Public Inc. Acquires Rocket Social Impact, Merging Creativity with Strategy in a Booming Purpose Economy

NEW YORK, NY – March 10, 2026 – In a significant move signaling a new phase of maturity for the social impact sector, creative agency Public Inc. announced today its acquisition of Rocket Social Impact, a U.S.-based advisory firm. The deal, which closed on March 2, creates a North American powerhouse poised to meet the escalating demand from corporations and nonprofits for purpose-driven initiatives that deliver measurable, authentic results.

The acquisition unites Public Inc.'s nearly two decades of expertise in creative and communications with Rocket's reputation for disciplined, implementation-focused impact strategy. This merger comes at a critical time when organizations are facing intense pressure from investors, regulators, and consumers to move beyond superficial corporate social responsibility (CSR) and demonstrate tangible value.

“We continue to believe in the immense opportunity for purpose-driven organizations in the North American market right now,” said Phil Haid, CEO of Public Inc., in a statement. “Organizations are under pressure to demonstrate real impact, not just intention, and our goal is to grow our presence in the U.S.”

A Market Demanding More Than Intentions

The landscape for social impact and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) consulting is no longer a niche market; it's a rapidly expanding global industry. Recent market analysis projects the North American ESG consulting market to grow at a compound annual rate of over 11% through 2033, building on a market share that already generates billions in annual revenue. This growth is fueled by a confluence of powerful forces.

Regulatory bodies are tightening their grip, with measures like the SEC's proposed climate disclosure rules and California's landmark SB 253 legislation mandating greater transparency. Simultaneously, investors are increasingly directing capital towards sustainable assets, with ESG-focused institutional investments projected to represent a third of all global assets under management by 2025. This financial pressure is compelling companies to shift their focus from the quantity of sustainability disclosures to their quality, demanding robust, auditable data that links impact initiatives directly to financial performance.

This acquisition strategically positions Public Inc. to capitalize on this shift. The firm, a certified B Corporation since 2015, has long worked with major U.S. clients including Starbucks, the Obama Foundation, and L’OREAL. By integrating Rocket Social Impact, Public Inc. is betting that the future belongs to firms that can offer an end-to-end solution—from foundational strategy and impact measurement to compelling creative execution and communications.

Forging an Integrated Impact Powerhouse

The synergy between the two firms lies in their complementary strengths. Public Inc. has built its brand on helping courageous companies craft powerful purpose-driven narratives. Rocket Social Impact, conversely, has distinguished itself by engineering the mechanics behind the message. The firm is known for its data-rooted, implementation-driven approach that moves clients from simply counting outputs—like dollars donated or volunteer hours logged—to measuring real-world outcomes.

Rocket's portfolio demonstrates this focus on tangible results. For The Coca-Cola Company, the firm rebranded and executed an employee volunteerism program that sparked a 14-fold year-over-year increase in volunteer hours. For the nonprofit Covenant House, Rocket’s campaign strategy and corporate partnership development secured over $1 million in funding. This expertise in execution and measurement provides the strategic backbone that modern impact initiatives require.

“Rocket brings disciplined, implementation-driven strategy, and combined with our nearly two decades of strategy, creative and communications expertise, we can continue to drive impact forward for North American clients,” Haid noted.

This integrated model directly addresses a common pain point in the industry: the disconnect between a company's stated purpose and its actual operations. By combining Rocket’s strategic rigor with Public Inc.’s creative storytelling, the new entity can help clients build durable strategies, demonstrate multi-dimensional value, and craft narratives that are both inspiring and backed by verifiable data.

Navigating Leadership and Cultural Integration

Central to the acquisition's success will be the careful management of its leadership transition and cultural integration. In a move designed to ensure continuity and leverage existing expertise, Melanie Newell, the former President of Rocket Social Impact, will step into the role of President of Public U.S. Reporting directly to CEO Phil Haid, Newell brings over 15 years of experience developing CSR strategies and partnerships for brands like American Airlines and the National Park Foundation. Her leadership will be critical in steering the combined U.S. team and maintaining momentum with Rocket's existing client base.

Meanwhile, Rocket's founder, Rich Maiore, will be transitioning out of the business. In his parting statement, Maiore expressed confidence in the merger's alignment. “I’m proud of what we’ve built at Rocket and this work and service will live on at Public Inc.,” he said. “As a leader in purpose, Public shares our values and our belief in rigorous, people-centered impact work.”

Public Inc. has committed to a phased integration over the coming months, with Rocket operating under its existing brand in the near term to ensure no disruption to client teams or contracts. This people-first approach is vital in professional services, where talent and client relationships are the primary assets. For a mission-driven B Corp like Public, preserving a culture centered on purpose is not just good business practice—it is fundamental to its identity.

The B Corp Commitment to Cross-Border Impact

Public Inc.'s status as a certified B Corporation adds another layer of significance to the acquisition. With an overall B Impact Score of 110.7—more than double the median for ordinary businesses—the agency is legally and ethically bound to consider its impact on all stakeholders, not just shareholders. This framework provides a guardrail against mission drift during periods of growth and change.

Rocket's operational philosophy appears to be in strong alignment with B Corp principles. Its focus on data-driven strategies and measurable outcomes directly supports the accountability and transparency that are hallmarks of the B Corp movement. The acquisition reinforces Public Inc.'s long-standing commitment to the U.S. market while maintaining its Canadian roots and North American perspective, serving a diverse client base of corporations and nonprofits dedicated to advancing social and sustainability goals.

As the integration proceeds, the combined entity will be tasked with weaving Rocket's operations into Public's B Corp framework, ensuring that the growth in market share is matched by a sustained or enhanced commitment to social and environmental performance. The move represents a calculated effort to scale impact, demonstrating that a company can expand its footprint and financial success while deepening its commitment to creating a better world.