MikeWorldWide

https://www.mww.com/

MikeWorldWide is a leading independent public relations and marketing firm, founded in 1986 by Michael W. Kempner. The firm operates with a core mission to help organizations enhance their reputation, viewing it as a performance asset that builds confidence and creates competitive advantages. While its corporate headquarters are located in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, the firm maintains an operating headquarters in New York City.

The agency offers a comprehensive suite of services, including corporate communications, consumer brand marketing, crisis management, influencer and creator marketing, social media marketing, public affairs, and research and data strategies. MikeWorldWide also specializes in specific market segments such as technology, digital, healthcare, sustainability, visual branding, B2B, LGBTQ+ diversity & inclusion, food & beverage, and professional services. The firm emphasizes a "reputation-first" approach, serving both B2B and B2C industries in what it terms the "reputation economy."

In recent years, MikeWorldWide has expanded its capabilities and global footprint. In February 2025, the firm fully acquired Berk Communications, significantly bolstering its expertise in sports, entertainment, and consumer lifestyle communications. The agency also launched PRISMA Labs.ai in May 2025, a proprietary platform integrating PR, AI, and strategic marketing intelligence. Further demonstrating its growth, MikeWorldWide opened an office in Mexico City in April 2025 and launched Everywhere, an in-house agency focused on influencer and social media marketing, in November 2024. Michael W. Kempner continues to lead the firm as Founder and CEO.

Latest updates

MikeWorldWide Bolsters Reputation Advisory Amid Rising Executive Scrutiny

Event summary

  • Mike Sacks, formerly head of Corporate Affairs at FleishmanHillard Chicago, has joined MikeWorldWide (MWW) as Managing Director.
  • Sacks brings 20 years of experience advising organizations on high-stakes situations, including regulatory investigations and crisis management.
  • MWW is accelerating investment in senior talent to meet growing demand for corporate reputation advisory services.
  • Recent hires also include Mahen Gunaratna and Jackie Cornell, expanding MWW's public affairs and government relations capabilities.
  • MWW is emphasizing data-driven and AI-powered approaches to reputation management.

The big picture

The hire underscores a growing trend among PR firms to offer more strategic advisory services, moving beyond traditional media relations to encompass risk management and crisis preparedness. This shift is driven by increased scrutiny of corporate leadership and a heightened awareness of the link between reputation and business outcomes. MWW’s investment signals a belief that this demand will continue to accelerate, particularly as geopolitical and regulatory risks intensify.

What we're watching

Client Migration
Whether Sacks will bring significant client relationships from FleishmanHillard remains to be seen, and could materially impact MWW's growth trajectory.
AI Integration
The firm's stated emphasis on AI and data-driven reputation management will need to translate into demonstrable client value and competitive differentiation.
Talent Retention
The firm’s ability to retain and integrate its recent senior hires will be crucial to sustaining its expanded advisory capabilities and avoiding internal friction.

MikeWorldWide Bolsters NJ Government Affairs Practice with Ex-HHS Official

Event summary

  • MikeWorldWide hired Jackie Cornell as Vice President, Government Relations & Public Affairs and Head of the Trenton, NJ office, effective March 31, 2026.
  • Cornell previously served as Regional Director of Federal HHS and Principal Deputy Commissioner for the NJ Department of Health.
  • Steve Sandberg was promoted to Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Public Affairs, to expand the firm’s New Jersey practice.
  • Earlier this year, Mahen Gunaratna, former advisor to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, joined as Executive Vice President of Public Affairs.
  • Brianna Hill, who previously worked at the NJ Economic Development Authority, also operates in the Trenton office.

The big picture

The aggressive expansion of MikeWorldWide’s New Jersey government affairs practice signals a growing demand for specialized lobbying and regulatory expertise, particularly in states with complex and evolving policy environments. This trend is driven by increased regulatory scrutiny across industries and a desire by companies to proactively shape policy outcomes. MWW’s focus on integrated communications – combining government relations, public affairs, and crisis management – reflects a broader industry shift towards holistic reputation management.

