In its latest white paper, Ellisphere provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving landscape of B2B customer risks, offering valuable insights on best practices, key questions, and solutions for businesses navigating today’s uncertain environment. As companies face a period marked by economic instability, changing customs duties, and fluctuating stock markets, effective credit management has never been more crucial.

The Transformation of Credit Management in Uncertain Times

As businesses enter an era of economic uncertainty, the role of the credit manager is undergoing a significant transformation. Once primarily responsible for managing financial risk, today’s credit managers must wear many hats. They are now multi-risk strategists, tasked with safeguarding the health and sustainability of their companies by assessing and managing a wide range of risks. This includes not only financial risks, but also regulatory, reputational, and extra-financial risks.

B2B Customer Risks in the Current Economic Climate

With forecasts predicting slow growth and heightened concerns within the business world, B2B companies are more focused than ever on managing their customer risks. The rapid pace of economic changes and uncertainties demands a proactive approach to risk management. Businesses must adapt to various challenges, such as:

• Economic Risks: Fluctuating stock markets and changing trade policies.

• Regulatory Risks: Ensuring compliance amidst shifting regulations.

• Reputational Risks: Managing the impact of negative publicity or customer dissatisfaction.

• Extra-Financial Risks: Addressing broader social and environmental factors that may affect a company’s standing.

The Role of Credit Management in Risk Mitigation

Ellisphere’s white paper highlights the growing importance of credit management in the broader framework of B2B customer risk management. The credit manager now has to balance various competing needs—cash optimization, data management, regulatory compliance, fraud prevention, and process optimization—all while remaining agile enough to adapt to sudden geopolitical or economic shifts.

With intercompany credit accounting for over 800 billion euros in France alone, the financial health of B2B companies is often intricately linked to customer credit. Customer-related risks, including insufficient equity, late payments, and defaults, can have a domino effect, creating systemic risks that threaten not only the company but its entire ecosystem.

Disruptions Credit Managers Must Prepare For

Credit managers must now anticipate a range of disruptions, including:

• Economic Disruptions: Risks posed by slow growth, rising interest rates, or currency fluctuations.

• Technological Disruptions: The need to adopt and leverage new technologies to enhance credit management strategies.

• Regulatory Changes: Staying ahead of shifting laws and compliance requirements that affect credit decisions.

• Organizational and Informational Risks: Dealing with the challenges of data management, fraud, and internal processes that could lead to operational failures.

In this time of uncertainty, Ellisphere's white paper provides valuable insights into the evolving role of credit management in B2B customer risk mitigation. By understanding the various facets of customer risks, companies can better equip themselves to navigate the complexities of the modern business environment, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.

TransPerfect, the world's largest provider of language and AI solutions for global business, has announced the acquisition of two prestigious Technicolor Group studios: MPC and The Mill. These acquisitions mark a significant expansion of TransPerfect’s media services division, adding renowned creative and visual effects studios to its portfolio. Financial details of the transactions were not disclosed.

Expanding Creative Excellence

The acquisition of MPC Paris and The Mill Paris aligns with TransPerfect's vision to broaden its capabilities in the entertainment and advertising industries. MPC, known for its work in post-production and visual effects for films and episodic series, boasts a portfolio that includes Oscar-winning films like Anatomy of a Fall and Emilia Pérez. The Mill, on the other hand, is celebrated for its full-service creative content studio that caters to the advertising and brand experience sectors.

Both brands will retain their names and operate as divisions under TransPerfect Media, maintaining their longstanding traditions of excellence.

Leadership Continuity

MPC will continue to be led by Beatrice Bauwens, the studio head, while Fabien Godenèche will remain the Managing Director of The Mill. Both leaders will join the senior management team of TransPerfect Media to ensure a smooth transition and continued creative excellence.

Fabien Godenèche expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating, “TransPerfect’s extensive global resources and commitment to the entertainment industry make this an exciting day for MPC and The Mill. We look forward to continuing our long tradition of creative excellence for our customers.”

A Strategic Move for TransPerfect

Phil Shawe, President and Co-CEO of TransPerfect, welcomed the acquisition, emphasizing the award-winning work produced by both studios. “MPC and The Mill have produced an impressive array of award-winning work. We welcome team members of both studios to TransPerfect—and look forward to fostering continuity with clients and staff alike,” he said.

