https://theprpost.com/post/8800/

Orchestra expands with Acquisition of Small Girls PR

Orchestra, the communications group behind agencies like Derris and BerlinRosen, has expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of Small Girls PR. While the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, Small Girls PR, known for its expertise in influencer and experiential marketing as well as traditional earned media, boasts an impressive client roster that includes brands such as Billie, Olay (a P&G-owned skincare line), and workwear retailer M.M.LaFleur. Headquartered in New York City and Los Angeles, the agency has a team of 75 employees.Mallory Blair, who co-founded Small Girls PR in 2010, will continue to lead the agency as CEO and will also take on the role of partner at Orchestra.Orchestra, founded in 2022 following BerlinRosen's acquisition of Derris, rebranded from BerlinRosen Holdings earlier this year. With this latest addition, Orchestra now owns 10 agencies, having acquired eight since 2022. The firm has built a reputation as a leader in PR for direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands like Everlane, Glossier, and Warby Parker.This acquisition reflects a growing trend of consolidation in the fashion PR industry. Fashion communications company The Independents has added five agencies to its portfolio in 2024, including The Sunshine Company, Bureau Béatrice, and Kitten Production. Meanwhile, The Lede Company acquired OBCM last year, showcasing a movement towards larger, more competitive PR conglomerates.
https://theprpost.com/post/6690/

Dig & Dig launches as The PHA Group's First International Agency

The PHA Group, an independent PR, digital and creative agency, has launched Dig & Dig, its first international agency. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Dig & Dig will offer a comprehensive suite of digital and social media services to propel brands forward.Dig & Dig boasts a robust service portfolio encompassing organic and paid social media, influencer marketing, digital PR, SEO, PPC, and content marketing. The agency is spearheaded by a seasoned Boston-based team led by Executive Vice President Matt Raven. Raven will oversee day-to-day operations, supported by Desiree Dileso, the agency's Vice President and Head of Paid Media. Both report directly to PHA's joint Group MDs, Shelley Frosdick and Stuart Skinner.Dig & Dig launches with a roster of impressive, fast-growing clients, including Workstorm, a leading secure work collaboration platform. Teams across the group's UK and US offices will collaborate seamlessly to service these programs.Matt Raven brings over 16 years of experience in digital marketing, search, and content strategy. He has a proven track record of success across owned, earned, and paid channels. Prior to Dig & Dig, Raven led the Digital practice at Look Left Marketing as Vice President and Head of Digital, crafting and executing breakthrough, insight-driven integrated programs for technology companies. Previously, he played a pivotal role at Boston-based agency SHIFT Communications, where he developed and launched the industry's first performance-based earned media offering, Optimized PR. Raven's experience spans renowned brands like Warby Parker, Citrix, and GoDaddy. He is a highly respected figure in the Boston business community, regularly engaging with students at Boston University and sharing his expertise at local industry events.Desiree Dileso is a digital media powerhouse with over 14 years of experience in planning, buying, and executing successful Paid Media campaigns. At Dig & Dig, she leverages her extensive expertise gained from over 13 years with independent media agency PGR Media. Dileso served as VP, Media Director at PGR, leading all aspects of integrated channel planning, from audience development and communication strategy to forecasting and reporting. Her deep understanding of the paid media landscape encompasses social, programmatic, CTV, audio, display, custom content, and outdoor advertising. Her hands-on approach and strategic vision have empowered numerous brands, including Vera Bradley, Sheraton Hotels, Westin Hotels & Resorts, Celebrity Cruises, and StriVectin, to confidently scale their marketing investments. Deeply involved in Boston's ad community, Dileso is a member of the Boston Interactive Media Association (BIMA) and has served on its board for over eight years.Dig & Dig marks a significant milestone for The PHA Group, following a period of substantial growth and investment spearheaded by Frosdick and Skinner since their appointment as joint MDs in April 2020.“The launch of Dig & Dig is the culmination of 18 months of meticulous planning and research,” commented Shelley Frosdick and Stuart Skinner. “We are incredibly proud of the Dig & Dig brand, which will be the first of many new agencies to join The PHA Group family.”“Client demand for international support and access to a new market were the driving forces behind Dig & Dig,” they continued. “Boston, with its thriving sectors and exceptional talent pool, is a perfect fit for our first international venture. We're excited to establish a strong presence here.”Frosdick and Skinner emphasized the collaborative nature of The PHA Group, highlighting how entering the international market with a digital and social-first agency will provide a competitive edge. Teams across all five of the group's office locations will work together seamlessly to deliver exceptional results for clients.