Gannett Co., Inc. has announced a major licensing agreement with Perplexity, the AI-driven answer engine, making it one of the largest U.S. media partners to join the Perplexity Publisher Program. Under the deal, Perplexity will integrate trusted content from USA TODAY and Gannett’s network of over 200 local publications into its AI-powered search tools, including the newly launched agentic web browser, Comet.

The integration allows Perplexity users to access authoritative journalism directly through advanced AI search experiences. Comet, currently available to Perplexity Max and select Pro subscribers, offers real-time, AI-powered web navigation. A broader rollout is expected this September.

"As AI technology becomes increasingly integrated into the information ecosystem, we are committed to ensuring our content is properly attributed and fairly compensated," said Michael Reed, Gannett Chairman and CEO. "This strategic alliance exemplifies our continued leadership in embracing transformative technology and responsible innovation."

The partnership includes revenue sharing from advertising and access to performance insights via Perplexity’s data analytics, further supporting Gannett’s strategy to monetize digital journalism in the AI era. Gannett employees will also gain access to Perplexity’s Sonar API and Enterprise Pro platform as part of the deal.

Perplexity CEO and Co-Founder Aravind Srinivas emphasized the role of quality journalism in AI’s evolution: "We believe AI’s potential lies in amplifying authoritative content. Partnering with Gannett ensures that credible reporting is front and center as we reimagine the digital information landscape."

Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed, but the move represents a significant step in aligning AI tools with ethical content distribution while offering new monetization pathways for publishers.

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In a strategic push to future-proof marketing operations, LTIMindtree has unveiled BlueVerse CraftStudio, a next-gen digital agency powered by Adobe’s AI arsenal. The launch reflects a growing trend: brands are no longer dipping their toes into AI—they’re diving in headfirst. And this partnership? It’s an Olympic-level cannonball.

The Big Play: AI Meets Marketing Muscle

CraftStudio builds on LTIMindtree’s existing CMO services and introduces a streamlined, AI-enhanced solution for marketing teams struggling to bridge the gap between tech potential and actual business value. The offering leans heavily on Adobe’s suite of tools—from Creative Cloud and Firefly Services to GenStudio for Performance Marketing, Substance 3D, and Workfront.

In short, CraftStudio isn’t just a creative shop—it’s an operational engine with the power to compress timelines, enhance personalization, and boost campaign outcomes, all backed by Adobe’s AI muscle.

Why This Matters

Marketing teams today face a two-fold challenge: escalating pressure to deliver ROI and a rapidly evolving martech stack that’s often overwhelming. BlueVerse CraftStudio addresses both by offering:

• Faster Time to Market: Adobe’s workflow automation, combined with LTIMindtree’s agile execution, claims to cut production time by over 50%.

• Revenue Impact: From better segmentation to sharper eCommerce optimization, the solution promises to inject AI at every touchpoint of the funnel.

• Instant AI Integration: Rather than spend quarters building internal AI capabilities, marketing departments can plug into a pre-trained, AI-native team and start driving outcomes immediately.

That’s the secret sauce here—done-for-you AI that doesn't require rebuilding your entire tech stack or onboarding an army of data scientists.

The Adobe Advantage

According to Stephen Frieder, Chief Revenue Officer at Adobe, this partnership is about putting tools into marketers’ hands that once required engineering teams to implement. Adobe’s creative AI layer—like Firefly for generative design and Frame.io for collaborative video—accelerates the production loop while still offering high-end creative flexibility.

Competitive Implications

With this move, LTIMindtree isn't just expanding its service portfolio—it’s gunning for territory owned by creative powerhouses and digital consultancies alike. And with Adobe in the cockpit, the pitch to CMOs becomes hard to ignore: a marketing AI team on-demand, embedded with Adobe firepower.

At a time when agencies are scrambling to integrate generative AI responsibly—and effectively—CraftStudio positions LTIMindtree as both a trailblazer and a turnkey solution provider.