These acquisitions, along with the recently acquired Technicolor Games division, mark a major step in TransPerfect's broader expansion into the entertainment sector. The move reflects TransPerfect's ongoing efforts to enhance its media and creative services while providing clients with world-class solutions across various industries.

The Path Ahead for TransPerfect Media

With these acquisitions, TransPerfect Media is set to become an even more formidable player in the global media production space, offering clients cutting-edge solutions for post-production, visual effects, and creative content. The continued leadership of MPC and The Mill teams ensures a seamless integration into TransPerfect’s existing operations while maintaining the high standards of creative excellence that both studios are known for.

The acquisition also underscores TransPerfect’s strategy of global expansion and industry diversification, allowing it to better serve clients in the entertainment, advertising, and digital content creation sectors.

Meta has announced the appointment of Patrick Collison and Dina Powell McCormick to its board of directors, effective April 15, 2025. These two influential leaders bring vast experience in business strategy, entrepreneurship, and economic development. Their addition is expected to further strengthen Meta's commitment to helping businesses grow and thrive across its platform ecosystem, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.

A Powerful Addition to Meta's Leadership Team

Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO of Meta, expressed excitement over the new appointments, highlighting the valuable perspectives both individuals bring to the company. "Patrick and Dina bring a lot of experience supporting businesses and entrepreneurs to our board. Patrick is deeply committed to expanding economic opportunity, and Dina has a long career advocating for economic development and supporting entrepreneurs. Their perspective will be extremely valuable to businesses that rely on our services to grow."

Patrick Collison: A Visionary in Financial Technology

Patrick Collison, Co-Founder and CEO of Stripe, joins Meta’s board with a focus on expanding economic opportunity. Stripe, the financial services company Collison co-founded with his brother in 2010, has revolutionized the way businesses accept online payments. Collison is also a co-founder of Arc Institute, a pioneering biomedical research institute, further showcasing his diverse expertise.

Patrick shared, "Between WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, Meta is one of the internet's most important platforms for businesses. I look forward to helping them navigate the abundant opportunities of the coming years."

Dina Powell McCormick: A Leader in Finance and Government

Dina Powell McCormick brings over 25 years of experience in finance, government, and economic development. Currently, Vice Chair, President, and Head of Global Client Services at BDT & MSD Partners, McCormick has had a distinguished career, including serving at Goldman Sachs as a partner and leading several significant economic programs. Her career also includes roles in U.S. government under Presidents George W. Bush and Donald J. Trump.

Dina expressed her excitement about joining Meta, saying, "I'm excited to bring my experience in finance, government, and economic development to support the people and entrepreneurs who use Meta's services."

Meta's Current Board Composition

The addition of Patrick Collison and Dina Powell McCormick expands Meta's board, which now includes industry leaders from a variety of sectors. The current board members are:

• Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO, Meta

• Peggy Alford, Former Executive VP, Global Sales, PayPal Holdings, Inc.

• Marc L. Andreessen, Co-founder, Andreessen Horowitz

• John Arnold, Co-founder, Arnold Ventures

• Patrick Collison, Co-founder and CEO, Stripe, Inc. (effective April 15)

• John Elkann, CEO, Exor N.V.

• Drew Houston, Co-founder and CEO, Dropbox, Inc.

• Nancy Killefer, Retired Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company

• Robert M. Kimmitt, Lead Independent Director, Meta

• Dina Powell McCormick, Vice Chair, BDT & MSD Partners (effective April 15)

• Charlie Songhurst, Technology Investor

• Hock E. Tan, President and CEO, Broadcom Inc.

• Tracey T. Travis, Executive VP and Senior Advisor to the CEO, The Estée Lauder Companies, Inc.

• Dana White, President and CEO, Ultimate Fighting Championship

• Tony Xu, Co-founder and CEO, DoorDash, Inc.

Meta’s decision to welcome Patrick Collison and Dina Powell McCormick to its board marks a significant step in its ongoing commitment to entrepreneurial growth, economic development, and business support. As the company continues to evolve and expand its platform offerings, these new board members bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that will undoubtedly help businesses navigate new opportunities in the coming years.

