Praxis Solutions, an AI-driven, tech-enabled services firm specializing in the Wealth and Asset Management industries, has announced the appointment of Andre Hatibi as Senior Vice President of Business Development. With over 20 years of expertise in investment distribution and strategic relationship-building, Mr. Hatibi is poised to drive the firm’s growth and strengthen its distribution solutions.

1. Andre Hatibi’s New Role

• Mr. Hatibi will lead efforts to expand distribution for Anchor Advisory Services, a Praxis subsidiary specializing in distribution support solutions.
• His responsibilities include advancing tech enablement initiatives to streamline Anchor’s processes and enhance client services.

2. CEO’s Statement

• Bill Dwyer, CEO of Praxis Solutions, emphasized the importance of distribution and growth for clients.
• Highlighted how Anchor’s distribution capabilities, paired with Praxis’ technology, create a comprehensive solution for client needs.
• Praised Andre’s industry knowledge and leadership for reinforcing the company’s market presence and tech-driven approach.

3. Andre Hatibi’s Leadership Experience

• Over two decades of leadership at top firms, including Prudential Financial, Realty Capital Securities, CION Investments, and Forum Capital Advisors.
• Expertise in capital raising, strategic relationship management, and driving business growth.
• Proven ability to strengthen internal capabilities and align strategies with client success.

4. Vision for Praxis and Anchor Advisory Services

• Mr. Hatibi aims to expand Anchor’s market presence and advance innovative, tech-enabled solutions for wealth and asset management clients.
• Committed to fostering growth and delivering transformative solutions tailored to client needs.

5. Praxis’ Commitment to Innovation

• Praxis leverages AI and advanced technology to transform the Wealth and Asset Management industries.
• Focuses on delivering efficient, client-centric solutions that drive growth and innovation.

Andre Hatibi’s appointment as Senior Vice President of Business Development signals Praxis Solutions’ dedication to advancing distribution and technology in the Wealth and Asset Management industries. With a strong background in capital raising and strategic leadership, Mr. Hatibi is set to enhance Anchor Advisory Services’ market position and drive transformative growth through innovation and efficiency.

Anodot, a leading cloud cost management platform, has joined forces with OpenOps, a no-code FinOps automation company, to transform cloud cost governance and optimization. This strategic partnership enables seamless integration between Anodot's FinOps platform and over 100 tools and platforms via OpenOps’ no-code automation capabilities, addressing the challenges of cloud cost governance through streamlined automation and enhanced collaboration.

1. Challenges in Cloud Cost Governance

• Cloud cost governance involves complex coordination between CSP services, visibility platforms, and specialized systems.
• Lack of effective communication between engineers and FinOps teams often results in inefficiencies, mistrust, and non-standardized remediation processes.

2. How the Partnership Solves These Issues

• OpenOps' no-code platform allows creation of versioned, repeatable workflows to connect multiple cloud resources.
• The workflows simplify cloud cost optimization, ensuring visible and collaborative processes for all stakeholders.
• Anodot's granular data insights and actionable recommendations are now integrated into OpenOps' automation platform for end-to-end cost management.

3. Benefits of the Integrated Solution

• FinOps practitioners can act on Anodot’s recommendations, automate processes, remediate issues, and track KPIs more efficiently.
• The solution ensures reliable, scalable, and customizable cost optimization practices with version-controlled workflows.
• Provides organizations with tools to align FinOps processes with business objectives, fostering trust and collaboration.

4. Leadership Perspectives

• David Drai, CEO of Anodot: Highlighted the collaboration as a response to increasing demand for innovative solutions that overcome the limitations of legacy providers.
  • Emphasized the partnership’s role in delivering sustainable, cost-efficient, and advanced solutions for maximizing cloud investments.
• Amit Saar, CEO of OpenOps: Stressed the impact of integrating Anodot’s insights with OpenOps’ automation in advancing FinOps practices and streamlining cloud cost optimization.

5. The Unique Value Proposition

• The Anodot-OpenOps solution is positioned as the only comprehensive platform to address the global challenges of cloud cost governance effectively.
• Combines Anodot’s detailed visibility with OpenOps’ flexible automation to take FinOps practices to the next level.

