Peppercomm, an integrated communications and marketing firm under the Ruder Finn Group, has promoted Jacqueline Kolek and Maggie O'Neill to Managing Directors at Ruder Finn and Co-Presidents at Peppercomm. Their leadership marks a new phase of innovation, growth, and enhanced client service. Meanwhile, founder Steve Cody transitions to Senior Executive Advisor, where he will focus on industry connections, brand strategy, and thought leadership.

Leadership Evolution at Peppercomm

• Jacqueline Kolek

  • 25-year tenure at Peppercomm.
  • Led financial & professional services sector and key crisis engagements.
  • Developed the Team Meridian specialty issues and crisis group.
  • Co-created the humor-driven communication strategy and manages the Laughing Matters Council.
  • Will continue to lead client engagement, marketing strategy, and employee communications.

• Maggie O’Neill

  • 24-year tenure at Peppercomm.
  • Previously served as Chief Client Officer, ensuring high-quality client service.
  • Led consumer & lifestyle sector (home, auto, mobility, consumer tech).
  • Spearheaded the Stakeholder Experience (SX) initiative.
  • Will oversee finance, operations, and new business integration across Ruder Finn.

Steve Cody’s Transition to Senior Executive Advisor

• Remains involved with key Peppercomm clients.
• Expands engagement across Ruder Finn Group.
• Provides strategic insights on the challenges faced by Chief Communications Officers.
• Influences the development of:
  • New products and services.
  • Industry content and research.
  • Talent development initiatives.

The Future of Peppercomm Under New Leadership

• Stronger alignment with Ruder Finn Group for seamless collaboration.
• Focus on innovation-driven communication strategies.
• Commitment to enhanced client services and operational excellence.
• Expansion of stakeholder engagement, brand-building, and thought leadership.

With Jacqueline Kolek and Maggie O'Neill at the helm, Peppercomm is poised for a new era of growth and innovation. Their deep expertise, combined with Steve Cody’s strategic advisory role, ensures the firm continues to deliver exceptional client service while expanding its capabilities within Ruder Finn Group.

Michelle Gines, CEO of Purpose Publishing, has been officially accepted into the Forbes Business Council, an exclusive invitation-only community for top business leaders. Her inclusion highlights her expertise in publishing, business growth, and leadership, positioning her among an elite group of global executives.

Selection Process & Criteria for Membership

• Forbes Business Council membership is highly selective, with candidates evaluated on:
  • Proven business success in publishing and consulting.
  • Impact on industry growth and leadership development.
  • Personal and professional achievements demonstrating excellence.

Benefits of Forbes Business Council Membership

• Exclusive Networking Opportunities
  • Access to a private forum connecting influential business leaders.
  • Collaboration with executives across multiple industries.
• Thought Leadership Contributions
  • Publishes original articles on Forbes.com.
  • Participates in Forbes Expert Panels, sharing insights with global industry leaders.
• Premium Business & Lifestyle Perks
  • Membership-branded marketing assets to enhance visibility.
  • High-touch concierge support for professional needs.
  • Complimentary access to EXEC, a program offering luxury travel, business, and lifestyle benefits.

Michelle Gines on Joining Forbes Business Council

"Being accepted into the Forbes Business Council is an incredible honor. Joining this esteemed community allows me to contribute, collaborate, and elevate my impact on a global scale. I'm excited to bring my leadership to this prestigious platform!"

Forbes Business Council’s Recognition of Michelle Gines

• Acknowledges her leadership and influence in publishing and business.
• Recognizes her commitment to industry innovation and professional growth.
• Provides a global platform to expand her impact and thought leadership.

Michelle Gines’ acceptance into the Forbes Business Council is a testament to her excellence in publishing, business strategy, and leadership. As she steps into this new role, her insights and expertise will contribute to industry-wide growth while further strengthening her global presence.

Comcast Business has announced the launch of its new multichannel brand campaign, "Powering the Engine of Modern Business," emphasizing its role as a global enterprise technology partner. The campaign highlights real-world technological solutions provided by Comcast Business, demonstrating how businesses across industries—from small enterprises to global corporations—benefit from advanced connectivity, cybersecurity, and networking solutions.

