A major shake-up in the entertainment and communications world is underway! After seven and a half years, the stand-alone PMK brand is making a comeback, bringing with it a wave of talent and clients. This time, it's under the umbrella of Michael Nyman's Acceleration Community of Companies (ACC). But what does this mean for the industry? Let's dive in.
Following Nyman's departure from PMKBNC in *2018*, he launched ACC. Now, he's welcoming a significant portion of the staff from R&CPMK, a successor to PMKBNC, which is part of Interpublic Group (IPG). This move is more than just a reunion; it's a strategic shift.
Of the 77 former R&CPMK employees, 35 will be joining PMK Entertainment, a new entity within ACC. This new company will focus on talent, music, sports, content companies, corporate entertainment, and crisis communications. Cindi Berger, former CEO of R&CPMK, will lead PMK Entertainment as CEO, reporting directly to ACC's founder, Michael Nyman. This marks a full-circle moment, as both Berger and Nyman previously held co-chairman and CEO roles at PMK*BNC.
"This is a full-circle moment that reflects the power of our model," Nyman stated, highlighting the team's shared history and the value of their collective experience. The integration aims to leverage their expertise in entertainment and branding to drive strategic growth, approaching the talent business with a comprehensive strategy.
But here's where it gets controversial: IPG, the parent company of R&CPMK, has been undergoing significant restructuring, including eliminating 3,200 jobs this year. This move comes ahead of its acquisition by Omnicom. R&CPMK was slated to operate in its previous form until November 16th.
This transition sees R&CPMK personnel and clients spread across three of ACC's specialized marketing and communications agencies: PMK Entertainment, ACC Advisory, and DKC. PMK Entertainment's impressive client roster includes names like Antoine Fuqua, Billy Bob Thornton, Denzel Washington, Kevin Costner, and the Grammy Awards, among others. It will collaborate with ACC's recently launched Ingenuity Group, a talent and entertainment brand consultancy.
Twenty former R&CPMK employees from the brand side will become part of Advisory, ACC's in-house marketing consultancy, while another 22 will join DKC, a communications firm specializing in building brands. Brand clients represented by the incoming teams include Gibson, PlayStation, and Royal Caribbean.
Interestingly, two brands previously represented by R&CPMK, McDonald’s and Mastercard, will remain with another IPG agency. The transition of R&CPMK staff, which at its peak included as many as 300 employees, has been supported by IPG.
"I’m proud to be reuniting with Michael Nyman and ACC for our next chapter," Berger said, emphasizing the innovative model that empowers the team and positions their clients at the forefront of culture. With PMK Entertainment, they aim to honor their legacy while embracing a forward-thinking approach.
With this influx of talent, ACC's headcount has grown to over 620 people, operating across 12 offices in the U.S., the UK, and the Philippines. The former R&CPMK employees will be based in offices in New York and Los Angeles.
"I’m thrilled to be a part of the next generation of brand marketing, public relations, and entertainment," said Alan Nierob, Chairman of Entertainment. This move marks an exciting opportunity for both clients and staff.
What are your thoughts on this reshuffling? Do you think this reunion will be a success? Share your opinions in the comments below! What are the potential impacts of these changes on the entertainment industry?
