BCW Group, a leading Web3 infrastructure and payments solutions firm, has announced the appointment of Brett Hornung as its new Head of Web3 Solutions. With extensive experience in blockchain technology and enterprise adoption, Brett will play a key role in expanding BCW’s Web3 solutions, driving innovation in node services, institutional staking, and AI-powered blockchain solutions.

Brett Hornung’s Background & Expertise

1. Experience at Accenture & Enterprise Blockchain Solutions

• Prior to joining BCW Group, Brett worked at Accenture, specializing in blockchain infrastructure services for large-scale enterprises.
• His work included developing and implementing blockchain solutions across industries such as financial services, telecommunications, retail, and media.
• He brings a technical and strategic perspective to Web3 adoption and enterprise integration.

2. Web3 & Blockchain Thought Leadership

• With 7+ years in the blockchain industry, Brett is a recognized Web3 advocate and speaker.
• He has spoken at Hong Kong FinTech Week, contributed to 100+ Web3 blog posts, and holds multiple blockchain certifications.
• His expertise covers validation, staking, sequencers, provers, and AI in blockchain networks.

3. Vision for BCW Group’s Web3 Expansion

• As Head of Web3 Solutions, Brett will focus on:
  • Scaling BCW’s Web3 infrastructure business.
  • Developing strategic partnerships with blockchain and enterprise firms.
  • Expanding offerings in node services, staking, and decentralized infrastructure.
• He aims to drive innovation in blockchain infrastructure while supporting BCW’s mission to enable enterprise Web3 adoption.

Industry Impact & Future Growth

With BCW Group’s deep commitment to enterprise Web3 solutions, Brett’s leadership will strengthen its position in the blockchain infrastructure space. His appointment marks a significant step in expanding BCW’s blockchain ecosystem, helping businesses leverage decentralized technologies for scalability, security, and efficiency.

As blockchain adoption accelerates, BCW Group is positioning itself as a key enabler of Web3 transformation. With Brett Hornung leading the Web3 Solutions team, the firm is set to deliver cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure solutions, shaping the future of enterprise Web3 adoption.

With the rapid growth of e-commerce, businesses are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance their online presence and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing a pivotal role in transforming content generation, customer engagement, and global expansion strategies.

Knowband, a leading provider of e-commerce solutions with over 15 years of experience, is harnessing AI-powered content generation and translation to help businesses overcome content challenges, improve SEO, and drive sales.

AI-Powered Content Generation & Translation: A Game Changer for E-Commerce

1. Overcoming Content & Translation Barriers

• Small business owners often struggle with creating high-quality product descriptions and translating them for global customers.
• Hiring professional writers and translators can be costly and time-consuming.
• Knowband’s ChatGPT AI Content Generator & Translator Module automates this process, ensuring fast, accurate, and engaging multilingual content.

2. Real-World Success: Katherine’s Fashion Store

• Katherine, a fashion entrepreneur, faced difficulties in content creation and translation for her international audience.
• After implementing Knowband’s Prestashop ChatGPT AI module, she effortlessly:
  • Generated SEO-optimized product descriptions in multiple languages.
  • Improved customer engagement and satisfaction.
  • Increased sales and global reach.
• The AI module allowed her to focus on business growth while ensuring a seamless shopping experience for her customers.

3. Expanding AI Capabilities Beyond Content

Knowband’s AI technology extends beyond content generation, offering:

• AI-powered chatbots for instant customer support.
• Personalized product recommendations to boost conversions.
• Smart recommendation engines for a customized shopping experience.

These features enhance user engagement, customer satisfaction, and brand loyalty.

Knowband’s AI Expansion Across E-Commerce Platforms

• Prestashop Gemini AI Module – Automates content creation and translation.
• Opencart ChatGPT AI Extension – Enhances content marketing on Opencart stores.
• Magento2 & WooCommerce AI Modules – Helps merchants create multilingual, high-quality product content.

Knowband: Pioneering AI in E-Commerce

Knowband’s Co-founder, Mr. Kumar, emphasizes the company’s mission:
"We are committed to helping businesses of all sizes thrive in e-commerce by offering cutting-edge AI-driven solutions. Our goal is to simplify content creation, personalization, and global expansion for online sellers."