Vobile, a global leader in digital content protection and transaction services, has announced the completion of its acquisition of Pex, a leading provider of audio content identification technology. This acquisition marks a significant step for Vobile as it strengthens its service offerings to the music industry and solidifies its position as the global leader in digital audio and video content protection and monetization.

Expanding Service Capabilities for the Music Industry

With the acquisition of Pex, Vobile is set to enhance its services, particularly for rightsholders in the music industry. Pex's advanced audio identification technologies will bolster Vobile’s ability to provide comprehensive content protection and monetization solutions, addressing the evolving needs of content creators, rights owners, and brands in the digital landscape.

The integration of Pex’s team and technology into Vobile will allow the company to better serve the growing demands of the entertainment industry as generative AI continues to reshape the future of creativity.

Strategic Acquisition to Address Industry Needs

Yangbin Wang, Chairman and CEO of Vobile, expressed excitement over the acquisition, stating, “Vobile has been at the forefront of helping global entertainment companies to protect and monetize their content in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. By integrating Pex's advanced audio technologies, we are expanding our service capabilities to meet the growing needs of rightsholders, especially as generative AI reshapes the future of creativity.”

A New Chapter for Pex

Amadea Choplin, Chief Operating Officer at Pex, shared her enthusiasm for the acquisition, saying, "Joining Vobile marks an exciting new chapter. Together at Vobile, we can make an even greater impact for our clients."

The acquisition positions Vobile to offer enhanced tools for content identification and digital rights management, helping companies navigate the complexities of content ownership and monetization in the digital age.

The Future of Digital Content Protection

With this acquisition, Vobile continues to solidify its position as a global leader in content protection and monetization, expanding its reach and capabilities to meet the dynamic challenges of the digital media landscape. As AI technologies and the demand for digital content evolve, Vobile's strengthened service offerings are designed to help businesses protect their intellectual property and maximize revenue from their creative works.

iFrog Marketing Solutions, a leading digital marketing agency specializing in automotive and multi-industry solutions, proudly celebrates its 10-year anniversary. Founded in 2015 from the Preston Automotive Group, iFrog has grown into a powerhouse of digital expertise, helping businesses nationwide accelerate their marketing strategies and drive measurable results.

From Dealership Digital Initiative to Full-Service Agency

What began as a dealership-focused digital initiative has evolved into a full-service marketing agency offering cutting-edge solutions across diverse industries. With a commitment to staying at the forefront of the digital landscape, iFrog Marketing Solutions continues to refine its strategies and technologies to deliver exceptional results for its clients.

Over the past decade, iFrog has expanded significantly, moving beyond the Tier 3 automotive space to serve Tier 2 automotive brands and a wide range of business partners outside the automotive sector. As a Google Premier Partner and certified under the Meta Business Partner program, iFrog's expertise in digital advertising and performance marketing is now stronger than ever. This program provides continuous training to stay ahead of cutting-edge Meta tools and automotive industry trends.

A Trusted Partner in Marketing

iFrog’s expansion over the years is a testament to its growing influence in the digital marketing world. The agency is known for its expertise in paid search, SEO, content marketing, and data integration, making it a trusted partner for businesses looking to create impactful and results-driven marketing strategies. This milestone reflects iFrog’s ability to connect brands with their target audiences in ways that resonate across industries.

CEO Kyle McCracken emphasizes the people behind iFrog’s success: “iFrog is a remarkable place, and that's entirely because of the extraordinary people who make up our team. We weren’t built to follow the crowd. Instead, we were built to lead, think differently, and create something meaningful where people are always the priority.”

A Deep Automotive Legacy

McCracken’s deep roots in the automotive industry have driven iFrog’s success. From a young age, he worked alongside his father, helping Preston Automotive Group and gaining firsthand experience of the industry. His passion for both automotive and technology has been pivotal in shaping iFrog's vision, where the focus on cutting-edge digital marketing solutions moves the needle for partners every day.

Angie Wilson McCracken, President of iFrog and daughter of founder Dave Wilson Sr., reflected on the company’s evolution: “iFrog may look different today, but we are more connected than ever to the original vision my father set in motion. We’ve grown through resilience, built lasting partnerships, and stayed true to our values, always putting people first.”

