marketing 23 Jun 2025
Global enterprise support leader Source Support Services has named Jim Kirby as its new Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors, succeeding longtime CEO Mike Stolz, who retires after a decade of transformative leadership. The appointment signals a strategic growth phase as the company expands its reach in information technology, life sciences, and industrial automation sectors.
Kirby brings more than 30 years of executive experience in the technology, managed services, and industrial automation arenas, having most recently served as Vice President of Service Advantage at Ricoh Americas. His career includes leadership roles at Honeywell, HP, and emerging tech firms, with a consistent track record of building high-growth businesses and driving operational excellence.
“Jim’s deep expertise and operational leadership make him the ideal leader to guide Source Support into its next chapter,” said Jack Vander Leeuw, Managing Director at Capitala Group and Source Support board member. “We’re confident that under his leadership, the company will strengthen its presence in existing markets and successfully expand into new ones.”
Outgoing CEO Mike Stolz, who led Source Support’s successful entry into the global medical OEM market, will remain on the board and serve as a strategic advisor to ensure a seamless transition.
Kirby takes the helm at a pivotal moment. As AI, high-performance computing, and cloud infrastructure reshape global demand for enterprise services, Source Support is positioning itself as a core partner for OEMs navigating complex, regulated environments.
“The company’s legacy of service excellence, powered by the Source Central platform and Source Techworks workforce, is unmatched,” said Jim Kirby. “We’re uniquely positioned to help OEMs meet modern infrastructure demands with agility, innovation, and global scale.”
Source Support’s hallmark is its Source Central™ platform — a proprietary service management system enabling real-time case tracking, documentation, analytics, and deployment of a global network of certified field engineers. Integrated within this system is Source Techworks™, a curated workforce of technical experts delivering services in over 120 countries.
Source Support’s offerings include 24x7 onsite repairs, preventative maintenance, hardware upgrades, and installations across industries where uptime is non-negotiable. Its clients span from IT infrastructure providers to medical device manufacturers and industrial automation OEMs.
Through its Source Academy, the company ensures continuous upskilling and certification, aligning its workforce with emerging technologies and compliance requirements.
Source Support Services provides enterprise-grade support solutions tailored for OEMs in IT, life sciences, and industrial automation. Operating across 120+ countries, the company combines advanced service management platforms with a global technical workforce to deliver efficient, scalable, and compliant support at scale. Learn more at www.sourcesupport.com.
Capitala Group is a $3 billion asset management firm providing growth capital to lower middle market companies across North America. With a 20+ year track record and investments in over 150 companies, Capitala partners with management teams to unlock long-term value. Visit www.capitalagroup.com for more.
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advertising 23 Jun 2025
Sinclair Inc., a media powerhouse in local news and sports broadcasting, announced today that its free over-the-air multicast networks — CHARGE, Comet, ROAR, and The Nest — have posted record-breaking growth, season-to-date ratings milestones, and premium content acquisitions ahead of the 2025–26 broadcast year.
Fueled by smart programming strategies, marquee content deals, and expanded national distribution — especially in top 10 Designated Market Areas (DMAs) — the networks are seeing their strongest audience traction to date.
According to Sinclair, its multicast group recorded the highest year-over-year coverage growth among all Nielsen-rated broadcast networks, with notable audience gains in the top 10 DMAs:
CHARGE: +21% YoY among total viewers
Comet: +17% YoY
ROAR: +40% YoY
These gains are attributed to a combination of content elevation, strategic DMA expansion, and audience engagement through multi-platform events like COMET FEST and CHARGECON.
Sinclair unveiled a slate of new premium series and films across its multicast networks, strategically curated to drive continued growth and deepen viewer loyalty.
The action and procedural powerhouse adds:
Criminal Minds
Homicide: Life on the Street
These join existing hits like CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, and Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
The sci-fi and fantasy destination enhances its cult-favorite lineup with:
Xena: Warrior Princess
The Outer Limits
Blockbuster Films: The Matrix trilogy, Interstellar (airing Nov. 2026), Spaceballs (celebrating Mel Brooks’ 100th birthday), The Terminator, and Star Trek films.