The campaign includes three TV spots featuring narration by Josh Brolin and cameos from Billy Horschel, golf legend Tom Watson, and Golf Channel’s Rich Lerner. Additionally, Comcast Business has secured a two-year agreement with Billy Horschel as its brand ambassador, aligning with its partnership with THE PLAYERS Championship and the PGA TOUR.

Highlights of the Campaign

1. Comcast Business as a Global Technology Solutions Partner

• The campaign showcases how Comcast Business empowers organizations with:
  • Advanced networking and connectivity solutions.
  • Cutting-edge cybersecurity to safeguard data and transactions.
  • Seamless operational efficiencies for retailers, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and major sporting events.
• The TV spots feature real-world business applications, showing how Comcast Business enables frictionless transactions, automated restocking, and enhanced customer experiences.

2. Comcast Business & PGA TOUR Partnership

• Comcast Business has been named the Official Business Internet, Voice, Wi-Fi, and SD-WAN Service Provider of the PGA TOUR.
• Provides technological infrastructure at:
  • PGA TOUR Global Home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
  • Tournament Players Club (TPC) properties nationwide, including TPC Sawgrass.
• Enables connectivity for:
  • Live international tournament broadcasts.
  • Automated greenskeeping software, supporting robotic mowers and sprinklers.

3. Billy Horschel as Comcast Business Brand Ambassador

• Comcast Business signed a two-year agreement with Billy Horschel ahead of THE PLAYERS Championship.
• Horschel will feature the Comcast Business logo on his hat throughout the 2025 and 2026 PGA TOUR seasons.
• His competitive spirit and strategic mindset align with Comcast Business' approach to delivering top-tier enterprise solutions.

The Impact of the “Powering the Engine of Modern Business” Campaign

• Three TV spots showcase Comcast Business’ real-world impact across multiple industries.
• The campaign will be rolled out through TV, digital, and social media channels.
• Created by Goodby Silverstein & Partners (GS&P), with a focus on highlighting Comcast Business as the backbone of modern business operations.

With the launch of its new brand campaign, Comcast Business reinforces its position as a leading global enterprise technology provider. From small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, the PGA TOUR, and major retail brands, Comcast Business continues to power businesses with reliable, scalable, and secure technology solutions.

FPT China has signed a strategic cooperation agreement (MOU) with Kingdee, a leading enterprise software provider, marking a significant milestone in both companies' global expansion and digital transformation strategies. This partnership will strengthen their competitiveness in cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), system integration (SI), and data center services, further enhancing their presence in international markets.

Aspects of the Strategic Partnership

1. FPT as Kingdee’s Global Expansion Partner

• FPT will provide consulting, solution implementation, and post-maintenance services for Kingdee’s global customers.
• Leveraging its presence in 86 offices across 30 countries, FPT will support Kingdee’s expansion beyond China by:
  • Adapting Kingdee’s solutions to local market needs.
  • Offering high-quality talent and customized technology solutions.
  • Establishing a global project team for flexible management.
  • Setting up a training center in Southeast Asia to promote Kingdee’s technology adoption.

2. Deepening Kingdee’s Presence in China

• Kingdee and FPT will collaborate on technical training and knowledge transfer to enhance enterprise solution capabilities.
• This cooperation aims to optimize cost structures, improve decision-making, and enhance operational efficiencies for businesses in China.

3. Expansion in Key Global Markets

• Both companies will target Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas for growth.
• Focus areas include:
  • AI-driven services: Developing AI solutions to enhance automation and enterprise efficiency.
  • Data Center Establishment: Setting up an Internet Data Center (IDC) in Vietnam to support cloud and AI-based services.
  • AI Factories: Launching AI innovation hubs in Vietnam and Japan to accelerate research and development in AI applications.

4. Leadership Insights on the Strategic Cooperation

• Phạm Thanh Tuấn, CEO of FPT China:
  “With our experienced team and extensive global network, we are committed to collaborating with Kingdee to enhance competitiveness and scale international growth. In the first year, we aim to build a team of 20 experts dedicated to this partnership, ensuring long-term value creation for both companies.”

