News Briefs

Momentum Worldwide has appointed Jason Alan Snyder its first-ever global chief AI officer. It marks a transformative move in the agency’s commitment to delivering intelligent brand systems through responsible innovation.

Snyder, who currently serves as chief technology officer and head of global production, will continue in that capacity. With Snyder at the helm of AI and production, Momentum is doubling down on scalable, intelligent and immersive brand experiences.

The agency's vision is to help clients navigate complexity through powerful systems that marry technology, creativity and cultural relevance.

Snyder's AI officer appointment signifies the agency’s recognition that artificial intelligence is not simply a technological shift but a business imperative in advertising.

"Jason's appointment reflects where our industry is headed — and how Momentum plans to continue to lead it," said Donnalyn Smith, Momentum Worldwide global CEO, in a news release. "He has a rare ability to turn complex systems into a brand advantage, and his vision ensures our clients stay ahead, responsibly and creatively."

An accomplished technologist and inventor, Snyder has led the development of intellectual property for Momentum spanning AI systems, data orchestration and real-time production technologies.

The advanced work has become a key part of Momentum's innovation strategies, enabling the agency to deliver proprietary solutions far beyond commercialized AI tools.

"This is not about hype — it’s about helping our clients navigate and lead through complexity," Snyder said in the news release. "As chief AI officer, my focus is embedding intelligence into every layer of what we do — from operations to concept to execution — making AI a trusted partner in delivering the smartest brand experiences."

Momentum has a rich legacy of technology "firsts," from real-time fan engagement platforms and spatial computing activations to immersive digital twins and generative content engines.

The chief AI officer appointment represents the natural next phase of that journey: formalizing AI as a strategic core of the business, rooted in innovation, ethics and outcomes.

Market research firm Circana has named industry veteran Cara Pratt as president, global retail and media, effective May 27. 

In this newly created role, Pratt will lead Circana's retail and media strategies, with a focus on strengthening its position as a strategic growth partner to retailers. She will oversee the evolution of Circana’s service model, bolster retail media network partnerships and expand capabilities.

Pratt will also lead the company's media strategies, leveraging comprehensive industry data, science and technology to improve advertising effectiveness.

"[Pratt] joining underscores the immense opportunity we see for our retail and media businesses, and our commitment to delivering innovative growth and media solutions that best serve our retail partners," Stuart Aitken, Circana president and CEO, said in a media release. 

"Retail and media are evolving rapidly, and our clients need to stay ahead," added Jeremy Allen, Circana chief commercial officer. "Pratt's deep knowledge and forward-thinking approach will strengthen our ability to deliver impactful results and help our clients navigate an increasingly dynamic and competitive landscape."

Pratt's Background

Pratt joins Circana with more than 20 years of experience in retail media, data science and consumer insights. For nearly eight years, she has held various roles at 84.51°, Kroger's data science, insights and media subsidiary. She most recently served as senior vice president, media, insights and loyalty. In this role, she oversaw Kroger’s integrated retail media, consumer insights and loyalty marketing business. 

She played a key role in launching Kroger Precision Marketing and connecting media exposure with in-store sales to help brands improve media performance and enhance the consumer shopping experience. 

Prior to 84.51°, Pratt had a brief stint as a retail client solutions executive at Circana predecessor, IRI. Before that, she spent more than a decade at Dunnhumby, where she held multiple senior roles, including SVP, specialty retail and sector expansion.

"As a former employee and partner, I have a distinct appreciation for Circana’s unparalleled data, science and technology," Pratt said in the release. "I am honored to join the company and look forward to influencing retail decision-making and helping the retail ecosystem win in today’s dynamic operating environment."

Complete Design & Packaging (CDP), a manufacturer of custom corrugated packaging and point-of-purchase displays, has officially opened a new 65,000-square-foot warehouse in Concord, North Carolina.

Pictured: From left, Keith Furr, general manager; Lisa Ashley, controller; Neva Wooldridge, structural design & project manager; Scott Sumner, VP/managing partner; Howard Bertram, president; Christiane Cardell, warehouse office manager and Eddie Kirby, plant manager.

The site, located at 245 Manor Ave., will serve as the primary shipping hub for all finished product orders not processed through CDP’s nearby Wilshire Avenue fulfillment center, and is across the street from its flagship headquarters and manufacturing operation, 280 Manor Ave. 

With dedicated outbound space, the new warehouse streamlines fulfillment to meet growing demand and ensures faster, more efficient delivery to customers. 

In addition to shipping improvements, the facility offers additional parking for CDP’s growing truck fleet and visiting carriers, reducing congestion and improving turnaround times. It also eliminates the need for temporary off-site rentals by providing built-in overflow space for increased flexibility during times of high demand.

"The opening of our new warehouse marks a major milestone in our growth strategy," Howard Bertram, president of Complete Design & Packaging, said in a media release. "This expansion not only strengthens our ability to serve customers more efficiently but also positions us for long-term scalability — providing room for additional equipment and increased order volume."