The Heart of iFrog: People and Relationships

At iFrog, it’s not just about marketing strategies—it’s about building relationships. Lisa Hubbard, VP of Business Operations, shares, “What makes iFrog special isn't just our strategies or expertise; it's the people, the relationships we build, and the impact we create together. Every day, I'm grateful to be part of a team that truly cares about our work, our partners, and each other.”

As De'Montray Slacum, Chief Operating Officer, puts it, “This isn't just a job. It’s a family, it's a movement, and it's a legacy. Here’s to another decade of bold moves, real conversations, and doing things the iFrog way.”

Looking Ahead: iFrog’s Next Decade of Innovation

As iFrog enters its second decade, the agency remains committed to delivering customized and holistic marketing strategies that fuel business success. With a team of creative thinkers, data-driven strategists, and industry leaders, iFrog is poised for continued growth and success in the years to come.

Located in Easton, Maryland, iFrog is a national marketing agency dedicated to helping businesses thrive in a constantly evolving digital world.

The Consulting Report is proud to announce the Top 25 Consumer and Retail Consultants and Leaders of 2025. In an industry defined by rapid shifts in consumer behavior, economic volatility, and the rapid adoption of AI and automation, these awardees are leading the charge in helping businesses rethink their operations, engage consumers, and drive growth.

From redesigning global supply chains to championing data-driven transformations, these professionals have become trusted advisors to some of the world’s largest brands. Their work spans across strategy, execution, and innovation, helping companies navigate disruption while seizing new opportunities in the dynamic consumer and retail landscape.

Transforming Industries with Strategy and Innovation

The consulting professionals recognized this year have extensive experience in everything from omnichannel retail and personalization to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), M&A, and financial transformation. Their expertise spans guiding companies through digital reinvention, shaping enterprise-wide change, and delivering actionable insights that drive both performance and consumer engagement.

These consultants are also leading some of the most forward-thinking initiatives in AI-powered platforms, cross-border transactions, and business model innovations, all with the goal of transforming the future of consumer and retail industries.

Spotlight on Notable Awardees

Among the Top 25 Consumer and Retail Consultants of 2025, some of the most influential names include:

• Tiffany Brown, Managing Director at Alvarez & Marsal, is recognized for her leadership in CFO Services within the firm’s Corporate Performance Improvement practice. Tiffany drives finance transformation and implements AI-enabled solutions for Fortune 1000 clients in CPG and retail sectors.

• Alexander Belderok, Senior Partner at Roland Berger, leads the Global Consumer Platform and advises companies in the consumer goods and retail sectors on strategy, performance improvement, and business model innovation.

• Aviva Tropp, Partner at Prophet, leverages her extensive consulting expertise and prior leadership experience at General Mills and American Express to help clients achieve brand-led growth and customer transformation.

Other awardees include Rachel Rosenblatt (FTI Consulting), Frank Petraglia (KPMG), Morgan Seybert (Tredence), Sudhakar Gudala (Tata Consultancy Services), and PC Thomas (Tata Consultancy Services)—all of whom are instrumental in driving change in the consumer and retail sectors.

The Future of Consumer and Retail Consulting

The Top 25 Consumer and Retail Consultants and Leaders of 2025 are reshaping the future of their industries. They are leveraging cutting-edge technologies, guiding businesses through digital reinvention, and helping brands stay ahead of consumer trends. These awardees are not only experts in driving performance but are also instrumental in helping businesses build deeper connections with their customers.

Join Us in Celebrating Excellence

We invite you to join us in celebrating these remarkable leaders who are making a significant impact on the consumer and retail consulting industries. Their ability to adapt to fast-changing environments, innovate with new technologies, and drive results is setting new standards in the world of consulting.

The biotech industry is rapidly evolving, with new trends and challenges constantly reshaping the landscape. To stay ahead, it’s essential for biotech executives and investors to make agile, informed decisions and implement robust commercialization strategies. That's why we're inviting you to our upcoming webinar focused on navigating the complexities of deal-making, asset evaluation, and successful product launches in today’s dynamic biotech market.

Topics Covered in the Webinar:

1. Adapting to Shifting Macroeconomic Conditions

The current macroeconomic environment, marked by fluctuating capital markets and rising interest rates, is driving significant changes in deal structures in the biotech industry. Our expert speakers will explore how these conditions influence deal-making strategies and the emerging global hotspots in areas like oncology and rare diseases.

