ZURICH —Farner has opened an innovation lab with academic and technology partners to collaborate with clients on pilot projects to “develop better brand experiences at the interface between technology, design and marketing.” CEO Roman Geiser said: “With the Farner Lab, we are expanding our established consulting services in the context of the digital transformation to offer pioneering applications that are unprecedented on the Swiss communications market.” The first pilot projects will be completed in the fields of voice as an interface, augmented reality/virtual reality and artificial intelligence.

LONDON — The Fourth Angel, the agency set up by 3 Monkeys founder Angie Moxham this summer, has been appointed by new female health, beauty and pleasure brand Woo Woo after a three-way competitive pitch. Woo Woo was set up by The Body Shop global brand manager Lucy Anderson (pictured, left, with Moxham), and its environmentally-conscious, 95% natural products include vaginal cleansers, balm and hair removal cream. As well as launching the brand, The Fourth Angel will aim to raise the level of debate around female sexual health and wellbeing, including the rise in sexually transmitted infections among young adults. The agency has now won five clients since its inception in June.

LONDON — Entertainment, arts and culture communications agency Premier has agreed to acquire Albion Media, the classical music and performing arts specialist agency whose clients include artists, cultural organisations, recording companies and foundations including the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal College of Music.

LONDON — Whisky brand The Macallan has appointed Citizen Relations as its global strategic communications agency, to roll out a digital-first strategy and content programme across Asia, Europe and the Americas working with an integrated agency team including the brand’s creative agency J.Walter Thompson London.

BRUSSELS — Cambre Associates has hired policy communications specialist Charlotte Matthysen, who joins the team from the American Chamber of Commerce to the EU (AmCham EU), where she advised on relations with EU Institutions as well as coordinating engagement for European CEOs. Matthysen, who previously focused on transatlantic policy for the German Marshall Fund of the United States, will work on clients across sectors including technology and external relations and trade.

PARIS — Omnichannel marketing platform Splio has acquired French mobile customer engagement startup Gowento, in a bid to become a European leader in mobile wallets and digital loyalty cards, inspired by the success of WeChat in China. Gowento’s clients already include Fnac, L'Occitane and Nicolas.

LONDON — Public affairs and corporate communications agency Newington Communications, which has five offices across the UK, has become a partner in global communications network IPREX. Newington CEO Mark Glover said: “We value creativity, hard work, integrity and building long-lasting partnerships, and we are excited to take this next step with IPREX and help our clients reach their key audiences no matter where they are in the world.”

LONDON — Financial services, energy, technology and engineering specialist agency Aspectus has been appointed by data transformation company BackOffice Associates to deliver its UK and EMEA communications programme, with a brief to focus on proactive commentary, thought leadership and content.