The rebranded TBD network, now ROAR, strengthens its comedy and game show catalog:
Hollywood Game Night
Weakest Link (past seasons)
These join Saturday Night Live, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and Key & Peele.
Focused on unscripted, real-life storytelling, The Nest adds:
Gene Simmons: Family Jewels
Wahlburgers
My Ghost Story
They will join Cold Case Files, Dog the Bounty Hunter, and Ice Road Truckers in primetime this July.
“Sinclair’s multicast strategy is firing on all cylinders,” said Adam Ware, SVP of Growth Networks at Sinclair. “We’ve made bold moves—elevating content and expanding reach—and viewers have responded, making Sinclair’s multicast portfolio the fastest-growing group in the rapidly expanding free TV sector.”
The company’s strategic content positioning, aggressive DMA expansion, and event-driven viewer engagement are proving effective in capturing market share as more households cut cable and lean into free ad-supported television (FAST) and over-the-air offerings.
Sinclair Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) is a diversified media company reaching millions across local news, sports, and national content platforms. It owns or operates 185 television stations across 85 markets, the Tennis Channel, multicast networks CHARGE, Comet, ROAR, The Nest, and the nation’s largest local news streaming platform, NewsON. Through its digital arm, AMP Media, Sinclair also produces original video content and podcasts.
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marketing 23 Jun 2025
Salem Media Group, Inc., a leading provider of Christian and conservative media content, has announced the launch of its newest Christian Teaching and Talk radio station, “The Word Miami,” marking a major strategic expansion into one of America’s most culturally diverse and densely populated markets.
Broadcasting on AM 670 WWFE, and simulcast on AM 1550 WRHC and FM translators 103.1 FM (Miami) and 98.7 FM (Miramar), the station will deliver trusted biblical teaching and daily encouragement to more than 7.5 million people from Vero Beach to the Florida Keys, spanning Indian River to Monroe counties.
“This is more than a station launch—it’s a calling fulfilled,” said David Santrella, CEO of Salem Media Group. “Miami has long been underserved in terms of consistent, high-quality Christian broadcasting. Salem was called to meet that need.”
“The Word Miami” offers a robust lineup of renowned Christian teachers, including:
David Jeremiah – Turning Point
Jim Daly – Focus on the Family
John MacArthur – Grace to You
J. Vernon McGee – Thru The Bible
Greg Laurie – A New Beginning
Jack Hibbs – Real Life Radio
Robert Jeffress – Pathway to Victory
Rick Warren – Daily Hope
Michael Youssef, Allen Jackson, Jack Graham, and more
Local voices include Rob Pacienza, Senior Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, who brings Truths That Transform back to weekday morning drive — a legacy show originally founded by D. James Kennedy.
Weekend programming will include nationally syndicated favorites like Keep the Faith, Boundless with Lisa Anderson, and City of God with Rob Pacienza.
Hourly updates are provided by SRN News, delivering timely and trusted national headlines.
In addition to its broad AM/FM coverage, “The Word Miami” is also available digitally:
Live stream: TheWordMiami.com
Apps: iHeartRadio, Audacy, TuneIn
Smart speakers: “Play The Word Miami”
This hybrid strategy ensures maximum reach across both traditional and emerging listening platforms, in alignment with Salem’s mission to amplify the Gospel through every available channel.
This is Salem’s first new Christian Teaching and Talk radio format launch in over 10 years, signaling a renewed focus on strategic market expansion and spiritual impact.
“Miami is a global city,” said Christopher Gould, SVP of National Programming & Ministry Relations at Salem. “We are deeply committed to planting the flag of biblical truth wherever possible. This isn’t just business, it’s ministry.”
Salem Media Group, Inc. is America’s foremost multimedia company focused on Christian and conservative audiences. With national reach through radio stations, digital platforms, and publishing arms, Salem connects millions of Americans daily to faith-based and values-driven content. Its media properties include more than 100 radio stations, the Salem Podcast Network, SalemNow streaming service, and influential content from thought leaders across the Christian and conservative landscape.