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Luxury Presence, the AI marketing platform serving more than 65,000 residential real estate professionals, has launched its fully autonomous AI Marketing Specialist Team—a first-of-its-kind innovation designed to manage digital marketing end-to-end without requiring human intervention or prompts.

Powered by the company’s proprietary PresenceAI technology, the autonomous team consists of four always-on AI agents:

• AI Lead Nurture Specialist – Responds instantly to website leads, nurturing prospects until they’re ready to speak with an agent.

• AI SEO Specialist – Optimizes listings and blog content to improve local and national search visibility.

• AI Ads Specialist – Manages digital ad campaigns, adapting in real-time to performance metrics.

• AI Blog Specialist – Generates hyper-local, branded blog content to boost authority and SEO.

Built over four years by a team of 100+ engineers, PresenceAI draws from a rich dataset of over 60 million annual site visitors and usage data from 30% of The Wall Street Journal’s top 100 agents. The platform integrates real-time MLS data, first-party behavior insights, and generative AI guardrails to deliver expert-level digital marketing at scale—without human bandwidth.

“The best agents don’t have time to be full-time marketers,” said Malte Kramer, Founder and CEO of Luxury Presence. “We created this AI team to give them expert marketing support—without the overhead.”

Each AI specialist operates autonomously but under human quality control. Agents can review all changes via a real-time dashboard. According to the company, the system has achieved a 99.51% approval rate from beta testers, indicating near-universal agent trust.

Agents like Sherry Lawrence, a top producer in Chattanooga, are already seeing results. “It’s powerful to have the AI Lead Nurture Specialist handling client communication while I focus on deals,” she said.

Set to officially launch on August 4, the AI SEO and Blog Specialists will be included with Luxury Presence’s Brand plan, while the Ads and Lead Nurture Specialists are part of the Leads Pro plan. A Social Media Specialist is also in development, designed to automate branded social content tailored to each agent’s voice.

Luxury Presence, founded in 2016, supports over 15,000 real estate businesses and operates more than 50,000 websites. With $75M in ARR and $52M in funding from investors like Bessemer Venture Partners and Zillow co-founder Spencer Rascoff, the company is scaling rapidly—now growing at 34% annually, with expectations to hit 40% by year-end.

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LEO Satellite Communications Services to Become Mainstream as New Business and Consumer Uses Emerge

 SYDNEY, Australia, July 30, 2025 – End-user spending on low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications services is expected to reach $14.8 billion globally in 2026, an increase of 24.5% from 2025, according to Gartner, Inc.

“LEO satellites have primarily delivered broadband connectivity to remote locations where traditional networks don’t reach,” said Khurram Shahzad, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner. “However, new consumer and business use cases are emerging, driving communications service providers (CSPs) to expand the market. This is enabling LEO satellites to become a mainstream enterprise broadband technology.”

LEO satellites orbit closer to the Earth than traditional satellite technology, providing faster connections and lower latency. This allows them to deliver high-speed broadband and complement traditional terrestrial networks. The market is entering a rapid expansion phase, with over 20 active LEO satellite service providers and more than 40,000 satellites expected in the next few years.

“As use cases continue to grow, companies and consumers can expect consistent internet access and Internet of things (IoT) sensing anywhere, without being limited by location,” Shahzad said. “Even airplanes, ships and sea platforms will benefit from new means of network resiliency and a ubiquitous internet.”

The largest growth in LEO satellite communications services in 2026 will come from businesses and consumers in remote areas with no other connectivity options, with spending expected to increase 40.2% and 36.4% respectively. This is followed by LEO services for IoT connectivity (32%), maritime and aviation (13.8%) and network resilience improvement (7.7%) (see Table 1).

Table 1. LEO Satellite Communications Services End-User Spending Worldwide, 2025-2026 (Millions of U.S. Dollars)

Note: Other includes emergency response, connectivity for temporary locations and poor wired broadband quality.