• Lin Facheng, Vice President of Kingdee China:
  “This strategic alliance will maximize our combined strengths in technology, market expansion, and customer service. FPT’s international expertise and service network will significantly enhance Kingdee’s global customer experience and deliver high-quality solutions worldwide.”

Kingdee & FPT China

Kingdee’s Market Leadership

• Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, Kingdee specializes in:
  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
  • Finance and HR management solutions
  • Digital transformation services for industries like manufacturing, retail, and finance

FPT China’s Expansion & Commitment to Innovation

• Since entering China in 2017, FPT has expanded in Shanghai, Dalian, and other key cities, establishing itself as a trusted technology solutions provider.
• Key focus areas include:
  • Automotive and semiconductor industries
  • Collaboration with top Chinese universities to cultivate high-quality tech talent
  • Driving digital transformation for enterprises across Asia-Pacific

The FPT-Kingdee strategic partnership represents a pivotal step toward global digital transformation. By leveraging AI, cloud computing, and enterprise solutions, both companies will drive innovation, enhance business efficiencies, and expand into new international markets. Their collaborative approach to technology and market integration positions them as key players in the future of global enterprise digitalization.

QAD, a leading provider of cloud-based manufacturing and supply chain solutions, has appointed Sanjay Brahmawar as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective March 17. Sanjay, formerly CEO of Software AG, succeeds Anton Chilton, who is stepping back after over 20 years of service.

Sanjay’s appointment signals QAD’s commitment to innovation, customer success, and global growth, building on its strong foundation in smart manufacturing and supply chain optimization.

Sanjay Brahmawar’s Leadership & Vision

1. Proven Track Record in Digital Transformation

• As CEO of Software AG, Sanjay led a strategic transformation that modernized the company into a high-growth, customer-focused enterprise.
• He enhanced product leadership, built a strong go-to-market strategy, and expanded offerings through mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

2. Extensive Industry Expertise

• Before Software AG, Sanjay held key leadership positions at IBM, where he managed global revenue for Watson IoT.
• His background includes leadership roles at PwC, FedEx, DSM, and Honda, providing him with deep insights into technology, business operations, and customer engagement.

3. Commitment to QAD’s Growth and Innovation

• Sanjay’s mission at QAD focuses on:
  • Accelerating growth through product innovation.
  • Strengthening customer-centric solutions.
  • Expanding QAD’s global footprint.
• His leadership will help QAD enhance digital transformation capabilities and deliver greater value to manufacturers and supply chain leaders worldwide.

Leadership Support & Transition Plan

• Charles Goodman, Chairman of QAD’s Board of Directors and Thoma Bravo Operating Partner, emphasized the strategic importance of Sanjay’s appointment:
  “Sanjay joins QAD at a pivotal time. His expertise in innovation and strong sense of customer needs make him the perfect choice to lead us forward.”
• Anton Chilton, outgoing CEO, will support the transition through May 2025, ensuring continuity and seamless execution of strategic initiatives.

QAD’s Recent Innovations & Strategic Acquisitions

Under Anton Chilton’s leadership, QAD strengthened its core solutions through key acquisitions, including:

• Redzone Connected Workforce – Empowering frontline workers with real-time collaboration tools to boost efficiency.
• LiveJourney Process Intelligence – Enhancing process mining and data-driven decision-making for optimized operations.

These additions reinforce QAD’s mission to integrate People, Process, and Systems for seamless manufacturing and supply chain operations.

With Sanjay Brahmawar at the helm, QAD is positioned for accelerated innovation and global expansion. His deep expertise in digital transformation, AI-driven solutions, and enterprise technology will drive QAD’s next phase of growth, ensuring customers benefit from advanced, future-ready solutions.

Indian influencer Tariq Mushtaq Khatri has made history by setting a world record in digital marketing, achieving unprecedented engagement rates and cost efficiency. His 90-day Meta ad campaign generated record-breaking numbers, solidifying India’s role as a powerhouse in global digital advertising.

The milestone was unveiled on February 28, 2025, at a press conference at the Bombay Press Club, where industry experts and media professionals witnessed Khatri’s groundbreaking achievement in real-time.