Meyers, a provider of sustainable packaging, labels and retail displays, has acquired Mankato Packaging.

Mankato Packaging, based out of Mankato, Minnesota, specializes in folding cartons and offers design, prepress, printing, die-cutting and finishing services. 

The acquisition strengthens Minneapolis-based Meyers’ presence in the folding cartons sector by blending the resources, technology and expertise of both companies, which serve overlapping industries that include food & beverage, life sciences, and health, beauty and cosmetics. Meyers partners with companies such as Hormel, Frito-Lay, Estee Lauder, Ulta Beauty, Saucony and Microsoft. 

"This is an exciting milestone for Meyers as we continue to grow our folding carton capabilities and expand the impact we can make for our clients," Christopher Dillon, CEO and co-owner of Meyers, said in a media release. "As an independent, family-owned company, we remain deeply committed to delivering exceptional service, driving sustainable innovation, and building long-term partnerships that go beyond packaging."

"This acquisition brings together two companies that share a deep commitment to quality, service, and sustainability," said Todd Loosbrock, president of Mankato Packaging. "Meyers’ industry leadership and purpose-driven mission made them the ideal partner to build on the strong foundation that Mankato Packaging has laid."

Burrell Communications Group has acquired Atlanta-based Fitzco, a 42-year-old full-service marketing agency, in a move that marks the first step in the creation of BCG Worldwide — a planned Black-owned agency network. The acquisition is effective immediately.

Founded in 1983 by Dave Fitzgerald, Fitzco is a mid-sized independent agency specializing in strategy, creative, media planning, buying, measurement and analytics. The agency brings a range of capabilities and a roster of clients that includes Waymo, Southern Company, Sylvania, Optum and Home Instead.

Pictured: From left, Ryan Boblett, head of creative, Fitzco; Keri Palmer, CFO, Fitzco; MJ Gort, head of analytics, Fitzco; Tara DeVeaux, CEO of BCG Worldwide and Claire Russell, head of media, Fitzco.

Fitzgerald originally sold the agency to Interpublic Group (IPG) in 1998, placing it within the McCann network of agencies. He returned from retirement and repurchased the agency in 2020. Fitzgerald will now serve as interim CEO of Fitzco, and its roughly 100 employees will remain on staff.

“The purchase of Fitzco marks a new chapter for Burrell Communications Group,” Burrell CEO Tara DeVeaux said in a statement. “It not only gives us heightened visibility and much-needed presence in the South, but also deepens our expertise and supercharges our agency’s offerings with some of the best and most brilliant minds in media measurement, strategy, analytics and creative.”

The two agencies will continue to operate independently but will collaborate when appropriate to share resources and best practices.

The acquisition was supported by FVLCRUM Funds, a minority-owned private equity firm that led the purchase of Burrell in 2023. “We have been very impressed with the team at Fitzco and believe that the combination of the two companies will accelerate the growth of the BCG Worldwide platform,” FVLCRUM partner Marques Martin said in the statement.

Channing Johnson, chairman, added, "This acquisition is an historic effort to create what we believe will be the new multiculturalism in the advertising space."

Southeastern Grocers (SEG), parent company of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie, has selected Net Conversion as its media agency of record. 

The independent marketing and analytics agency will handle media planning and buying, media analytics and advanced analytics to support data-driven solutions to boost customer loyalty, acquisition and overall growth.

According to a media release, Net Conversion’s “doing more with less” approach aligned with SEG’s growth-focused vision.

Key focus areas for the partnership include:

• Growing loyalty
• Acquiring new customers
• Stimulating demand
• Holistic measurement
• Innovative integrations

"Partnering with Net Conversion allows us to utilize their expertise in strategic storytelling and digital engagement, ensuring our brand reaches the right audience at the right time," Adam Kirk, chief customer and digital officer for Southeastern Grocers, said in the release. "[The company’s] methodology will be instrumental in leveraging our first-party data for targeted media campaigns, driving new customer acquisition and achieving comprehensive sales attribution."

[Also Read: Aldi Sells Southeastern Grocers Banners]

Net Conversion will apply its proprietary “MORE” methodology — Model-centric, Omnichannel, Results-based and Experiment-driven — to support SEG’s growth strategies. The goal is to enhance loyalty among existing customers through targeted promotions and rewards, while attracting new shopper segments through the grocer’s digital experiences and omnichannel media strategies.

"We understand the importance of delivering personalized and relevant experiences to SEG’s diverse customer base," added Ryan Fitzgerald, founder and CEO of Net Conversion. "Our goal is to leverage advanced analytics and innovative media strategies to drive measurable growth and strengthen the grocer’s position in the market. We will focus on growing loyalty by understanding and engaging high-value customer segments as well as reaching new customers through data-driven digital strategies."

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