A new report from Apply Digital, a digital transformation partner for global brands, highlights how artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming central to personalized customer experiences across North America and the UK. Based on a survey of 400 senior business leaders, the report—“2025 Leadership Priorities in Personalization”—shows how AI adoption is accelerating across digital channels.

Findings from the Report

1. AI as the Backbone of Real-Time Personalization

• Businesses are embedding AI into digital storefronts, pricing strategies, search functionalities, and promotions.

• AI is shifting from experimental to strategic in the customer experience (CX) journey.

2. Most Adopted Use Cases

• Enhanced Search Interfaces

  • 67% currently use AI-powered search features like autocomplete and chat-based tools.

  • 28% plan to adopt them within the next 12 months.

• Dynamic Pricing Based on Behavior

  • 60% of businesses have implemented it.

  • 33% plan to introduce it in the next year.

• Personalized Discounts and Offers

  • 55% already offer them via AI.

  • 36% plan to do so within 12 months.

Executive Insights

Brian Browning, VP of Enterprise Solutions at Apply Digital, explains:

“Businesses are rapidly making AI a priority for real-time personalization. Regardless of size or sector, companies are embedding it to create smarter, faster, and more relevant experiences.”

Regional Trends and Consumer Expectations

• The U.S. leads in current AI adoption, but UK businesses show stronger intent to adopt within the coming year.

• All sectors — from B2B and retail to CPG, media, and sports — are investing heavily in personalization.

Consumer Sentiment

• Nearly 70% of consumers, and 80% of those aged 18–24, value personalization.

• However, 40% want more transparency and control over how their data is used.

The Path Forward: Empathetic and Transparent AI

Browning emphasizes the importance of trust:

“AI can enable one-to-one experiences at scale, but it must be implemented with empathy and transparency.”

• Over 50% of businesses expect to invest more than $1 million in personalization efforts in 2025.

• With agentic AI tools (like intelligent digital assistants) on the rise, businesses are preparing for a future where automated systems co-create the customer experience.

AI-driven personalization is now a competitive necessity. As businesses race to deliver individualized experiences at scale, the leaders will be those who balance technology with transparency, gaining customer trust while delivering relevance in real time.

COSMarketing Agency, a leader in the digital marketing space, has reached a major milestone—over 1,100,000 views on its YouTube channel. This achievement reflects more than just numbers; it underscores the agency’s expertise in content creation, social media marketing, and delivering real value to businesses of all sizes.

With a strong focus on strategic content and audience engagement, COSMarketing Agency continues to build its reputation as a go-to partner for businesses seeking results-driven digital growth.

Highlights of COSMarketing Agency’s Digital Success

1. A Milestone that Signals Marketing Excellence

• Surpassing 1.1 million views is a significant indicator of content relevance and audience trust.

• It reinforces COSMarketing Agency’s position as a top-performing digital marketing firm.

2. A Holistic Approach to Digital Marketing

COSMarketing offers a comprehensive suite of services, including:

• Social Media Marketing

  • Custom campaigns to boost engagement and visibility.

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

  • Strategies to improve organic search rankings.

• Content Marketing

  • Creation of compelling blogs, videos, and social posts tailored to brand voice.

• Email and Video Marketing

  • Tools to maintain communication and nurture leads.

3. Empowering Businesses Through YouTube

The agency’s YouTube channel serves as:

• A learning platform with tutorials, marketing tips, and how-to guides.

• A proof point for successful case studies and client testimonials.

• A resource hub that showcases up-to-date digital marketing trends and strategies.

4. Demonstrating Results and Building Authority

• The channel’s growth reflects audience engagement and retention, key KPIs for content success.

• Video content is optimized for reach, using SEO best practices and targeted messaging.

Strategic Takeaways for Businesses

Businesses can draw inspiration from COSMarketing’s YouTube playbook:

• Create value-driven content that addresses audience needs.