Breaking the Digital Marketing Barrier

Khatri’s strategically executed 183 Meta ad campaign delivered:

• Total Views: 56.6 million
• Total Engagements: 25.7 million
• Total Reach: 26 million people
• Reach Growth: 245.3% increase
• Engagement Rate: 99% (industry-defying benchmark)

Beyond engagement, the campaign shattered records in cost efficiency:

• Cost per engagement: INR 16.24 (~$0.19 USD)
• Cost per million views: INR 7,370 (~$88 USD)
• Total Ad Spend: INR 417,420 (~$5,000 USD)

Live Demonstration Stuns Industry Experts

During the press conference, Khatri demonstrated his real-time campaign results using ChatGPT and Grok, leaving industry leaders astonished. His engagement rate was 90 times higher than global superstars, and the cost per view was so low that AI systems initially deemed the figures unrealistic.

Recognition and Industry Impact

1. Historic Milestone for Indian Digital Marketing

• Major Indian news outlets have recognized Khatri’s achievement as a game-changer for India's digital marketing sector.
• India’s government is expected to officially acknowledge his contribution as part of its digital economy strategy.

2. Setting a New Global Advertising Benchmark

• The achievement has been submitted to Guinness World Records for verification.
• If approved, it will be the first-ever world record in cost-efficient influencer marketing, creating a new standard in digital advertising.

3. India’s Rising Influence in Global Digital Advertising

Khatri’s campaign proves that high-ROI digital marketing is not about big budgets but strategic execution. His success is expected to:

• Attract global brands to India for cost-effective influencer marketing.
• Empower Indian digital marketers with new opportunities.
• Redefine global advertising strategies by prioritizing engagement-driven efficiency.

“Tariq Khatri’s campaign is a wake-up call for global brands. It proves that smart digital marketing is not about big budgets—it’s about strategic execution and audience understanding.”
– Ravi Malhotra, Chief Digital Strategist, Global AdTech Solutions

What’s Next? Expanding the Impact

Khatri is now focused on:

1. Partnering with Global Brands to provide cost-effective advertising solutions.
2. Mentoring Indian Influencers to dominate the digital space.
3. Strengthening India’s Role in international digital marketing.

A Call to Global Brands: The Future of Digital Marketing is in India

With higher engagement rates and lower advertising costs than Western markets, India is now a prime destination for global digital marketing investments.

“Tariq Khatri’s world record proves that data-driven marketing can rewrite the rules of digital engagement. The future of advertising belongs to those who innovate—and India is leading the charge!”
– Mayur M. Gunjal, Head of Communication

Tariq Khatri’s record-breaking achievement marks a turning point in digital marketing, proving that Indian influencers can deliver massive engagement at minimal cost. As brands seek more efficient digital advertising strategies, Khatri’s success sets the stage for India’s global leadership in high-ROI marketing.

Search Marketing Group, a leading Australian digital marketing firm, has been awarded a 2024 Global Recognition Award for its outstanding contributions to digital marketing. The award highlights the company's effective strategies, measurable results, and industry influence, particularly in SEO and Google Ads campaign optimization.

Founder Deepak Verma credits the firm’s success to its data-driven methodologies, which have consistently delivered above-industry-average results across key market sectors, including retail, professional services, and technology.

Growth and Performance Metrics

1. Strong Year-Over-Year Growth

• 40% annual growth compared to previous fiscal periods.
• Expansion into new industry sectors driven by increased client demand.

2. The ‘Velocity Growth Formula’ – A Data-Driven Approach

• Combines SEO with Google Ads landing page development.
• Integrates advanced analytics, conversion tracking, and performance monitoring.
• Delivers a 35% average increase in ROI within six months.

3. High Client Retention & Success Rates

• 90% client retention rate, reflecting consistent results.
• Average search visibility improvement of 45%.
• 60% increase in qualified lead generation within the first three months.

“Our methodology creates predictable outcomes for businesses investing in digital marketing,” explains Deepak Verma, emphasizing systematic campaign optimization as a core strength.

Client Portfolio and Market Position

1. Over 500 Clients Served

• Diverse client base in healthcare, education, trades, and professional services.
• Recognized by the City of Melbourne Awards and the APAC Search Award 2024 for digital marketing innovation.