Source: Gartner (July 2025)

Emerging use cases for LEO satellite communications services can be categorized into four distinct areas:

1. Fixed and Mobile Broadband Service

The main early use of LEO satellite services is for fixed and mobile broadband connectivity, especially for remote sites and to augment existing broadband connections. These services support use cases such as connectivity in areas with no broadband service, temporary locations like construction sites, or on ships and airplanes. They are also used for communication during emergency responses, or to improve resilience as fallback or backup connectivity to traditional broadband.

For example, LEO-connected drones are used in Australia to deliver 4G/5G mobile connectivity during natural disasters, while some U.S. airlines are starting to offer free high-speed Wi-Fi to passengers using LEO satellite communications services.

2. Global IoT Connectivity

LEO IoT satellites complement or even replace traditional IoT networks for applications needing global coverage, with limited bandwidth and latency requirements. They can be used for global asset tracking, agriculture, oil and gas, natural resources, transportation and logistics, military sensing and security monitoring.

For example, global IoT connectivity is being deployed for land, sea and air using LEO satellites. In China, an automaker launched 20 LEO satellites to improve navigation for autonomous vehicles and plans to have a constellation of 240 satellites.

3. Supplementing Mobile Broadband Services

LEO satellite communications services can supplement mobile broadband by providing seamless coverage and enhancing the user experience through direct-to-device (D2D) connections and integration with 5G non-terrestrial networks.

For example, a New Zealand CSP launched a D2D LEO satellite service that lets customers send and receive texts in the 40% of the country not covered by mobile towers. Residents in the Cook Islands have been able to use text messaging services via satellite for almost two years.

4. Infrastructure Backhaul

Both CSPs and enterprises with geographically dispersed operations can leverage LEO satellites for reliable and high-bandwidth connectivity, supporting critical applications, data transfer and communication needs independent of traditional terrestrial limitations.

For example, LEO satellites can provide the necessary backhaul for the operations of government agencies and defense organizations, which often require secure and reliable communication links in remote or hostile environments.

“Despite these expanding use cases, the industry remains nascent with various limitations, including regulatory barriers in some countries and capacity constraints in certain areas,” said Shahzad. “LEO services can also encounter roaming restrictions, lack interoperability and aren’t certified for all mission-critical maritime needs. It’s important for CSPs to assess strategies on a use case basis.”

Gartner clients can read more in the reports Forecast: LEO Satellite Communications Services, Worldwide, 2024-2029, 2025 and Market Trend: Emerging Use Cases for LEO Satellite Communication Services. 

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Criteo, the commerce media firm known for connecting retailers and brands through programmatic advertising, has just made a bold move to streamline its leadership structure. The company announced the appointment of two long-serving executives—Todd Parsons and Sherry Smith—to newly expanded roles that consolidate its product, R&D, and commercial strategy.

The aim? Faster innovation, tighter execution, and laser-sharp focus on growth in two core areas: Performance Media and Retail Media.

Todd Parsons: AI First, Full-Funnel Focus

Todd Parsons, Criteo’s Chief Product Officer since 2020, now also carries the title of President, Performance Media. That’s a significant consolidation of power, putting one of Criteo’s most experienced AI evangelists at the helm of its cross-channel, full-funnel advertising solutions.

If you’ve been watching Criteo's shift from retargeting roots to outcome-driven, multi-product advertising, you’ve likely seen Parsons' fingerprints. He’s helped lead the charge on AI-driven personalization and self-service activation, key pillars for modern marketers grappling with signal loss and fragmented journeys.

Before Criteo, Parsons held top product roles at OpenX and SocialCode and led data strategy at Acxiom. He also has startup cred—he founded Aditive (acquired by Acxiom) and BuzzLogic—making him uniquely equipped to bridge big-tech muscle with entrepreneurial urgency.

Sherry Smith: Retail Media Powerhouse

Meanwhile, Sherry Smith is stepping into the role of President, Retail Media, following her tenure as Executive Managing Director for the Americas. Smith has been instrumental in Criteo’s rise as a Retail Media leader—a space projected to hit $140 billion globally by 2026.