• Leverage video marketing to boost trust, brand recall, and conversion rates.

• Be consistent in publishing to build momentum and retain engagement.

• Use data analytics to refine and evolve your content strategy.

COSMarketing Agency’s achievement of 1.1 million YouTube views is more than a vanity metric—it's a testament to their consistent commitment to quality, strategy, and results. Their digital marketing expertise, especially in content and video creation, positions them as a valuable resource for any business looking to strengthen its online presence and drive measurable growth.

Whether you're a startup or an established brand, COSMarketing’s approach offers a proven model for using YouTube and digital content to connect, engage, and convert.

In an age where consumer skepticism is at an all-time high, brand trust has become the cornerstone of sustainable success. On April 17, 2025, Tim Berney, CEO and founder of VI Marketing & Branding, will address this pressing issue at Digital Summit Chicago, one of the most influential events in the marketing industry.

An award-winning industry leader, Berney will delve into why rebuilding trust isn’t just a marketing goal but a fundamental business imperative—and how emotionally intelligent, purpose-driven marketing can restore it.

Highlights from Tim Berney’s Session at Digital Summit

1. Why Brand Trust Matters More Than Ever

• Consumers are more skeptical and critical than ever before.

• Misinformation and overpromising have eroded brand credibility.

• Trust is now a primary differentiator in customer loyalty and retention.

2. Human-Centered Marketing: The Core of Trust

• Emphasizing honesty, transparency, and warmth in communication.

• Brands must adopt genuine human traits to foster lasting relationships.

• Emotional resonance is critical to customer connection and belief.

3. Purpose-Driven Strategy: Aligning Teams and Vision

• A clearly defined brand purpose serves as a guiding light for both internal and external stakeholders.

• Aligning company mission with customer values builds organizational authenticity.

• Purpose helps deliver consistency in messaging and operations.

4. Real-World Success: VI Marketing & Branding’s Approach

• Under Berney’s leadership, VI has achieved three consecutive record-breaking years.

• The agency focuses on behavior-changing campaigns that create measurable impact.

• Innovative client partnerships based on shared goals and mutual growth have driven VI’s success.

Digital Summit Chicago

• A flagship event in the marketing calendar, Digital Summit Chicago gathers top marketing professionals, innovators, and thought leaders.

• It offers an arena to explore emerging trends, best practices, and cutting-edge strategies.

• Berney’s session is expected to be a highlight, offering actionable insights for marketers navigating today's trust-deficit landscape.

Tim Berney’s participation in Digital Summit Chicago 2025 reaffirms his role as a forward-thinking leader in the branding space. His focus on emotional intelligence, transparency, and purpose-driven marketing reflects a modern, people-first approach to brand building.

As the marketing world continues to evolve, Berney’s insights provide a blueprint for how authentic, trust-centric strategies can not only engage audiences but also drive long-term success.

Rep Data, the leading provider of high-quality research data and fraud prevention solutions, has announced that Kurt Knapton will continue his role on the Board of directors. This news follows a recent growth investment led by Mountaingate Capital, marking a pivotal moment for the company as it gears up for its next phase of expansion.

Knapton, a highly respected figure in the market research industry, originally joined the Rep Data board in 2023. His strategic input was key to the company’s early success, particularly in scaling tech-enabled research services and enhancing data quality outcomes.

“Kurt’s strategic guidance has already had a profound impact on our business,” said Patrick Stokes, Founder and CEO of Rep Data. “His industry knowledge and commitment to innovation make him an invaluable partner for our next chapter.”

A Veteran Leader in Research and AI Innovation

Knapton’s extensive background includes executive roles across data, AI, and consulting sectors:

• Current Roles:

  • CEO of Deep Cognition (AI-based data entry automation)

  • Strategic advisor at Realm Resources

  • Board member at edify.org

• Previous Highlights:

  • President & CEO of Dynata (formerly Research Now)

  • Executive VP & CRO at e-Rewards

  • Early career with Booz Allen Hamilton and Accenture

Knapton also holds an MBA from Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business and a BBA from Baylor University, where he was part of the Honors Program.