The partnership between Anodot and OpenOps represents a major leap forward in FinOps automation and cloud cost management. By combining Anodot’s data insights with OpenOps’ no-code automation, the collaboration addresses the complexities of cloud governance while enhancing efficiency, collaboration, and scalability for organizations. Together, they are empowering businesses to deliver cost-efficient, streamlined, and future-ready cloud solutions.

The HOW Agency, a full-service digital agency and a subsidiary of 5WPR, has earned a prestigious Platinum award at the 2024 MarCom Awards in the Social Ad Campaign category. This recognition highlights the agency's exceptional work for G-SHOCK, the legendary watch brand celebrated for its durability. The campaign aimed to refresh G-SHOCK's image, engage new audiences, and make the brand more accessible to a wider consumer base.

1. The Goal: Revitalizing G-SHOCK’s Image

• The HOW Agency was tasked with refreshing G-SHOCK's brand identity and reigniting consumer interest.
• The campaign focused on democratizing the brand and introducing it to new audiences while staying true to its iconic legacy.

2. Strategy and Execution

• Leveraged a mix of social media, influencer collaborations, and performance marketing to amplify brand recognition.
• Pushed creative boundaries to craft a dynamic campaign that resonated with a diverse consumer demographic.

3. Recognition and Awards

• Platinum MarCom Award: Acknowledges excellence in the Social Ad Campaign category.
• Gold Stevie® Award: Honored for Digital Creativity in Communications or PR Campaign of the Year in the 2024 American Business Awards.

4. Leadership Perspective

• Paul Miser, EVP and Group Director of The HOW Agency:
  • Highlighted the collaborative effort of the team and their willingness to explore innovative strategies.
  • Emphasized the success of the campaign in boosting G-SHOCK’s recognition and reaching new consumer segments.

The HOW Agency’s award-winning work for G-SHOCK demonstrates its ability to craft innovative, high-impact campaigns that resonate with audiences and deliver measurable results. By leveraging expertise in social, influencer, and performance marketing, the agency not only revitalized a legendary brand but also solidified its reputation as a leader in digital creativity.

The global influencer marketing platform market is poised for significant growth, with an estimated increase of USD 52.23 billion from 2024 to 2028, according to Technavio. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 32.07% during this period, driven by partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions among key players. As businesses aim to leverage influencer marketing to build trust and enhance brand visibility, the demand for robust influencer marketing platforms continues to rise.

Key Market Drivers and Trends

1. Increasing Adoption of Influencer Marketing Platforms

• Brands are increasingly turning to influencer marketing platforms to expand their reach and engage target audiences.
• These platforms foster trust, credibility, and personalized interactions with customers.

2. Technological Advancements

• AI and machine learning tools are driving innovation, enabling:
  • Accurate influencer selection.
  • Detection of fake followers and fraudulent activities.
  • Real-time performance tracking and ROI measurement.

3. Shifts in Consumer Behavior

• Growing preference for social media and OTT platforms as primary channels for brand engagement.
• Rising popularity of micro-influencers and niche communities for targeted marketing campaigns.

4. Key Industry Niches Driving Growth

• High demand in industries like:
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Food & Entertainment
  • Travel & Lifestyle
  • Sports & Fitness

Market Challenges

1. Combatting Influencer Fraud

• Fake followers and bots inflate influencer metrics, making it challenging to identify authentic influencers.
• Companies are adopting auditing tools to enhance transparency and campaign reliability.

2. Measuring Campaign Effectiveness

• Difficulty translating engagement metrics into tangible sales.
• Complexities in calculating ROI and ensuring performance alignment with brand goals.

3. Maintaining Authenticity and Compliance

• Regulatory challenges, including FTC guidelines, require adherence to transparency standards.
• Sustaining genuine partnerships with influencers to foster consumer trust.

Market Segmentation Overview

1. By End-User

• Large Enterprises:
  • Utilize platforms for cross-regional campaigns and e-commerce visibility.
  • Leverage advanced analytics for ROI optimization.
• Small and Medium Enterprises:
  • Use platforms for cost-effective, localized influencer collaborations.

2. By Application

• Fashion and Lifestyle, Food and Entertainment, Travel, Sports, and more.