Smith has championed the expansion of Criteo’s retail network, brokering partnerships that fuel its monetization engine. Her prior stint as CEO of Triad Retail Media (part of GroupM) gave her front-row experience in building retailer-led ad businesses, long before “Retail Media” was a buzzword.

With retailers becoming full-fledged media platforms, Smith’s appointment underscores Criteo’s push to lead the pack—not just keep pace.

What This Means for Criteo—and the Industry

The reorganization reflects a growing industry trend: collapsing silos between product, data, and go-to-market teams to increase speed-to-value. For Criteo, it’s also a bid to defend its turf against platform giants like Amazon and Walmart, while appealing to advertisers who want measurable ROI in an era of budget scrutiny.

CEO Michael Komasinski puts it plainly: this new structure promises "greater agility, sharper accountability, and a foundation for sustained performance."

And there’s more to come. Criteo is now on the hunt for a Chief Customer Officer, a role designed to squeeze more lifetime value from existing relationships—a smart move as customer acquisition costs climb and retention becomes a competitive differentiator.

The Bottom Line

Criteo’s executive realignment isn’t just internal housekeeping. It signals the company’s doubling down on AI, self-service, and commerce media scale—areas where speed, cohesion, and leadership make or break performance.

The commerce media arms race is heating up. With Parsons and Smith steering key divisions, Criteo is putting its best players on the field to keep its edge—and perhaps stretch the gap from rivals.

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KORE’s OmniSIM US Plans Now Available Through TD SYNNEX Marketplace, Bringing Simplicity to IoT Deployments

In a move poised to accelerate IoT adoption across industries, KORE Group Holdings, the self-described “IoT hyperscaler,” has inked a strategic partnership with TD SYNNEX, one of the world's largest IT distributors. The collaboration makes KORE’s OmniSIM® US connectivity plans accessible through TD SYNNEX’s vast distribution network—unlocking new levels of accessibility and simplicity for resellers and end users looking to deploy IoT solutions at scale.

Cutting Through the Complexity of IoT

Let’s be honest—deploying IoT connectivity can be a logistical headache. Between navigating carriers, configuring devices, and managing variable pricing, businesses often find themselves tangled in a mess of technical red tape before they even get to implementation.

KORE wants to change that. The company's partnership with TD SYNNEX is engineered to streamline access to flat-rate, carrier-grade connectivity that’s easier to quote, purchase, and deploy. For VARs, MSPs, and solution providers, it means fewer hurdles and faster rollouts.

“By aligning with TD SYNNEX, we’re making it easier than ever for customers to access best-in-class IoT connectivity with straightforward pricing models,” said Ryan Yahrmatter, SVP of Strategic Partnerships at KORE.

Why It Matters

This isn’t just about distribution—it’s about acceleration. Through TD SYNNEX, KORE’s solutions can now reach a broader swath of channel partners who often serve as the linchpin between emerging technologies and enterprise IT environments. And KORE’s capability to source hardware and components outside TD SYNNEX’s usual catalog adds value for partners building integrated, end-to-end IoT solutions.

The integration brings much-needed clarity to a segment where procurement is often fragmented. It also signals a growing recognition that IoT, once viewed as a niche or experimental domain, is becoming core infrastructure for modern businesses, from logistics to healthcare to smart cities.

A Smarter Route to Market

TD SYNNEX, for its part, sees the partnership as a way to bolster its portfolio with high-growth, cloud-connected offerings. "This collaboration ensures our customers can harness the full potential of technology to achieve remarkable results," said Marcie Stout, VP of Cloud Marketplace and ISV at TD SYNNEX.

From a go-to-market perspective, this is a notable pivot. KORE’s Chief Revenue Officer Jared Deith called it “a pivotal moment,” emphasizing how the new model simplifies procurement, shortens time to revenue, and equips channel partners with tools to deliver meaningful outcomes for clients.

What’s Next?

