NEW YORK — BCW has launched a strategic consulting unit specifically to help cannabis and hemp companies navigate the range of challenges associated with the burgeoning industry — market entry, regulation and consumer engagement among them. The group works to further the industry on a global scale and includes experts in research, data and analytics, federal policy and grassroots engagement.

NEW YORK — jacobstahl has launched a new service, called ISSUES360, providing companies from startups to multinationals with communications solutions for issues with global and in-market implications for a brand’s ecosystem, corporate reputation, internal culture, sales organization and target audiences. ISSUES360 was created in response to client requests for services around context, competitive mapping, customer insights, content and communication in one dedicated practice. jacobstahl co-founder Jeremy Jacob will lead ISSUES360.

RICHMOND, VA — The Martin Agency has launched a new cultural communications practice that will live inside the creative department. The practice, which is designed to help engineer impactful cultural activations, will be led by senior VP and managing director Jaclyn Ruelle, who joins from MullenLowe, and Greg Fischer, the agency’s senior VP, head of comms and engagement strategy.

NEW YORK  — The PR Trust has appointed tobias c. van Veen as its executive director. van Veen is an award-winning media and global communications strategist with more than 20 years of experience in higher education, technology arts and the digital humanities. Formerly the education and research advisor to The PR Trust, van Veen has spearheaded initiatives in digital communications including open access publishing and the mobile commons.

NEW YORK —  Investis Digital has acquired Vertical Measures, a Phoenix-based digital marketing agency specializing in digital marketing strategy, content marketing, paid and organic search, lead nurturing and conversion rate optimization. The acquisition of Vertical Measures further bolsters Investis Digital’s ability to deliver on its Connected Content™ approach, which combines effective storytelling and engaging digital experiences with performance marketing and technology to deliver measurable results for its base of 2,000 global clients. 


BOSTON — PAN Communications has released its latest eBook titled, Building a Thought Leadership Program to Drive Value and Trust. The book looks at best practices and overall strategy in an easy-to-follow guide for developing a winning executive thought leadership program.