“Rep Data’s commitment to solving data quality challenges is unmatched,” Knapton stated. “I’m excited to work alongside Pat and the team as they scale their impact and lead the way in research innovation.”

What’s Next for Rep Data

With Knapton’s continued leadership and Mountaingate Capital’s backing, Rep Data is poised to:

• Accelerate AI-driven innovation in data integrity

• Expand go-to-market strategies across global markets

• Reinforce its role as the preferred partner for high-quality insights

• Deliver unmatched service and value to clients

This move solidifies Rep Data’s focus on excellence as it continues to redefine the future of market research.

AWISEE.com, a fast-growing influencer marketing and digital PR agency, has announced the official launch of its Influencer Scouting service — a game-changing offering that simplifies the process of identifying and onboarding influencer talent aligned with brand strategy and campaign objectives.

As the influencer marketing landscape continues to evolve, brands face increasing difficulty finding creators who truly resonate with their voice, values, and target audience. AWISEE’s Influencer Scouting service is designed to address this challenge head-on with tailored, data-driven talent discovery.

Tailored Talent Identification at Scale

The service begins with a deep dive into a client’s industry, goals, and target markets, followed by the creation of a custom-curated influencer list — focusing on quality over quantity.

Each scouting list includes:

• 50 carefully selected influencers

• Audience demographic breakdowns

• Sample content summaries

• Historical engagement metrics

These insights empower internal teams and agencies to make confident, data-informed decisions when building out influencer rosters.

“Our goal is to help brands cut through the noise and find creators who not only match their aesthetic but also drive measurable impact,” said a spokesperson from AWISEE.

Monthly Subscription Option for Ongoing Talent Discovery

For agencies and brands running frequent or large-scale campaigns, AWISEE offers a monthly Influencer Scouting subscription. This service supports high-volume discovery, with up to 500 vetted creators provided per market, per month.

Benefits include:

• Ongoing database enrichment

• Support for regional and international campaigns

• Faster campaign rollouts with pre-qualified talent pools

This feature is especially valuable for in-house marketing teams and agencies looking to scale consistently with reliable, up-to-date influencer data.

A Unified Approach to Global Campaign Execution

AWISEE’s Influencer Scouting service also supports multi-market strategies by ensuring talent selection aligns with cultural nuances, platform preferences, and localized messaging. This enables brands to execute consistent and effective influencer campaigns across global regions — all with the backing of intelligent data.

Damilola Dania, Senior Marketing Executive at Unilever Nigeria, was named the 2025 Forty Under 40 Global Award Winner for Brand and Business Strategy at an international ceremony held in Dubai. The prestigious recognition highlights her exceptional leadership in driving business transformation, crafting culturally intelligent brand strategies, and creating lasting commercial impact in one of Africa’s most dynamic markets.

Themed “Connecting Global Champions,” the Forty Under 40 Awards recognized 40 high-performing business leaders from 17 countries. The event honored individuals who challenge norms and lead change in industries worldwide. Damilola’s award celebrates her remarkable ability to blend data, creativity, and cultural insight to redefine brand marketing on the global stage.

"This award is a powerful validation of what we’ve always known in Africa, that our strategies, insights, and innovations are world-class," said Damilola Dania in her acceptance speech. “It’s more than recognition; it’s a call to continue leading, inspiring, and building narratives that matter for people, communities, and commerce."

Transforming Business at Unilever Nigeria

At Unilever Nigeria, Damilola Dania leads the company’s largest revenue-generating category. She has developed innovative marketing models that seamlessly integrate purpose with performance, accelerating growth for iconic consumer brands. Her campaigns have not only driven business success but have also had a positive societal impact, further establishing her as a leader in the industry.