While the IoT market continues to grow—projected to surpass $1.3 trillion by 2026, according to IDC—frictionless deployment remains a barrier for many enterprises. By lowering the complexity bar, KORE and TD SYNNEX may be giving resellers and system integrators the extra push they need to accelerate mainstream IoT adoption.

And with KORE positioning itself as a single-source provider for connectivity, hardware, and analytics, this deal could serve as a blueprint for how B2B tech players approach future channel distribution strategies.

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Veteran Strategist Josh Emington Joins Martec Group’s Partner Team After 10+ Years of Growth-Driven Leadership

The Martec Group, a leading provider of deep-dive market research and business intelligence, has promoted Josh Emington to Partner, effective July 17, 2025. The move recognizes a decade-plus of leadership and innovation by Emington, who most recently served as Vice President and led the firm’s value creation initiatives.

From Research Strategist to Strategic Partner

Emington joined Martec in 2014 and quickly carved out a reputation for delivering actionable insights across M&A advisory, franchise development, and corporate strategy. He was named Vice President in 2023, taking on broader responsibility for client engagement, internal growth strategy, and cross-sector consulting.

In his new role, Emington will help steer the firm’s long-term vision, working alongside the senior partnership team to expand service offerings, deepen relationships with mid-market and enterprise clients, and evolve how the company delivers value in a rapidly changing market landscape.

A Decade of Results—and Influence

“Josh has been a driving force behind the company’s forward momentum for more than a decade,” said Rick Claar, President of The Martec Group. “We’re thrilled to have him join our senior leadership as we chart the next decade of growth.”

Emington has long played a critical role in bridging Martec’s research capabilities with its clients’ real-world strategic needs. His focus on expanding client access to the firm’s full service suite has helped solidify Martec’s reputation as a trusted partner to private equity firms, corporate development teams, and Fortune 1000 executives.

Deep Roots in the Research Ecosystem

Beyond his role at Martec, Emington is active in industry organizations, including the Insights Association, Alliance of M&A Advisors, Association for Corporate Growth, International Franchise Association, and American Marketing Association. He also sits on the board of Michigan State University’s Master of Science in Marketing Research program, further cementing his place as a thought leader in the insights space.

For Emington, the promotion is both a milestone and a mission.

“Joining this incredible leadership team and building this amazing company has been a personal goal and a dream come true,” Emington said. “It is an absolute honor to carry on the rich 40-year history of serving private equity investors, mid-market companies, and Fortune 1000 leaders.”

A Signal of Martec’s Future Focus

As the business intelligence space becomes more crowded—and clients demand ever more tailored, data-rich decision support—Martec’s elevation of a relationship-first, insights-driven leader like Emington signals a clear strategic focus: bridging deep analytics with high-touch consulting.

In a sector often overloaded with dashboards and under-delivered in relevance, the promotion may mark Martec doubling down on what matters most: clarity, context, and trusted human insight.

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Ragan Communications has officially announced its Top Women in Marketing, Class of 2025—a standout group of marketing leaders driving transformation, creativity, and results across the industry.

Representing a broad cross-section of sectors including corporate, agency, nonprofit, and government, this year’s honorees are not just navigating marketing’s evolving challenges—they’re setting the pace.

Visionaries Driving Tomorrow’s Marketing Landscape

From brand storytelling and audience engagement to digital transformation and data-informed strategy, the 2025 class includes women who are leading with impact and redefining what’s possible in modern marketing. They’re the architects of campaigns that resonate, leaders building cultures of innovation, and mentors guiding the next generation.

These are the strategists launching purpose-driven initiatives, the creators behind award-winning content, and the executives shaping enterprise-wide marketing transformations.

Celebration Set for October in New York

The honorees will be celebrated at the Top Women in Marketing Awards Luncheon, set for October 22, 2025, at City Winery in New York City. The event will bring together peers and industry professionals to recognize the bold vision and lasting influence of this year's recipients.

For many, this isn’t just an individual accolade—it’s a signal of the evolving face of leadership in marketing, where diversity of voice, thought, and approach is being recognized as essential to progress.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025—your work is setting the benchmark for what comes next.

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