Stagwell Inc. (NASDAQ: STGW)–which maintains a network of varied shops, including such agencies as 72andSunny, Anomaly, Crispin Porter Bogusky, Doner, Colle McVoy and Forsman & Bodenfors–has acquired the remaining 49% of Instrument, a digital brand and experience innovation company. Founded in Portland, Oregon, Instrument employs over 400 people working on clients including Nike, Google, Salesforce and Epic Games. Stagwell’s predecessor company, MDC Partners, had acquired 51% of Instrument in 2018.
“Instrument is all in with Stagwell,” said Stagwell chairman and CEO Mark Penn. “Instrument is a first-rate digital company, having grown over 30% annually in each of the past two years. The entire leadership team has done an excellent job of growing their business while developing a culture of innovation, inclusion and outstanding client service.”
Stagwell’s additional investment in Instrument fully aligns Stagwell with one of its fastest-growing businesses, provides for easier-to-scale digital operations and creates greater certainty for investors through full-ownership. The deal includes a fixed payment amount spread across a three-year term, split between cash and stock in STGW. This mutually beneficial structure provides Instrument’s management with appropriate incentives for their efforts and creates significant shareholder value.
“We believe in Instrument’s future with Stagwell and are pleased to take the final step into the network,” said Instrument CEO Justin Lewis, citing the growth and development opportunities that Stagwell’s investment will provide.
SMPTE elects board officers, regional governors
SMPTE®,the home of media professionals, technologists, and engineers, has revealed the board officers and regional governors who will serve terms beginning in January 2025.
Three new officers--Richard Welsh as SMPTE president, Eric Gsell as SMPTE executive VP, and Polly Hickling as SMPTE Education VP--have been elected for a two-year term from Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2026. One SMPTE officer, Lisa Hobbs, will be continuing her service as SMPTE secretary and treasurer for another two-year term. Additionally, Raymond Yeung will be stepping into the role of standards VP on Jan. 1, 2025.
“SMPTE’s membership has spoken,” said SMPTE interim executive director Sally-Ann D’Amato. “These officers have been tasked with an important responsibility, one each of them is prepared to tackle head-on. These next two years are looking bright for SMPTE!”
In addition to the officers, 10 regional governors were elected by the Society to serve two-year 2025-2026 terms.
These include the following regional governors, re-elected to continue their service:
Asia-Pacific Region Governor
Tony Ngai, Society of Motion Imaging Ltd.
EMEA - Central & South America Region Governor
Fernando Bittencourt, FB Consultant
United Kingdom Region Governor
Chris Johns, Sky UK.
USA - Central Region Governor
William T. Hayes, Consultant
USA - Eastern Region Governor
Dover Jeanne Mundt, Riedel Communications
USA - Western Region Governor
Jeffrey F. Way, Open Drives
Also elected were four newcomers to the SMPTE Board:
Canada Region Governor
Jonathan Jobin, Grass Valley
USA - Hollywood Region Governor
Allan Schollnick, Voxx... Read More