maximum impact.

Creative & Branding

5WPR also supports:

• Brand strategy development

• Visual identity design

• Creative asset production

Their work helps businesses define their digital personas and resonate with their target audiences visually and emotionally.

Industry-Specific Digital Solutions

Law Firm Digital Marketing

Law firms require credibility, visibility, and client trust. 5WPR’s services are tailored to:

• Boost search engine rankings

• Improve online reputations

• Attract high-value cases

Insurance Digital Marketing

The agency helps insurance companies:

• Generate qualified leads

• Communicate complex offerings clearly

• Improve policyholder engagement

Health & Wellness Digital Marketing

5WPR brings specialized experience to:

• Build community trust

• Educate consumers

• Launch purpose-driven wellness campaigns

With health content becoming more scrutinized, 5WPR ensures brands maintain compliance and credibility.

A Digital Powerhouse for the Modern Era

As digital transformation accelerates across every sector, 5WPR’s enhanced digital services position the firm as a strategic partner for modern growth. Whether working with a law firm aiming to boost local visibility or a wellness brand building trust online, 5WPR offers custom, data-backed solutions that deliver real results.

With its expanded toolkit and industry-specific focus, 5WPR is no longer just a leader in PR—it’s a comprehensive digital agency for today’s complex marketing landscape.

Eluvio, a pioneer in content distribution infrastructure, has once again taken center stage at the NAB Show. At the 2025 NAB Show Product of the Year Awards, Eluvio was honored for its next-gen Content Fabric – Bangkok Release and Application Suite, marking the second consecutive year the company has been recognized for pushing the boundaries of digital media technology.

The award, announced during a live ceremony on April 8, spotlights groundbreaking products reshaping how content is created, distributed, and monetized.

Revolutionizing Global Streaming with Eluvio Content Fabric – Bangkok Release

At the heart of this recognition is Eluvio’s Content Fabric – Bangkok Release, which introduces ultra-low latency global distribution of high-frame-rate broadcast transport streams via SRT outputs—achieving global latencies of less than 500 milliseconds using standard Internet infrastructure.

This is a game-changer for broadcasters, offering an alternative to costly satellite distribution and enabling a single-source global feed for both:

• Direct-to-consumer (D2C) OTT streaming via HLS/DASH, and

• Business-to-business (B2B) affiliate distribution.

The system is built to optimize delivery with:

• End-to-end encryption

• Built-in authorization

• Dynamic windowing

• Audience analytics

• Personalized delivery

"It enables media companies to maximize monetization potential on the top line through expanded global distribution... and on the bottom line through cost efficiency," said Michelle Munson, CEO and co-founder of Eluvio.

Introducing “EVIE” – The Eluvio Video Intelligence Editor

The Bangkok Release also features the Eluvio AI Stack, now enhanced with EVIE (Eluvio Video Intelligence Editor)—a next-gen content curation and editing tool.

EVIE enables:

• Real-time search and indexing

• Clip creation and editing

• Compositions and highlight reels

• Image curation and sharing

All of this is powered by just-in-time hosting and distribution within the Fabric, with no need for file copies, re-transcoding, or exports.

This eliminates traditional content workflow inefficiencies and dramatically improves production speed and agility—ideal for sports, entertainment, and news applications.

Industry Recognition and Future Potential

The NAB Show Product of the Year Award is one of the most prestigious accolades in broadcast and media technology. Winners are selected by a panel of industry experts across 16 categories, with eligibility limited to 2025-delivered products showcased by exhibitors at the show.

"Eluvio... is transforming a pivotal stage of the content lifecycle and empowering storytellers," said Eric Trabb, SVP and Chief Customer Success Officer at NAB.

This recognition underscores Eluvio’s growing role in reshaping global video workflows and rethinking what’s possible for content owners.

With its award-winning Content Fabric – Bangkok Release, Eluvio has not only cemented its reputation as a tech leader but also delivered a blueprint for the future of content distribution: cost-efficient, AI-powered, globally scalable, and lightning fast.

Whether for live broadcast, on-demand OTT, or affiliate syndication, Eluvio is providing media companies with the tools to unlock revenue, streamline operations, and innovate content experiences at scale.

In a move that solidifies its position as a growth catalyst for modern brands, Trilliad has launched its first annual Growth Imperatives, a strategic resource designed to empower B2B leaders across Marketing, Sales, and Customer Success with actionable insights to navigate a rapidly evolving business landscape.

Formed in 2023 through the unification of industry-leading providers in agency, technology, and sales performance services, Trilliad has quickly emerged as a powerhouse committed to helping brands grow beyond expectations.