With a strong track record of innovation, Knowband is set to redefine the future of AI in e-commerce, empowering merchants with tools to scale their businesses efficiently.

AI is revolutionizing e-commerce by automating content creation, breaking language barriers, and personalizing shopping experiences. Knowband’s AI-powered modules provide businesses with the tools to enhance their online presence, attract global customers, and drive growth.

For online merchants looking to stay ahead of the competition, Knowband offers AI solutions that streamline content generation and customer engagement.

In today’s fast-paced business environment, organizations must optimize their workflows to stay competitive, reduce costs, and enhance productivity. Inefficiencies in operations can lead to financial losses, dissatisfied customers, and operational delays.

Business Process Experts (BPX) is at the forefront of process improvement, helping companies streamline operations, implement automation, and achieve sustainable growth. By leveraging methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, and Business Process Management (BPM), BPX enables businesses to operate with maximum efficiency while maintaining agility.

Why Process Improvement Matters

1. Eliminating Operational Inefficiencies

• Many organizations still rely on manual and redundant processes that create bottlenecks.
• Inefficiencies result in delays, higher costs, and poor decision-making.
• Implementing process improvement methodologies eliminates waste, enhances workflow efficiency, and improves service delivery.

2. Boosting Business Efficiency

• Process optimization enables businesses to make faster decisions and reduce response times.
• Removing workflow bottlenecks ensures smooth and streamlined operations.
• Companies using structured process improvement techniques achieve greater agility and better operational outcomes.

3. Cost Reduction & Resource Optimization

• Identifying and eliminating non-value-adding activities lowers operational expenses.
• Resources are allocated more effectively, leading to increased profitability.
• Businesses gain a competitive edge by optimizing their processes.

4. Strengthening Compliance & Risk Management

• Process standardization reduces compliance risks and ensures regulatory adherence.
• Businesses can avoid legal consequences and maintain operational stability.
• Improved governance frameworks help organizations stay ahead of industry regulations.

5. Enhancing Customer Experience

• Error-free and efficient workflows lead to better service delivery.
• Customers benefit from faster response times and improved product/service quality.
• A well-structured process improvement approach boosts customer satisfaction and retention.

BPX’s Structured Approach to Process Improvement

BPX follows a systematic improvement methodology to transform inefficiencies into business growth opportunities:

1. Process Mapping & Analysis – Identifying workflow bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
2. Technology Integration – Deploying automation and digital tools to enhance efficiency.
3. Performance Measurement – Establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track progress.
4. Continuous Improvement Culture – Embedding a mindset of ongoing innovation and optimization.

Industry Insights from BPX Leaders

Nikhil Agarwal, Founder of BPX, emphasizes the transformative power of process improvement:
"It’s not just about cutting costs—it’s about creating scalable and future-proof businesses. By streamlining operations and integrating automation, companies evolve from trend followers to trendsetters."

Rupal Agarwal, Co-founder of BPX, adds:
"Companies that embrace continuous process improvement don’t just survive—they thrive. Our expertise allows businesses to turn inefficiencies into growth opportunities, fostering innovation and long-term success."

Process improvement is no longer optional—it is a necessity for businesses striving for efficiency, cost savings, and superior customer experience. BPX’s structured approach ensures that organizations achieve seamless operations, enhanced compliance, and a competitive edge.

For businesses looking to optimize their workflows and drive operational excellence, BPX offers the expertise and technology to make it happen.

TikTok’s rapid growth has made it a key platform for brands looking to engage with consumers, track trends, and optimize their digital presence. To help marketers navigate this dynamic space, Brandwatch has integrated its Consumer Intelligence platform with TikTok’s Mentions API, making it one of the first to offer powerful insights into TikTok conversations.

This integration strengthens Brandwatch’s partnership with TikTok as an official Marketing Partner, allowing brands to track their mentions, uncover key trends, and leverage AI-powered tools to optimize their TikTok strategies.