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marketing 23 Jun 2025
London-based Global Marketing Cloud provider Mapp is turning up the volume on its growth playbook. On June 23, the company announced the appointment of Susie Stanford to its Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director (NED)—a move that signals serious intent to scale its martech footprint globally.
Stanford isn’t your typical board appointee. With close to two decades spent investing in and scaling tech-enabled consumer businesses, her portfolio reads like a greatest hits of high-growth eCommerce: World of Books Group, Forge Holiday Group, and Loveholidays. Most recently, she served nearly 10 years at Livingbridge, a £3B growth equity firm with an eye for category-defining businesses in the UK, US, and Australia.
Why This Move Matters
Mapp sits at the crossroads of AI-driven customer analytics, product data, and omnichannel marketing automation—and in today’s B2B climate, those intersections are increasingly where real ROI is generated.
As marketing tech evolves, data maturity and customer intent analysis are becoming non-negotiables. Brands no longer want fragmented customer views or black-box insights. They want real-time, cross-channel intelligence that converts browsers into buyers—and Mapp is angling to be their go-to engine.
“Natural language data and insight into customer intention have become mission critical,” said Stanford. “Mapp is uniquely placed to translate those signals into profitable growth.”
A Board with Teeth—and Vision
CEO James Brooke was quick to highlight Stanford’s knack for spotting breakout players—and helping them scale without losing their edge.
“Susie has backed some of the most dynamic consumer and eCommerce brands,” Brooke noted. “Her experience coaching leadership teams and creating long-term value is exactly what we want around the Mapp board table.”
Stanford’s appointment also reflects a broader industry trend: savvy martech firms are increasingly looking outside traditional SaaS circles for leadership. Her investment pedigree brings a strategic growth lens to a company that’s no longer just building tools—but shaping how modern marketers engage, retain, and convert.
The Bigger Picture in Martech
Mapp’s move comes as AI-powered marketing platforms race to outdo one another in a crowded field. Rivals like Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Adobe Experience Cloud, and Iterable are also leaning heavily into predictive analytics and personalized journeys—but Mapp’s promise lies in combining depth of insight with ease of execution.
In a market hungry for real-world results over shiny features, bringing on a board member who’s measured by growth metrics—not buzzwords—could be a smart bet.
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marketing 20 Jun 2025
OPIC Technologies wants lifestyle creators to think beyond the frame. The Orlando-based startup, already a leader in spatial livestreaming, is now zeroing in on influencers—arming them with immersive 3D video tools that blur the line between content and experience.
Gone are the days of static room tours and curated morning routines. With OPIC’s immersive streaming, followers aren’t just watching your content—they’re walking through it.
“Your brand isn’t just what you post—it’s how you make your audience feel,” said Dr. Bob Douglas, CEO of OPIC Technologies. “Spatial livestreaming gives creators the ability to invite followers into their lives in a more authentic, immersive, and memorable way.”
This isn’t your average Reels filter or a better ring light. This is volumetric storytelling.
OPIC’s core innovation lies in its stereoscopic livestreaming platform—delivering real-time video with depth perception and spatial accuracy. That means fans can explore a creator’s closet in 3D, follow them through a kitchen demo like they’re in the room, or join a virtual yoga class that feels surprisingly lifelike.
Think FaceTime meets the holodeck.
Fashionistas can host live try-on sessions. Home designers can offer real-time virtual walk-throughs. Beauty vloggers can broadcast 3D makeup tutorials. All with the added layer of presence—viewers aren’t just seeing, they’re experiencing.
“We’ve seen influencers use spatial livestreaming for everything from closet tours to yoga sessions,” said Douglas. “The response has been overwhelming—followers feel more connected, more engaged, and more likely to return.”
The influencer space is overcrowded. Everyone has a DSLR, presets, and polished content. So how do you stand out? According to OPIC, presence is the new premium.
Spatial livestreaming offers a kind of emotional bandwidth that traditional video can’t touch. By simulating real-world proximity, it builds parasocial bonds faster—and deeper.
