GrowthOps acquires PR agency to expand capabilities

Marketing agency, GrowthOps, has acquired creative consumer public relations agency FORWARD, expanding the group's capabilities in high-growth sectors. The acquisition will see GrowthOps bringing earned media, influencer marketing, brand social content and activation capabilities to its clients around Australia and the APAC region.

By joining forces with GrowthOps, FORWARD will now have access to a broad range of strategy, creative and digital services from GrowthOps' other agencies, including AJF Partnership, Khemistry, PENSO and GO Digital.

Don't miss: GrowthOps Asia names first regional creative director

“We are thrilled they will be joining the GrowthOps’ stable. The move will enhance our ability to offer our clients end-to-end integrated creative, digital and earned campaigns,” said GrowthOps CEO Clint Cooper (pictured right) in a press release.

The acquisition is yet another important milestone as GrowthOps realises a new stage of growth for the group, said Cooper. “It follows the expansion of our digital capabilities and reach into the Middle East just over a year ago with the acquisition of digital strategy consultancy, PENSO.”

Like the PENSO acquisition, the FORWARD purchase is expected to turbocharge collaborations across the group to meet the full spectrum of its clients’ needs, helping to fuel growth in Australia, Asia and the Middle East.

"FORWARD turned ten last year, so the time seems right to take this major step in achieving our agency's growth ambition by joining one of Australia's fastest-growing independent growth experience groups. I am incredibly proud of our high-calibre team, and this move represents recognition of their significant achievements, capabilities and strength,” said FORWARD managing director Fergus Kibble (pictured left) who also founded the company in 2012.

On a leadership front, GrowthOps Asia appointed Adzam Bahrin as its first regional creative director to bolster its digital-first creative services just last year. In this role, Bahrin will lead the creative direction for Malaysia and Singapore, working on brands including Kia, Grab and RHB. He joins the senior digital team, including David Mitchell, head of creative; Wai Hong Tang, head of copy and Look Chee Heng, head of art, who are reporting to him.

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