2. High-Quality Service Delivery

• Five-star client ratings for customer support and transparent reporting.
• Competitive pricing with consistent delivery of results within 90 days.
• 40% increase in new client acquisitions year-over-year through referrals.

Industry Impact

1. Pioneering Digital Marketing Best Practices

For over 13 years, Search Marketing Group has developed efficient, measurable digital marketing processes, focusing on:

• Advanced analytics integrated with real-world implementation strategies.
• Clear reporting structures ensuring clients understand performance metrics.
• Adoption of emerging technologies to stay ahead of digital trends.

“Search Marketing Group demonstrates consistent performance and reliable results for their clients,” notes Alex Sterling from Global Recognition Awards.

2. Setting New Industry Standards

• Proven repeatable success across multiple industries.
• Establishing benchmarks for digital marketing performance measurement.
• Continued innovation through strategic refinements and technology adoption.

Winning the 2024 Global Recognition Award underscores Search Marketing Group’s commitment to measurable success, innovation, and client-focused digital marketing strategies. With strong growth, high retention rates, and industry-leading results, the firm is poised to expand its influence and redefine best practices in digital marketing.

Code and Theory, a leading technology and creative network under Stagwell, has been recognized as Ad Age's inaugural Business-to-Business (B2B) Agency of the Year. Known for its 50% creative and 50% engineering balance, the agency is redefining B2B customer experiences, demystifying martech stacks, and pioneering AI applications that drive business growth and long-term value.

This recognition comes amid a year of high-impact projects that have transformed major global brands, redefining their digital strategies, customer engagement, and industry positioning.

Transformative B2B Impact

1. Revolutionizing Amazon Ads

• Transformed Amazon Ads into an SMB-friendly advertising powerhouse.
• Achieved +66% unaided awareness among small-business advertisers.

2. Qualcomm’s Industry Shift to Developers (B2D)

• Led Qualcomm’s transition from B2B to B2D (Business to Developer).
• Built the largest developer ecosystem in the world, increasing developer website visits by 540%.

3. Thomson Reuters’ First Rebrand in 16 Years

• Shifted perception from a legacy content provider to an AI-driven technology company.
• Awareness campaign led to +40% increase in unaided awareness.

4. Volvo Trucks’ Fleet-First Digital Transformation

• Launched an innovative fleet-first digital experience, surpassing competitors.
• Achieved a 350% increase in visitors at launch.

5. ETS’s Global Expansion into Workforce Solutions

• Transformed ETS from an education company into a workforce solutions leader.
• Increased B2B leads by 78% through ETS Solutions.

Expanding Capabilities: Media and Leadership Growth

1. New Media Experience Practice

• Led by Jessica Giles, former Cosmopolitan Editor-in-Chief.
• Focused on helping publishers adapt and grow in the digital age.

2. First Global CMO Appointment

• James O'Brien named as Global Chief Marketing Officer.
• Tasked with strengthening Code and Theory’s global client service offerings.

Industry Recognition & Awards

In addition to Ad Age's B2B Agency of the Year, Code and Theory has received multiple high-profile industry honors in 2024, including:

• Ad Age's Business Transformation Agency of the Year
• ANA’s B2B Agency of the Year
• Digiday’s Most Innovative Agency

Driving the Future of AI and Digital Transformation

1. AI as a Driver of Customer Engagement

• AI is more than a tool—it enables real personalization, efficient communication, and data-driven insights.
• Code and Theory’s approach anticipates user needs, deepens customer relationships, and drives engagement, conversion, and loyalty.

2. Commitment to Innovation and Digital Evolution

Michael Treff, CEO of Code and Theory, emphasizes the agency’s passion for solving complex digital problems:
"Nothing is more rewarding than creating solutions that deliver real results. This recognition from Ad Age reinforces our dedication to helping clients transform their businesses in an AI-first landscape."

Code and Theory’s AI-driven, tech-enabled, and creative-first approach has made it a pioneer in B2B digital transformation. As the first-ever Ad Age B2B Agency of the Year, the agency continues to set new benchmarks in martech, AI integration, and customer experience innovation, proving that the future of B2B marketing lies in the balance of creativity and technology.