“When your audience feels like they’re in the room with you, it changes the dynamic,” Douglas noted. “It builds trust, strengthens relationships, and deepens loyalty—all of which are critical to long-term success.”
In a digital culture starved for authenticity, immersive content feels like the antidote to the algorithm.
What about the tech barrier? According to OPIC, the setup is surprisingly lightweight. Their mobile-first tools are built for accessibility and optimized for both smartphones and VR headsets—no Hollywood rig required.
This democratizes 3D content creation, making it a viable option not just for big-name creators, but for emerging influencers looking to disrupt their niche.
The big picture? Spatial video is inching closer to the mainstream, and platforms are already experimenting with immersive formats. Meta’s Horizon Worlds, Apple’s Vision Pro, TikTok’s AR effects—all signs point to a more interactive, dimensional web.
For brands, this signals a seismic shift in how influence is built and monetized. For influencers, it's a rare first-mover opportunity.
OPIC’s bet is simple: spatial storytelling will define the next generation of content. And the creators who adopt it early could be tomorrow’s breakout stars.
OPIC Technologies
Based in Orlando, Florida, OPIC Technologies specializes in immersive livestreaming through spatial and stereoscopic video. The company serves influencers, broadcasters, educators, and enterprise brands looking to deepen engagement through experiential storytelling. With its mobile-ready tools and VR support, OPIC is helping shape the future of digital presence.
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customer experience management 20 Jun 2025
In a move signaling its ambition to lead the next chapter of AI-powered marketing automation, ActiveCampaign has appointed Chai Atreya as its new Chief Product Officer. The decision comes as the company accelerates into a high-growth phase driven by recent product innovation and renewed focus on intelligent orchestration across customer touchpoints.
Atreya, a seasoned tech executive with deep AI and analytics expertise, will spearhead product strategy as ActiveCampaign doubles down on transforming how marketers build campaigns—from rigid workflows to dynamic, outcome-based automation. His appointment follows the launch of Active Intelligence, the company’s newly unveiled intelligence engine that promises to make real-time campaign orchestration not just possible, but scalable.
“Marketing is being fundamentally reshaped by AI,” said Atreya. “And ActiveCampaign has a rare opportunity to lead that transformation—not with hype, but with outcomes that matter.”
If traditional marketing automation was about setting rules, ActiveCampaign is aiming for something far more intuitive: AI-powered orchestration that adapts to business goals in real time. Atreya joins at a pivotal moment—just as the platform’s Active Intelligence engine begins rolling out across its suite, enabling marketers to create goal-based journeys without the need for painstaking manual logic or linear triggers.
Founder and CEO Jason VandeBoom is positioning the company at the leading edge of a paradigm shift.
“Chai’s deep expertise in AI, analytics, and SaaS, along with his track record of building customer-centric products that scale, will be instrumental in shaping the future of our platform,” said VandeBoom.
The core message: smart automation is no longer optional. It’s now the competitive edge.
Chai Atreya brings an impressive résumé to the role. Most recently, he was VP of AI, Analytics, and Cloud at Alteryx, where he helped steer the platform’s evolution into a modern, AI-enabled analytics solution—managing a 350+ person global team.
Before that, he led AI product innovation at Teradata and held senior roles at Adobe and Amazon. Notably, he was a founding member of the Alexa and Echo teams—an experience that adds credibility as ActiveCampaign pushes deeper into conversational and intelligent automation.
With a trifecta of technical, product, and business acumen—backed by degrees from Columbia, Wharton, and VTU—Atreya is poised to influence both strategy and execution at scale.
In an increasingly crowded martech landscape, where everyone claims AI, execution will separate winners from buzzwords. ActiveCampaign is betting big that its future lies in goal-based automation—a distinct shift from the drag-and-drop logic builders that once defined the category.
Atreya’s hire sends a clear message: the company is serious about building next-gen tools that go beyond smart triggers and segmentation to deliver real, measurable outcomes.
And that’s a shift that marketers—especially small teams juggling multiple channels—desperately need.
“With the foundation that's been built here, and the passionate, talented teams behind it, I believe we can reimagine what marketing automation can be and deliver exceptional value at every step,” Atreya said.