2. Asset Valuation & Risk Mitigation

With market trends and evolving patient needs playing a crucial role, the valuation of biotech assets has become more complex. Our speakers will provide insights into how companies are driving risk mitigation strategies and how to make critical go/no-go decisions for assets at every stage of development, from early to late-stage pipeline decisions.

3. Navigating Personalized Medicine & Patient-Centric Solutions

In response to changing patient expectations, personalized medicine and patient-centric solutions are taking center stage in the biotech space. Learn how to build the necessary infrastructure for market entry, including strategies for regulatory filings, reimbursement processes, and supply chain coordination.

4. Evaluating Strategic Partnerships vs. Independent Paths

The decision between pursuing an independent path or entering into a partnership is a critical one for biotech companies. We’ll delve into how to assess both options and determine the best approach to maximize the potential for long-term success.

5. Market Access Trends and Commercialization Strategies

As market access becomes more challenging, understanding emerging trends in market access is essential. Our experts will offer actionable insights on launch readiness, creating compelling value propositions, and forging strategic partnerships and acquisitions that align with evolving market needs.

Why You Should Attend:

This webinar is designed specifically for biotech executives and investors looking to:

• Gain insights into the latest trends in deal-making and asset evaluation

• Learn best practices for successful product launches

• Understand how to navigate market access and build a patient-centric infrastructure

• Explore the evolving landscape of personalized medicine and regulatory strategy

If you're seeking to optimize go/no-go decisions, build effective commercialization strategies, and ensure your product launch readiness in today’s biotech market, this is the event for you!

Register Now

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving biotech industry. Register today to secure your spot for this insightful webinar.

The fourth annual State of Video Technology report has revealed a significant demand for next-generation video experiences, with consumers increasingly expecting personalized, interactive, and AI-generated videos. This demand is particularly strong among younger audiences, high-income earners, and digital-first consumers. Here are some of the key takeaways from the study that brands need to take note of:

Insights from the Study:

1. A Clear Video Gap for Brands

   • 78% of consumers want brands to use more video in their communications. However, over 40% of consumers report that they never receive videos from the brands they interact with. This highlights a significant video gap that brands must address to meet rising consumer expectations.

2. Personalized Video Drives Loyalty

   • Personalized video continues to be a powerful tool for building brand loyalty. Consumers who receive personalized videos are 4x more likely to feel valued by a brand and 3.5x more likely to become or remain a customer.

3. Consumers Get Upset with Generic Communications

   • A notable 44% of consumers say they get frustrated when they receive generic communications from brands. This sentiment is even stronger among Gen Z, with 51% of them reporting frustration over non-personalized content. Furthermore, 80% of Gen Z consumers expressed a desire for more personalized communication in the future.

4. Consumers Want AI-Generated Videos

   • Consumers are not just looking for personalized videos—they want AI-generated videos. They are 2x more likely to prefer an AI video created from a document over the document itself, underscoring a preference for effortless, tech-driven content delivery.

5. Gen Z, High Earners, and Digital-First Consumers Lead the Charge

   • The demand for next-generation video solutions is strongest among Gen Z, high earners, and digital-first consumers. 93% of Gen Z consumers want personalized and interactive videos from brands, and a significant 86%-88% of high earners and digital-first consumers share this preference. This trend highlights the importance of adopting innovative video solutions to engage these key demographics.

What This Means for Brands:

The message from consumers is clear: brands need to adopt next-generation video solutions or risk falling behind. Particularly for younger, tech-savvy consumers and high earners, the demand for personalized, interactive, and AI-generated videos is stronger than ever. These insights suggest that video personalization is not just a “nice-to-have” but a critical strategy for brands to remain relevant and build lasting customer relationships.

As Yotam Ben Ami, CMO of Idomoo, puts it, "The message from consumers is loud and clear: They expect brands to adopt next-generation video solutions and will punish those who don't."

As the demand for next-gen video continues to grow, businesses must adapt by embracing personalized, interactive, and AI-driven content. If you’re a brand looking to stay ahead of the curve, now is the time to invest in advanced video technologies that meet the expectations of your customers.