Known as "The African Marketeer", Damilola advocates for a marketing approach grounded in African cultural realities. Her work challenges traditional marketing tactics, creating strategies that resonate deeply with local communities while addressing global market demands.

A Global Network of Award-Winning Leaders

Damilola joins an elite group of innovators and thought leaders in the 2025 cohort of Forty Under 40 Global Award winners, including:

• Nenne Adaora Nwodo (UK/Nigeria): Tech innovator and founder of NexaScale, advancing access to tech education.

• Jubril Arogundade (Nigeria): Executive Director at CIG Motors, transforming Nigeria’s automobile and retail sectors.

• Jamie Thurston Wyngaard (South Africa): Co-founder of Loop and CXO at Feenix.org, leading mobility tech and financial inclusion efforts.

• Ayodeji Razaq (Nigeria): CEO of RED and co-founder of The People Company, driving integrated marketing and cultural strategy across Africa.

• James Ryan (UK): Founder of InfraRec Ltd, advancing global clean energy recruitment.

• Ali Al Loughani (UAE): Innovator connecting government policy, private sector, and education reform.

• Crystal Squires (Australia): Impact investor championing women-led startups and sustainability initiatives across Asia-Pacific.

Setting the Standard for Modern Brand Leadership

Damilola’s recognition at the Forty Under 40 Global Awards underscores the rising influence of African brand thinkers who combine authenticity, commercial strategy, and cultural insight. Her work not only sets the tone for the future of marketing in emerging markets but also exemplifies the potential for leadership to drive both business and social progress.

The award ceremony, held at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Business Bay, Dubai, also featured networking tours, leadership workshops, and global idea exchange sessions, further cementing the 2025 cohort as future global business leaders.

Ayodeji Razaq, Group CEO of RED and Co-Founder of The People Company, was named the 2025 Forty Under 40 Global Award Winner in the Marketing & Communications category at an exclusive ceremony held in Dubai. This prestigious recognition highlights Razaq’s bold leadership, transformative campaigns, and ability to connect brands to culture in ways that resonate deeply across audiences and markets.

Under the theme “Connecting Global Champions,” the Forty Under 40 Global Awards brought together 40 dynamic business leaders from around the world, celebrating those who are reshaping industries and setting new standards of excellence. Razaq’s award is a testament to his transformative impact in Africa’s creative and communications sector, solidifying his position as one of the continent’s most influential marketing voices.

"Winning on a global stage is more than a personal honor, it's a powerful testament to the outstanding, world-class work we do in Africa," said Ayodeji Razaq. "As marketing professionals, we are not just telling stories; we are shaping narratives that position Africa as a vibrant, strategic player in the global economy. This recognition reinforces the fact that African talent is not just rising, it’s leading the charge into a new era of business and marketing communications in emerging markets."

Leading Change in Africa’s Marketing Landscape

As Group CEO of RED, Ayodeji Razaq has revolutionized marketing and communications across Africa, crafting campaigns that blend creativity, culture, and strategic insight. His leadership has led to breakthrough moments for iconic brands and set new industry benchmarks for how brands can connect with diverse audiences.

Razaq’s work exemplifies the power of marketing grounded in cultural relevance, with campaigns that resonate deeply across African markets and beyond. His strategic foresight and innovative approach have elevated RED and The People Company, making them leaders in brand building, strategic communication, and business transformation.

Celebrating Global Leadership in Business and Marketing

The Forty Under 40 Global Awards spotlighted 40 outstanding leaders from various industries worldwide. Among the other distinguished winners were:

• Damilola Dania (Nigeria): A transformative leader at Unilever Nigeria, revolutionizing brand development and community engagement.

• Ahmed Mohsen Mohamed Sadek (UAE): A distinguished project management expert, driving transformative infrastructure projects.

• Reece Mennie (UK): An innovator in bridging traditional marketing with digital engagement strategies.