3. By Geography

• Regional growth in North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Technological Insights

1. Role of AI in Influencer Marketing

• Generative AI and machine learning tools (e.g., HypeAuditor) assess performance metrics like engagement rates and sales impact.
• Automation of campaign management and influencer fraud detection ensures efficient operations.

2. Emerging Trends in Content Creation

• Increasing use of video content and user-generated content to enhance consumer engagement.
• Emphasis on authentic storytelling and transparency to align with consumer preferences.

The influencer marketing platform market is experiencing unprecedented growth, fueled by the rise of social media, advancements in AI, and evolving consumer behavior. While challenges like influencer fraud and ROI measurement persist, innovations in technology and strategic collaborations are paving the way for more transparent and effective campaigns. With its transformative potential, influencer marketing is set to remain a cornerstone of digital marketing strategies.

AmazingContent, a leader in executive influence and AI-driven communication strategies, has officially joined the LinkedIn Marketing Partner Program. This partnership empowers communication and marketing teams to amplify their executives' voices, leveraging LinkedIn's robust platform to scale content production, enhance message consistency, and increase the reach of executive communications.

The Significance of the Partnership

1. Seamless Integration with LinkedIn APIs
AmazingContent's Influence Management Platform now integrates with LinkedIn's:

• Marketing Advertising API: To streamline ad campaigns.
• Audience Insights API: For precise audience targeting.
• Community Management API: To ensure consistent messaging and engagement.

2. Enhanced Reach with Thought Leader Ads

• The use of LinkedIn’s Thought Leader Ads allows executives to extend their influence by connecting with key audiences, driving meaningful conversations, and positioning themselves as thought leaders.

3. Driving Communication Excellence
This collaboration equips teams with advanced tools to address common communication challenges such as:

• Scaling content production.
• Maintaining alignment in messaging across diverse platforms.

Key Benefits of AmazingContent and LinkedIn Integration

1. Streamlined Content Creation

• AI-powered tools simplify the content production process.
• Ensure messaging consistency across campaigns with reduced effort and time.

2. Maximized Executive Visibility

• Leverage LinkedIn’s vast professional network to amplify executive messaging through Thought Leader Ads.
• Target the right audience for increased impact and engagement.

3. Real-Time Performance Tracking

• Advanced analytics provide insights into the effectiveness of executive communications.
• Measure ROI to validate the success of influence initiatives.

4. Competitive Differentiation

• Help executives shape industry trends and discussions.
• Position leaders as authoritative voices, driving credibility and trust.

AmazingContent's Legacy in Leader Advocacy

About AmazingContent:

• Established leader in Leader Advocacy in France.
• Offers an all-in-one solution combining:
  • Strategic analysis.
  • Collaborative platforms.
  • Content writing services.
  • Aggregated performance data.
• Trusted by over 80 organizations to enhance the influence of more than 350 leaders globally.

Key Differentiators:

• Expertise in Leader Advocacy programs for over 7 years.
• Simplifies content validation and management processes.
• Creates a lasting culture of embodied communication for organizations.

Quotes from Leadership

Eliott Siegler, CEO of AmazingContent:
“Being a LinkedIn Marketing Partner underscores our ambition to redefine how communication and marketing teams drive executives' influence. This collaboration enables teams with strategic tools to amplify leaders' voices, transforming each message into a catalyst for market impact.”

AmazingContent’s partnership with LinkedIn marks a transformative step in reshaping executive influence strategies. By integrating advanced APIs, leveraging Thought Leader Ads, and providing powerful analytics, the collaboration ensures that communication and marketing teams can drive impactful messaging at scale. AmazingContent continues to position itself as a pioneer in Leader Advocacy, empowering organizations to shape industry discussions and build executive authority.

Veridas, a global leader in identity verification and biometric solutions, has announced the availability of its Identity Verification (IDV) platform on Google Cloud Marketplace. This strategic move empowers organizations within the Google Cloud ecosystem to access advanced fraud protection solutions, addressing growing concerns over sophisticated digital fraud.

Key Highlights of the Announcement

1. Veridas’ Proven Expertise

• Veridas has completed over 100 million identity verifications globally for leading clients, including BBVA, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, and Repsol.
• With its robust presence across industries such as banking, insurance, and public institutions, Veridas brings trusted, scalable solutions to the digital marketplace.

