FGS Global, the world’s largest stakeholder strategy firm, is making a decisive move to formalize its AI ambitions. The firm has launched a dedicated AI Advisory practice and acquired Memetica, a specialist consultancy focused on AI-driven threat detection across social, dark web, and fringe platforms.

The new practice sits within FGS Global’s recently established AI and Innovation group, led by Aaron Kwittken, Global Head of AI and Innovation, and reflects growing client demand for practical, executive-level guidance on using AI—while also defending against its darker applications.

From Experimentation to Enterprise-Grade AI Advisory

While the announcement marks a formal launch, FGS Global has been investing in AI for years. The AI Advisory practice consolidates that work into a single, global offering designed to help organizations improve communications performance, protect reputation, and drive operational efficiency in an environment increasingly shaped by automation and algorithmic influence.

The practice is backed by more than 200 specialists worldwide, spanning AI strategy, digital influence, analytics, engineering, data science, crisis management, campaigns, and earned, paid, and owned media. It operates globally and integrates closely with FGS Global’s established strengths in crisis and reputation management, government and public affairs, and financial communications.

At the core of this effort is FGS Labs, the firm’s global development team responsible for building bespoke client and internal technology. That includes Fergus, FGS Global’s AI-powered agentic platform, now used by more than 1,500 consultants across 31 cities.

“Organizations today face a dual imperative,” said Kwittken. “They must harness AI to optimize workflows and strengthen stakeholder engagement—while also safeguarding against AI-generated threats to reputation and operations.”

Memetica Deal Expands Digital Threat Intelligence

The acquisition of Memetica significantly deepens FGS Global’s capabilities in early-warning threat detection and mitigation. The consultancy specializes in monitoring and analyzing online narratives across mainstream social channels, fringe networks, and deep and dark web environments—areas where reputational risks increasingly originate.

Memetica’s work focuses on identifying tipping points where digital narratives can spill into real-world impact, including cybersecurity incidents, AI-driven disinformation campaigns, SEO manipulation, doxxing, and even violent threats.

“With AI accelerating the scale and sophistication of online narratives, advanced threat detection and response will only become more critical,” said Alex Geiser, Global CEO of FGS Global.

Memetica founder Ben Decker described the move as a natural evolution of a long-standing partnership, positioning the combined offering as a differentiated, AI-driven approach to reputation and risk advisory.

Four Pillars of the AI Advisory Practice

FGS Global’s AI Advisory practice is structured around four core capability areas:

Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)
Helping brands remain visible and authoritative as generative AI reshapes search, through multimodal content strategy and real-time brand monitoring.

AI Risk & Crisis Management
Detecting and countering deepfakes, managing AI-driven misinformation, and establishing governance frameworks for responsible AI use.

Strategic Intelligence & Analytics
Delivering predictive insights, advanced stakeholder mapping, and scenario planning powered by proprietary analytics.

Organizational AI Transformation
Supporting technology audits, vendor selection, upskilling, and change management to help communications teams adopt AI competitively and responsibly.

A Signal of Where Communications and Reputation Are Headed

The launch underscores a broader shift in communications, public affairs, and reputation management. As AI reshapes how narratives are created, amplified, and manipulated, firms advising global organizations are being forced to evolve from message crafting to systems-level intelligence and defense.

By combining AI strategy, agentic tools, and deep threat intelligence under one umbrella, FGS Global is positioning itself not just as an advisor on AI—but as a firm built to operate inside its realities.

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