ActiveCampaign already integrates with over 950 tools and supports multi-channel experiences across email, SMS, WhatsApp, and more. But the road ahead is clearly one paved with AI agents that don’t just follow instructions—they optimize, improve, and adapt in real time.
With personalization at scale becoming the norm, the challenge is no longer about collecting data—it’s about activating it meaningfully. That’s the frontier Atreya is expected to conquer.
As martech continues its AI-fueled evolution, this leadership change could prove pivotal—not just for ActiveCampaign’s trajectory, but for the broader shift toward intelligent, lean, and business-aware automation.
ActiveCampaign
ActiveCampaign is an AI-first marketing platform that enables small and mid-sized teams to orchestrate high-impact campaigns with minimal friction. With AI-driven agents, cross-channel automation, and data-powered personalization, the platform serves over 180,000 customers looking to turn ideas into outcomes, fast.
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artificial intelligence 20 Jun 2025
If video is the future of go-to-market (GTM) strategy, then the future is here and it’s powered by AI. According to a new research report from Vidyard titled The Future of Revenue, video adoption is exploding across sales and marketing teams, particularly those embracing agentic AI tools. But there’s a catch: while adoption is high and outcomes are promising, most teams still aren’t measuring video in ways that matter to revenue leaders.
That’s the key finding from a survey of over 650 senior GTM professionals across the U.S. and Canada, revealing that although 93% of leaders using video report positive results, nearly 57% either don’t measure video performance at all or track usage without tying it to revenue.
In an environment where every line item needs to prove ROI, that’s not just a missed opportunity—it’s a risk to long-term competitive edge.
“Video is now table stakes,” said Michael Litt, Co-Founder and CEO of Vidyard. “The early adopters who align on strategy and measurement will win more pipeline, drive more revenue, and give sellers back time to focus on what matters most—building customer relationships.”
According to the report, GTM teams that combine video with agentic AI—autonomous systems that take initiative and assist strategically—see accelerated deal cycles, improved conversion rates, and higher prospect engagement.
Stats from the report:
47% of GTM leaders who track video-specific KPIs say they hit revenue targets more easily.
44% report better conversion rates at key funnel stages.
76% are more likely to accelerate deal cycles when combining video and AI.
Teams using agentic AI save an average of 16 hours per week—the equivalent of 104 workdays a year.
That’s not just efficiency. That’s operational transformation.
Despite AI video’s surge in usage, nearly 1 in 4 GTM leaders don’t measure performance at all, and another 35% track usage without connecting it to business impact. This blind spot undermines what should be a high-confidence investment and leaves marketing and sales teams vulnerable to budget scrutiny.
“In a macroeconomic environment where every dollar must be justified, agentic AI-powered video should be an easy decision,” Litt noted. “But without measurement, you're flying blind.”
This raises a fundamental question: if video works, why aren’t more teams proving it?
Beyond video, the report makes a strong case that agentic AI has officially entered GTM operations.
38% of teams are already using agentic tools as part of their strategy.
Another 46% are actively exploring adoption.
A staggering 92% of existing users report noticeable performance impact.
The biggest benefits? Freeing up time for strategic work, boosting engagement, and driving more high-value interactions.
These findings validate a broader shift underway in martech: from workflow automation to intelligent orchestration. The platforms that not only automate but think will win.
While the promise of AI video is widely accepted, the report sounds a warning: success depends on alignment between execution and measurement.
The data shows that teams who measure video’s impact on revenue are significantly more likely to:
Improve prospect responses
Shorten deal cycles
Hit pipeline and revenue KPIs faster
It’s a clear signal to CMOs, CROs, and GTM strategists: AI-powered video isn’t just a “nice to have.” It's a performance multiplier—but only if it's tracked against real outcomes.
Vidyard has emerged as a top player in this evolving space by integrating video hosting, AI video messaging, digital sales rooms, and autonomous sales assistants into a unified GTM platform. More than 100,000 companies rely on the platform to boost prospecting, storytelling, and buyer engagement.