2. Addressing Global Fraud Challenges

• The rise in digital fraud has increased the demand for secure and efficient identity verification solutions.
• Veridas’ IDV platform leverages proprietary technology to combat advanced threats such as injection attacks and deepfakes, ensuring businesses can safeguard their operations.

3. Accessibility Through Google Cloud Marketplace

• Veridas’ inclusion on Google Cloud Marketplace makes its tools more accessible to global organizations.
• Businesses can integrate these solutions seamlessly, ensuring swift deployment and scalability.

Regional Focus: EMEA Expansion

1. Enhanced Cloud Capabilities in EMEA

• With its availability on Google Cloud Marketplace, Veridas has strengthened its support for the EMEA region.
• Local businesses now gain easier access to Veridas’ robust identity verification solutions, backed by Google Cloud’s advanced infrastructure.

2. Google Cloud’s Competitive Edge

• Google Cloud offers a trusted, global infrastructure known for:
  • Strong security protocols.
  • Continuous innovation to adapt to emerging challenges.
  • Seamless integration across diverse environments.
• This makes Google Cloud the preferred platform for organizations prioritizing performance and protection.

Customer and Industry Benefits

1. Scalability and Security

• The IDV platform enables organizations to scale fraud prevention efforts while maintaining compliance with international regulations.
• Its global document coverage ensures accessibility and effectiveness across 25+ countries.

2. Comprehensive Fraud Protection

• The platform safeguards over 300 clients with cutting-edge features designed to mitigate advanced fraud techniques like deepfakes and injection attacks.

3. Seamless Integration

• Businesses on Google Cloud Marketplace can quickly deploy and manage Veridas’ solutions, accelerating their digital transformation initiatives.

Leadership Insights

Dai Vu, Managing Director, Marketplace & ISV GTM Programs, Google Cloud:
“Bringing Veridas’ Identity Verification platform to Google Cloud Marketplace will help customers quickly deploy, manage, and grow the fraud protection solution on Google Cloud's trusted, global infrastructure.”

Eduardo Azanza, CEO of Veridas:
“Our IDV platform is more than just an identity verification tool; it is a comprehensive solution protecting clients against advanced fraud. Joining Google Cloud Marketplace expands our reach, enabling global adoption of this technology to new frontiers.”

Veridas’ launch on Google Cloud Marketplace signifies a significant advancement in global fraud protection capabilities. With proven expertise, innovative technology, and seamless integration with Google Cloud, Veridas equips organizations to tackle the ever-evolving challenges of digital fraud. Businesses worldwide can now leverage this platform to enhance security, ensure compliance, and streamline their digital transformation journeys.

AoraNow Co., Ltd., headquartered in Chuo-ku, Tokyo, has announced the launch of advanced IT financial management (ITFM) solutions tailored for Japanese enterprises. This initiative is a result of a strategic partnership with Proven Optics, a U.S.-based provider of ITFM solutions. Operating on the ServiceNow platform, the new solutions aim to modernize and enhance IT financial operations, contributing to the digital transformation of businesses in Japan.

Key Highlights of the Partnership

1. Leveraging the ServiceNow Ecosystem

• ServiceNow’s Expanding Reach: The platform is growing rapidly worldwide, providing businesses with powerful tools for digital workflows.
• AoraNow’s Commitment: AoraNow brings innovative solutions from global ServiceNow ecosystem partners to the Japanese market to address customer challenges more effectively.

2. Proven Optics’ Expertise in IT Financial Management

• Proven Optics offers native ITFM solutions built on ServiceNow, providing:
  • Enhanced visibility into IT spending.
  • Automated budgeting and cost recovery.
  • Streamlined processes for invoicing, chargeback, and IT financial modeling.
• These tools empower IT and finance leaders to make data-driven decisions at the executive level, ensuring effective management of applications, services, and product portfolios.

How the Partnership Benefits Japanese Enterprises

1. Modernizing IT Financial Management

• The integration of Proven Optics’ solutions with AoraNow’s expertise in the Japanese ServiceNow market offers a comprehensive suite of tools to:
  • Automate complex IT budgeting tasks.
  • Enhance transparency in IT spending.
  • Simplify cost allocation and chargeback processes.

