The merger between the two agencies will focus on driving strategic communications across four prime locations including London and takes effect in 2016

Ketchum’s Access Communications and Emanate, a unit of the DAS Group of Companies, have merged to form Access Emanate Communications and is set to operate as a standalone agency within the Ketchum network. The outfit will have strategic communications professionals located across four locations in the United States and Europe namely London, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.

Positioned to lead the firm is Founder and CEO of Access Communications, Susan Butenhoff, who will step into the role of Chief Executive Office for the newly established Access Emanate Communications on 1 January 2016 which is when the merger takes effect. Following a combined tenure of 22 years at Emanate and Ketchum, Founder and CEO of Emanate, Kim Sample, has opted to exit the agency.

Access Communications was among the first public relations agencies that focused on the nexus between technology and business and consumer audiences, while Emanate is known for its relevance marketing approach and deep brand expertise. Building on the strengths of each, Access Emanate Communications is prepared to offer a tailored, borderless staffing model for clients fuelled by nimble thinking, hands-on senior leadership, and multi-market, scalable resources.

“This is an exciting merger between two like-minded PR agencies. Both Access and Emanate are entrepreneurial in spirit and action. With complementary approaches to client service supported by similar values and shared passions, Access Emanate Communications will merge seamlessly to create a mid-size firm that operates with a power boutique mentality, designed to provide the full spectrum of communications services that clients need today,” said Butenhoff.

“In a world where technology companies are looking for more brand experience and where corporate and consumer brand companies want a deeper understanding of innovation positioning, our combined respective areas of expertise will better serve current and future clients.”

Access Communications was founded in 1991 to serve the communications needs of high-tech and consumer-tech companies in Silicon Valley, ranging from market leaders to start-ups. Today, it handles both technology and consumer brands, effectively understanding and segmenting communications to reach key audiences and influencers across multiple channels.

Emanate was launched in 2006 as a boutique agency fusing traditional marketing disciplines with community-building expertise. It presently leads the way with its relevance marketing positioning which allows getting to know target audiences through research, analytics and testing and by examining what’s relevant in their lives, what they care about, and what motivates them to act.

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