Apply takes over Sisu
Vancouver-headquartered Apply Digital has bought California digital shop Sisu.
Following the integration, Apply Digital will have more than 650 employees based in eight global offices across Canada, the U.S., Mexico, Chile, and the UK. The Sisu integration will allow Apply Digital to amplify its design offerings and expand into Los Angeles’ entertainment industry.
“Adding [Sisu’s] seasoned expertise to our existing creative talents will bolster our capabilities to deliver best-in-class experiences,” says Gautam Lohia, co-founder and CEO of Apply Digital. “This, along with their extensive brand recognition in the entertainment industry, will enable us to grow and better support clients.”
The Apply Digital team has launched more than 500 digital products and services for companies such as Nike, EA, Arc’teryx, Freedom Mobile and Lululemon.
Coleen Austin, Sisu co-founder and SVP of product and people, says it looks forward to collaborating with The Lab, Apply Digital’s R&D team, to bring greater innovation to its products and experiences, and to further the reach of its loyalty and membership practice.
Team Pumpkin sets up roots in Canada
Indian integrated creative and digital marketing shop Team Pumpkin is opening an office in Canada.
The agency says this expansion “marks a significant step forward in the company’s global growth strategy and its commitment to serving clients across the North American market.”
Team Pumpkin has offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata, and its Canada office will act as the central hub for North American operations, focusing on delivering a comprehensive suite of integrated marketing and tech solutions tailored to international brands with a local presence.
“North America is a dynamic and growing market with a strong demand for integrated marketing solutions,” says Ranjeet Kumar, co-founder and CEO at Team Pumpkin. “By establishing a central hub here, we will be well-positioned to enhance the support we provide to our existing clients and forge deeper connections with potential partners across the continent.”
Established in 2012 as a social media marketing agency, Team Pumpkin grew into a full-service, 360-degree digital shop, leading campaigns for international brands like Pernod Ricard, Bosch and American Standard.
New strategy communications and crisis management firm launches
Oyster Group officially launched as the country’s newest strategic communications and crisis management firm.
It is being helmed by industry veterans Mike Van Soelen, Amanda Galbraith and James Sanders, partners with decades of experience in business, media, law and government.
Its services will include crisis and issues management, media training and coaching, public affairs and GR, and brand monitoring and protection.
The firm claims it will bring a distinct approach by putting senior advisors shoulder-to-shoulder with C-suite clients, while leveraging the latest digital tools to shape narratives in an interconnected world.
Oyster Group counts as a strategic partner, Bruce MacLellan, chair of the Proof Strategies group.