Meeting the Moment: Why Growth Leaders Need a New Playbook

Today’s market conditions are anything but simple—marked by rising buyer expectations, technology fragmentation, and the need for cross-functional alignment. Recognizing this, Trilliad's Growth Imperatives identify the three foundational focus areas every growth leader must prioritize in 2025:

1. Meet Today’s Buyers Where They Are

In a world of fragmented touchpoints, success begins with a unified, connected marketing experience. Brands must ensure every engagement is seamless and consistent, tailored to where and how modern buyers consume content.

2. Modernize Your Sales Organization with Data

Sales performance in 2025 requires smarter, faster decision-making. Leveraging data and technology to optimize sales processes, personalize outreach, and forecast accurately is no longer optional—it’s mission-critical.

3. Drive Revenue with Cross-Functional Alignment

Siloed departments are the enemy of scale. Growth will increasingly depend on a unified front across Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success, powered by an integrated “growth stack” of platforms, insights, and shared goals.

“This guide reflects our deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing growth leaders today,” said Craig Dempster, CEO of Trilliad. “It provides the tools and insights needed to meet growth challenges head-on and drive sustained success.”

A Living Guide for the Growth-Minded

Far from a static report, the Growth Imperatives are designed to evolve year over year—reflecting the shifting dynamics of the B2B landscape and spotlighting the most pressing issues and emerging trends.

The resource offers:

• Actionable frameworks to align teams

• Real-world case studies and strategic insights

• Guidance for differentiating and scaling brand impact

This isn’t just about responding to change—it’s about leading it.

Beyond the Guide: A Three-Part Webinar Series

To help organizations activate the Imperatives, Trilliad will host a three-part webinar series, each one dedicated to a core theme from the guide. These sessions will bring together industry experts and practitioners to share strategies, tools, and measurable outcomes.

This added layer of engagement underscores Trilliad’s commitment to not only informing growth leaders—but equipping them to execute with confidence.

As 2025 ushers in new complexities and opportunities, Trilliad’s Growth Imperatives are more than just a strategy guide—they’re a roadmap for long-term business leadership. For B2B organizations serious about market differentiation and customer-driven growth, this resource is essential reading.

Stay ahead. Stay aligned. Grow beyond expectations—with Trilliad.

In a move that reshapes the mobile advertising landscape, StackAdapt, a leading multi-channel programmatic platform, has partnered with Lyft Media and Kevel to bring programmatic in-app advertising to the Lyft app. This strategic alliance enables brands and agencies to reach millions of Lyft riders across the U.S., delivering intent-driven, hyper-localized advertising experiences.

Tapping into the Rider Journey: A New Channel for Intent-Based Advertising

Through Kevel’s API-based ad serving technology, StackAdapt clients now have programmatic access to Lyft’s premium in-app inventory. This integration introduces ad formats tailored to each stage of the rider journey—commuting, attending events, or airport travel—allowing advertisers to engage with audiences at pivotal moments of consumer intent.

From video to poster units, these ad placements enable sustained brand presence in a rider’s experience, increasing engagement and relevance.

“Partnering with Lyft and Kevel opens an extraordinary advertising avenue for agencies to engage a mobile, diverse audience,” said Greg Joseph, VP of Inventory Development at StackAdapt.

How It Works: Precision Meets Scale

By leveraging Kevel’s advanced retail media tech, StackAdapt ensures that in-app ad delivery is:

• Seamless

• Data-driven

• Highly targeted

This integration allows advertisers to reach over 40 million active Lyft riders annually, covering key audience segments like:

• Urban commuters

• Event attendees

• Airport travelers

“Lyft’s partnership with StackAdapt provides a unique way for programmatic buyers to reach consumers at key moments,” added Shane Dwyer, Head of Sales at Lyft Media.

Why This Matters for Advertisers

This collaboration is more than a media partnership—it's a step forward in experience-enhancing advertising. Brands can now:

• Engage users during natural pauses in the app experience.

• Align messaging with real-time trip intent.

• Access robust targeting and measurement tools powered by Lyft’s first-party data.

“Through this collaboration, Lyft is redefining the rider experience by putting tailored, data-driven, and relevant opportunities at their fingertips,” said James Avery, CEO of Kevel.

The Broader Vision: Redefining Local Ad Experiences

With more consumers turning to rideshare services for daily transportation, the opportunity for intent-based, location-aware advertising is growing. This partnership:

• Reinforces StackAdapt’s leadership in omnichannel programmatic.

• Positions Lyft as a powerful player in digital media monetization.

• Leverages Kevel’s developer-first infrastructure to scale innovation.

The StackAdapt x Lyft x Kevel collaboration is a major step in evolving the future of programmatic media—bridging the gap between intent, location, and digital engagement. For advertisers seeking a high-impact, high-relevance channel in a mobile-first world, this new in-app opportunity within Lyft offers a powerful platform for storytelling, performance, and connection.