The Power of TikTok Brand Management

With over 170 million active monthly users, TikTok offers a goldmine of insights for brands looking to connect with their audience. The new Mentions API integration enables marketers to:

• Monitor and analyze brand mentions from TikTok posts and comments.
• Uncover key trends shaping consumer conversations on the platform.
• Enhance campaign strategies with AI-powered tools like Iris trend detection and sentiment analysis.
• Engage effectively with TikTok communities using data-driven insights.

A Trusted TikTok Marketing Partner

Brandwatch has been a trusted TikTok Marketing Partner since 2022, ensuring that brands receive:

• Compliant and reliable access to TikTok insights.
• Beta-tested tools that align with TikTok’s strict data security standards.
• Refined analytics capabilities to provide the most valuable, actionable insights.

AI-Powered Insights for Smarter Decision-Making

Brandwatch’s generative AI tools make TikTok data actionable, allowing brands to:

• Identify trending moments with Iris peak detection.
• Measure campaign impact using AI-driven conversation summaries.
• React quickly to cultural shifts and viral trends.

This means marketers can analyze real-time data efficiently, enabling faster, smarter decision-making in their TikTok campaigns.

Brandwatch’s Vision for AI-Driven Social Intelligence

Channing Ferrer, Global President of Brandwatch, emphasizes the importance of this integration:
"TikTok is an unparalleled source of inspiration and insight for brands, where creativity, culture, and commerce collide. Our partnership with TikTok allows brands to tap into conversations that matter most, unlocking unmatched opportunities for brand management and community engagement. With Brandwatch’s AI-powered insights, marketers can analyze data efficiently, make informed decisions, and supercharge their TikTok strategy."

Brandwatch’s TikTok Mentions API integration marks a significant step in AI-powered social media intelligence, giving marketers deeper visibility into brand conversations and audience engagement. With real-time data, trend detection, and AI-driven sentiment analysis, brands can now maximize their TikTok marketing impact like never before.

The way engineers find, evaluate, and engage with content is constantly evolving, shaping how marketers must communicate with this highly technical audience. TREW Marketing and GlobalSpec, in collaboration with Elektor International Media, have released the 2025 State of Marketing to Engineers Report, providing deep insights into content preferences, trust in AI, and the platforms engineers rely on to make purchasing decisions.

As the eighth annual edition of this research, the report highlights critical shifts in engineers' content consumption habits, reinforcing the importance of credibility, independent validation, and technical accuracy in B2B marketing.

Findings from the 2025 Research

1. Engineers Remain Skeptical of AI-Generated Content

• 67% of engineers rate their trust in AI-generated content at 5 or below on a 10-point scale.
• 70% rarely or never use AI platforms to evaluate vendors.
• Engineers continue to favor expert-driven, technical content over AI-generated messaging.

2. Vendor Websites & Technical Publications Remain Top Information Sources

• Engineers consistently rely on supplier websites, case studies, and third-party reviews to research products.
• Technical publications continue to be critical channels for vendor visibility.

3. Independent Validation is Crucial

• 86% of engineers seek information from third-party sources before making a purchasing decision.
• Content backed by independent research, technical papers, and case studies is more effective in influencing engineers.

4. Video & Visual Content Are Gaining Traction

• Engineers increasingly prefer short-form videos, product demos, and webinars that showcase real-world applications.
• Video content is particularly effective for explaining complex technologies and increasing engagement.

Aligning Marketing Strategies with Engineers’ Preferences

To effectively engage engineers, marketers must:

• Prioritize technical accuracy over generic marketing messages.
• Leverage vendor websites, technical publications, and industry events to distribute credible content.
• Provide independent validation through case studies, third-party reviews, and peer recommendations.
• Utilize a mix of written, video, and interactive content to cater to evolving consumption habits.

Webinar: Exclusive Insights from Industry Experts

Wendy Covey (TREW Marketing), CJ Haight (GlobalSpec), and Udo Bormann (Elektor) will present the findings in a live webinar on March 20, offering actionable takeaways for marketers targeting engineers.

In an era of AI-generated content overload, engineers are doubling down on trusted sources and deep technical expertise when making purchasing decisions. Marketers must adapt their strategies by focusing on credibility, independent validation, and multi-channel content delivery to remain competitive in 2025.