2. Driving Digital Transformation

• By improving financial decision-making processes, these solutions will accelerate the digital transformation of Japanese enterprises.
• The collaboration also supports the modernization and efficiency of IT operations, ensuring businesses stay competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Proven Optics ITFM Solution Suite

The Proven Optics suite includes:

1. IT Financial Modeling: Helps organizations simulate different financial scenarios for better planning.
2. Budgeting Solutions: Simplifies budget creation and approval processes for IT departments.
3. Invoicing and Chargeback: Streamlines the recovery of costs from internal and external stakeholders.
4. Data-Driven Decision Support: Provides actionable insights into IT spending to align with business goals.

Statements from Leadership

Tomoyuki Azuma, President and CEO of AoraNow:
“We are thrilled to partner with Proven Optics to deliver advanced IT financial management solutions to Japanese enterprises. By combining their domain expertise with our local experience, we aim to transform IT operations for our customers and support their journey toward digital excellence.”

Ben Perkins and William Miller, Co-CEOs of Proven Optics:
“Our collaboration with AoraNow extends the reach of our ITFM solutions into a key global market. Together, we are equipping Japanese businesses with the tools needed to optimize their IT financial management and make informed, data-backed decisions.”

AoraNow’s partnership with Proven Optics represents a significant step forward for Japanese enterprises seeking to modernize their IT financial management systems. With solutions built natively on the ServiceNow platform, this collaboration provides enhanced transparency, efficiency, and automation, empowering businesses to stay ahead in their digital transformation journeys.

Data I/O Corporation, a global leader in security and data deployment solutions for microcontrollers, security ICs, and memory devices, has announced a series of strategic organizational changes effective December 1, 2024. These changes reflect the company’s renewed focus under the leadership of William Wentworth, appointed as CEO on October 1, 2024. The restructuring aligns the company’s leadership team with its growth strategy, emphasizing market share expansion and customer success.

Key Changes in Leadership and Operations

1. Strategic Leadership Appointments

• Monty Reagan Appointed as Vice President, Sales & Marketing:
  • This position has been reinstated after more than a decade.
  • Monty Reagan, an industry veteran with extensive experience at companies like Avnet and BPM Microsystems, will lead sales and marketing efforts to expand the company’s reach in the global electronics supply chain.
  • His appointment reinforces Data I/O’s commitment to market expansion and customer engagement.

2. New Focus on Quality Assurance

• Matt Hunter Promoted to Director of Quality:
  • This newly created role underscores the company’s commitment to manufacturing excellence and operational efficiency.
  • Hunter will oversee global ISO 9001:2015 quality certifications and manufacturing quality standards, ensuring that Data I/O’s products meet the highest standards as it expands its global solutions portfolio.

3. Departures of Key Executives

• Rajeev Gulati, Vice President and CTO, and Michael Tidwell, Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Business Development, Depart:
  • Details regarding their departures have been disclosed in a Form 8-K filed with the SEC.
  • These transitions mark a streamlining of leadership roles to focus on customer-centric growth strategies.

CEO’s Vision for Growth and Market Expansion

William Wentworth, President and CEO of Data I/O, emphasized the significance of the organizational changes:

“These changes reflect a deliberate strategy to scale and grow the company. By streamlining our leadership and focusing on customer success, we aim to become a higher-value partner with a broader reach into the global electronics supply chain.”

The new leadership structure is expected to foster innovation, improve operational efficiency, and enhance the company's ability to serve its customers worldwide.

About Data I/O Corporation

Founded in 1972, Data I/O Corporation has been a pioneer in designing and manufacturing solutions for the electronics industry. Its data provisioning technology supports industries such as:

• Automotive
• Internet of Things (IoT)
• Medical Devices
• Wireless Communication
• Consumer Electronics
• Industrial Controls

With a portfolio of patented technologies, Data I/O provides secure, reliable, and cost-effective solutions to program and provision devices from early samples to high-volume production.

Data I/O Corporation’s latest organizational restructuring is a pivotal step toward achieving its growth objectives under new leadership. By appointing proven industry experts, creating roles dedicated to quality assurance, and streamlining operations, the company is poised to strengthen its position as a global leader in the electronics supply chain.