With a growing number of AI tools entering the martech market, Vidyard’s hybrid approach—combining ease-of-use with performance visibility—sets it apart.
Vidyard’s The Future of Revenue report is both a celebration of AI video’s success and a wake-up call for the GTM world. Adoption without attribution is a recipe for stagnation. And in a results-driven market, that’s a luxury no team can afford.
Those who harness agentic AI video and tie it to KPIs will have the edge. The rest? They’ll still be asking for budget while their competitors close the deal.
About the Study
Vidyard conducted the survey between April 7 and 11, 2025, polling over 650 senior-level sales and marketing professionals in the U.S. and Canada. The study holds a 95% confidence level with a +/- 3.8% margin of error.
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marketing 20 Jun 2025
In a media landscape increasingly shaped by cultural impact and authenticity, Shane Lukas stands out as a creative force with purpose. The designer, strategist, and founder of communications agency A Great Idea has been named a 2025 Queer Leaders Awardee by We Create Space (WCS) in the category of Media and Creative Influence.
Selected from a global pool of equity-driven leaders, Lukas is being celebrated for his expansive contributions to LGBTQ+ media, storytelling, and advocacy. His work intersects art, activism, and public health, reflecting a two-decade career devoted to not only visibility—but voice.
“His creative and strategic use of platforms has helped drive visibility, challenge narratives, and build community across intersections,” said a representative from the WCS Awards Team.
Lukas isn’t just building campaigns—he’s building movements.
As the founder of A Great Idea (AGI), a queer-owned communications firm rooted in equity and inclusion, he’s led messaging strategies for nonprofits and public health partners across the U.S., centering dignity and representation in every engagement.
Most recently, Lukas launched Power Beyond Pride, a weekly podcast spotlighting LGBTQ+ changemakers across movements including racial justice, housing, climate, and health equity. It’s not just visibility—it’s infrastructure for queer leadership beyond the parade.
His prior campaigns—like Pride is for Every Body and Freedom For Every Body—have advocated for bodily autonomy, queer representation, and inclusive public health. And with a TED Talk on harm reduction and sex work decriminalization under his belt, Lukas’ voice resonates far beyond design circles.
The WCS Queer Leaders Awards are known for spotlighting those who fuse visibility with action. Lukas fits the mold—and expands it. His recognition in Media and Creative Influence isn’t just about aesthetic sensibility, but strategic storytelling that moves systems and challenges power.
Honorees are selected based on cultural relevance, equity-driven impact, and leadership across sectors. Lukas’ track record of connecting media and community organizing positions him at the forefront of a new model of queer leadership—where design becomes dialogue, and strategy becomes structure.
In a digital era where branding and activism increasingly collide, Lukas offers a blueprint for impact-first creative work. His campaigns don’t just center LGBTQ+ narratives—they deconstruct harmful tropes, elevate community voices, and push institutions toward accountability.
“Marketing is storytelling. But for folks like Lukas, storytelling is survival—and resistance,” said one award juror familiar with the nominations process.
Through AGI, Lukas is proving that inclusive design isn’t a trend—it’s a responsibility. Whether working with national health agencies, grassroots organizers, or creative entrepreneurs, he approaches each engagement as an act of coalition building.
Lukas will be honored this June at several WCS-hosted events in Barcelona, including:
WCS Global Online Awards Ceremony – June 11
Queer Speed Networking @ LabTwentyTwo – June 12
Private Awardee Dinner @ Soho House – June 20
WCS Awards & Pride Gala @ The Social Hub – June 21
These events are designed not just for celebration, but collaboration—bringing together global queer leaders to share insights, build alliances, and scale inclusive change.
We Create Space (WCS) is a global LGBTQ+ platform dedicated to championing inclusive leadership. Through events, content, and community-building, WCS supports queer changemakers and elevates the power of personal storytelling to drive systems change.
A Great Idea (AGI) is a mission-driven communications firm founded by Shane Lukas. The agency specializes in empathy-led strategy and inclusive design, working with partners in public health, justice reform, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and more. With creativity rooted in activism, AGI helps organizations communicate with clarity, dignity, and purpose.
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