As a retail powerhouse, Carrefour Israel faces the challenge of bridging online and offline marketing efforts while ensuring maximum efficiency. To address this, the company partnered with Pairzon, an AI-driven marketing platform, to optimize its digital campaigns, improve customer segmentation, and maximize the impact of its marketing investments.

By integrating AI-powered analytics and first-party data, Carrefour achieved higher return on ad spend (ROAS), lower customer acquisition costs (CPP), and enhanced omnichannel engagement.

How AI Transformed Carrefour’s Digital Marketing Strategy

1. Maximizing Return on Ad Spend (ROAS)

• AI-driven audience segmentation enabled high-value customer targeting, increasing the impact of marketing campaigns.
• Smarter budget allocation helped optimize ad spend across digital channels, delivering better conversion rates.

2. Lowering Customer Acquisition Costs (CPP)

• First-party data was used to identify and target the most relevant audience segments, reducing wasted ad spend.
• AI-powered insights allowed Carrefour to refine messaging and promotions for better engagement and cost efficiency.

3. Enhancing Customer Targeting with AI Analytics

• AI-driven customer insights improved audience segmentation, leading to more personalized and effective marketing.
• Targeted campaigns boosted engagement and conversion rates, enhancing customer retention and loyalty.

4. Seamless Omnichannel Integration

• Pairzon’s platform connected with Carrefour’s CRM, POS, and loyalty systems, providing real-time insights.
• Unified data across online and in-store interactions enabled holistic customer journey tracking and smarter decision-making.

Industry Insights: AI’s Growing Role in Retail Marketing

"Pairzon has enabled us to take a more intelligent and data-driven approach to our marketing," said Hagit Taigfeld, CMO of Carrefour Israel. "By connecting our online and offline customer data, we've improved campaign efficiency and seen measurable improvements in key performance indicators."

Galit Arizon, CEO of Pairzon, added:
"Retailers today need to bridge the gap between digital marketing and real-world transactions. Our AI-powered platform empowers brands like Carrefour to leverage their first-party data effectively, ensuring every marketing dollar is optimized for maximum impact."

Carrefour Israel’s success with Pairzon underscores how AI is revolutionizing retail marketing, enabling brands to:

• Leverage first-party data for precision targeting.
• Optimize marketing budgets for improved ROAS and lower CPP.
• Enhance omnichannel engagement through seamless data integration.

With AI-driven marketing strategies, retailers can unlock new levels of efficiency, personalization, and profitability in today’s competitive digital landscape.

C.A. Fortune, a leading brokerage and marketing firm, has announced the strategic acquisition of DirecToHispanic (DTH)—a retail execution, experiential, and digital marketing agency specializing in the Hispanic consumer market. This move aligns with C.A. Fortune’s mission to drive consumer growth by offering culturally relevant engagement strategies for brands looking to connect with the rapidly expanding Hispanic population.

According to Claritas, Hispanic consumers now represent over 20% of the U.S. population, nearly doubling since 2000, with an additional 7.4 million growth projected by 2030. This investment enables C.A. Fortune’s clients to tap into this influential demographic with tailored marketing strategies and retail activations.

Why the Hispanic Consumer Market Matters

• Rapid Growth: The Hispanic population is one of the fastest-growing and most economically influential segments in the U.S.
• Cultural Influence: Hispanic consumers drive trends in food, retail, and digital media, making them a key audience for brands.
• Brand Loyalty: Research shows that authentic engagement with Hispanic communities fosters strong brand loyalty and long-term revenue growth.

Strategic Benefits of the Acquisition

1. Expanding Multicultural Marketing Capabilities

• DTH specializes in culturally relevant retail execution, experiential marketing, and digital outreach tailored to Hispanic consumers.
• The integration strengthens C.A. Fortune’s full-service sales and marketing approach across retail and e-commerce channels.

2. Helping Brands Connect Authentically with Hispanic Consumers

• Brands gain insight-driven marketing solutions that align with Hispanic values, traditions, and purchasing behaviors.
• Retail and marketing activations are designed to resonate with Hispanic families, ensuring deeper consumer engagement.