• Fiza Farhan (Pakistan): A trailblazer in sustainable entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment.

• Olufemi Oguntamu (Nigeria): A recognized leader in Brand & Business Strategy and Digital Media innovation.

• Darren Meltz (South Africa): Redefining the fine dining experience with sustainability-driven initiatives.

• Nicole Ansoni (Rwanda): A multinational entrepreneur with visionary leadership.

• Giorgi Astamadze (Georgia): A financier advancing creative business solutions with global capital.

• Harun Lone (Switzerland): A pioneer in sustainable water purification and social impact.

Africa’s Growing Influence on the Global Stage

Razaq’s win exemplifies the rising influence of African expertise in global marketing and business. Africa's innovation, youth-driven markets, and cultural capital continue to attract international attention, and leaders like Ayodeji Razaq are ensuring that the continent’s narratives are led from within.

The Forty Under 40 Global Awards ceremony, hosted at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Business Bay, Dubai, culminated a three-day event filled with business tours, networking forums, and leadership dialogues. These awards, organized by Xodus Communications, have spotlighted over 2,000 rising leaders since their inception, building a powerful global community of disruptors and changemakers.

QKS Group, a leading market intelligence and advisory firm, has released its comprehensive analysis of the global Account-Based Marketing (ABM) Platform market, predicting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.01% through 2030. The two newly published reports, “Market Share: Account-Based Marketing Platform (ABM), 2024, Worldwide & Regional Report” and “Market Forecast: Account-Based Marketing Platform (ABM), 2025-2030, Worldwide & Regional Report”, provide businesses with the strategic insights they need to navigate this rapidly evolving market.

The Next Growth Frontier for ABM Platforms

In an era where personalization and precision are paramount to cutting through the noise, Account-Based Marketing (ABM) has become an essential strategy for B2B organizations seeking to engage high-value accounts with customized experiences. Across various sectors including technology, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services, businesses are increasingly adopting data-driven ABM solutions to align their sales and marketing efforts, deepen customer relationships, and accelerate revenue growth.

The growing complexity of buying cycles demands a shift from broad-based marketing to more targeted, account-centric engagement strategies. ABM allows enterprises to focus their resources efficiently, driving pipeline velocity, increasing deal sizes, and ultimately achieving measurable impact.

Market Insights from QKS Group’s Report

• Global and Regional Market Analysis: In-depth analysis of worldwide and regional ABM platform adoption trends, competitive landscapes, and future growth projections.

• Competitive Benchmarking: A comparative analysis of leading ABM vendors, highlighting their market positioning and key differentiators.

• Industry Adoption Trends: Insights into the sectors investing most heavily in ABM solutions and the reasons behind this shift.

• Technology Disruption & AI’s Role: How AI, automation, and advanced analytics are driving the transformation of ABM platforms, enhancing productivity, reducing operational costs, and improving targeting precision.

Market Leaders & Competitive Landscape

The report profiles key players in the ABM space, including:

• 6sense

• Demandbase

• Dun & Bradstreet

• Informa TechTarget

• Jabmo by Expandi Group

• Leadspace

• Madison Logic

• N.Rich

• Rollworks by NextRoll

• Salesforce

• Terminus by DemandScience

• Zoominfo

These vendors are at the forefront of the ABM revolution, driving innovation and reshaping the future of B2B marketing through advanced technologies and personalized engagement strategies.

Strategic Insights for ABM Vendors

The insights from QKS Group’s latest analysis provide critical information for CEOs, CFOs, and CSOs of ABM solution providers. Understanding emerging market demands and pinpointing the key differentiators between vendors will be crucial for fine-tuning go-to-market strategies and ensuring that platforms deliver seamless integration, data-driven targeting, and measurable outcomes that empower revenue teams and support long-term growth.

As account-centric engagement becomes a top priority for B2B enterprises, vendors that can offer AI-driven personalization, improved integration, and greater scalability will be best positioned to lead the market.