3. Enhancing Retail and Digital Performance

• C.A. Fortune’s broad sales expertise combined with DTH’s specialized knowledge creates a powerful growth engine for consumer brands.
• The collaboration provides enhanced retail execution and digital marketing solutions tailored to Hispanic shopping habits.

Leadership Perspectives on the Acquisition

"C.A. Fortune has always been committed to fueling growth and defining new opportunities for our clients," said Tyler Lowell, CEO & Managing Partner of C.A. Fortune. "DTH's expertise in the Hispanic market, combined with our existing services, will help brands authentically connect with this dynamic and growing audience."

Nery Vazquez, CEO of DirecToHispanic, added:
"U.S. Hispanics have increasingly become an important consumer segment, and brands have taken notice. Becoming part of C.A. Fortune allows DTH to integrate our knowledge into an organization that shares a similar vision, offering our clients holistic ways to win with this segment."

Set to close on April 1st, 2025, the transaction will position DTH as a stand-alone entity within C.A. Fortune, ensuring a continued focus on Hispanic marketing while benefiting from broader strategic capabilities.

As brands seek to engage diverse consumer segments, this acquisition strengthens both agencies’ expertise in multicultural marketing, retail execution, and omnichannel strategies—helping brands win with Hispanic consumers and drive sustainable growth in a diverse U.S. marketplace.

Two of franchising's most recognized marketing firms, BizCom Associates and Brand J, have rebranded as Thunderly, ushering in a new era of franchise marketing. Following BizCom’s acquisition of Brand J in 2024, this transformation unifies their expertise into a high-impact, full-service agency designed to help brands not just grow, but lead their industries.

"We didn’t want to just help brands grow—we wanted to elevate them into leaders," said Scott White, CEO and co-founder of Thunderly. "That requires a wide range of marketing expertise and services, all under one roof."

Why Thunderly? A Unified Vision for Franchise Marketing

Thunderly embodies a bold, strategic approach to marketing, ensuring brands break through industry noise and achieve tangible results.

Benefits of the Rebrand:

• Comprehensive Franchise Marketing – Offering everything from lead generation to personal branding, PR, and video production.
• Integrated Strategy – A one-stop solution eliminating the inefficiencies of using multiple agencies.
• Creative & Data-Driven Execution – Combining high-impact branding with performance marketing for measurable success.

Thunderly’s Full-Service Franchise Marketing Capabilities

With a fully integrated suite of services, Thunderly helps franchises build recognizable, influential brands.

1. Franchise Lead Generation & Digital Marketing

• Data-driven lead-gen strategies to attract the right franchisees.
• Digital advertising optimized for conversions and ROI.

2. Public Relations & Social Media Management

• Reputation-building through PR and media outreach.
• Social media strategies that drive engagement and brand loyalty.

3. Website Development & Branding

• Custom website design to enhance online presence.
• Personal branding solutions for franchise executives.

4. Video Production & Podcasting

• High-quality video content to captivate audiences.
• Podcast production for thought leadership and brand storytelling.

Leadership & Expansion: Monson Named Chief Growth Officer

With the rebrand, Jack Monson, former President of Brand J, steps into the role of Chief Growth Officer at Thunderly.

• Monson brings decades of experience in franchise marketing and brand growth strategies.
• He will also chair the International Franchise Association's (IFA) Marketing & Innovation Committee, driving collaboration and industry advancements.
• As host of Social Geek Podcast, Monson will continue to cover franchising trends and insights, reinforcing Thunderly’s role as a thought leader in the industry.

"This evolution into Thunderly is all about accelerating growth—for ourselves and for the brands we serve," Monson said. "With the best talent and resources combined, we’re delivering smarter strategies, faster execution, and bigger results."

Thunderly is more than a rebrand—it’s a revolution in franchise marketing. By integrating every aspect of marketing into a single, powerful agency, Thunderly eliminates the need for multiple firms, delivering exceptional creativity, strategic insight, and measurable impact.

"At Thunderly, we don’t just create marketing that exists—we create marketing that commands attention," said Monica Feid, co-founder and COO.