What we're watching

Regulatory Headwinds
Cornell’s experience navigating highly regulated sectors like cannabis and healthcare suggests MWW will prioritize clients facing intense scrutiny, potentially impacting deal flow and pricing.
Political Risk
The firm’s expanded Trenton presence, coupled with recent hires, indicates a heightened focus on New Jersey’s political landscape, which could be vulnerable to shifts in policy and leadership.
Execution Risk
The integration of Cornell and Gunaratna’s expertise will be key; their ability to collaborate and deliver on client expectations will determine the success of MWW’s expanded New Jersey practice.

MikeWorldWide Executives Recognized for Reputation Management Expertise

Event summary

  • Michael Kempner, Founder & CEO of MikeWorldWide (MWW), has been named to ROI-NJ’s Influencers: Power List consecutively since 2018.
  • Mahen Gunaratna, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at MWW, joins Kempner on the 2026 list.
  • Gunaratna previously served as Communications Director for New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Deputy Communications Director for New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
  • MWW maintains offices in Hasbrouck Heights and Trenton, New Jersey, and serves clients across diverse industries.

The big picture

The recognition underscores the growing importance of reputation management in a world where public perception increasingly dictates business success. MWW’s consistent presence on this list, particularly for Kempner, highlights the agency's established position as a key advisor to organizations facing complex challenges. The inclusion of Gunaratna signals a strategic focus on policy-driven reputation strategy, leveraging his government experience to advise clients navigating regulatory and political risks.

What we're watching

Political Shifts
The continued influence of Gunaratna, given his prior government roles, suggests MWW’s ability to navigate evolving political landscapes will be a key differentiator.
Client Retention
MWW’s reliance on reputation management services, particularly in a climate of increasing scrutiny, will test its ability to retain clients and attract new business.
Agency Growth
The firm’s expansion across North America, EMEA, and LATAM requires careful management to maintain its reputation-first approach and avoid integration challenges.

MWW Health Launches AI-Powered Policy Intelligence Platform

Event summary

  • MWW Health, a division of MikeWorldWide, launched HealthPulse on March 9, 2026.
  • HealthPulse is an AI-powered platform integrating policy intelligence, communications, and reputation management.
  • The platform utilizes PRISMA Labs.ai, MWW's proprietary AI platform, to provide real-time insights and predictive capabilities.
  • HealthPulse aims to help healthcare organizations anticipate regulatory changes and shape public narratives.

The big picture

The launch of HealthPulse reflects a growing need for proactive, AI-driven solutions within the healthcare sector, where regulatory volatility and reputational risk are increasingly intertwined. Healthcare organizations face mounting pressure to demonstrate transparency and build trust with stakeholders, and this offering positions MWW Health to capitalize on that demand. The integration of AI into public relations and policy communications represents a significant shift in how these functions are managed, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape for PR agencies.

What we're watching

Regulatory Response
The effectiveness of HealthPulse’s predictive capabilities will hinge on its ability to accurately forecast shifts in HHS, CMS, and FDA policy, and how quickly MWW can adapt to unexpected regulatory changes.
Misinformation Risk
The success of the PreBunk™ feature will depend on its ability to proactively counter misinformation campaigns, which are likely to become more sophisticated and targeted in the evolving healthcare landscape.
Client Adoption
The platform’s value will be determined by the extent to which healthcare organizations integrate HealthPulse’s insights into their core decision-making processes, rather than treating it as a supplemental communications tool.

Qwoted Data Crowns MikeWorldWide Top PR Agency

Event summary

  • MikeWorldWide (MWW) has been recognized as a top-performing agency by Qwoted's Annual Agency Awards.
  • The awards are based on performance data from over 135,000 PR professionals within Qwoted's network.
  • Evaluation metrics include responsiveness to journalists, engagement quality, reporter feedback, and media coverage success.
  • MWW employs over 200 professionals across North America, EMEA, and LATAM.

The big picture

The PR industry is increasingly under pressure to justify its value, particularly as newsrooms shrink and content creation becomes democratized. Qwoted’s awards represent a shift towards performance-based evaluation, moving away from subjective industry accolades. MWW’s recognition suggests a successful strategy centered on building strong media relationships and demonstrating measurable results, a model other agencies may emulate.

What we're watching

Data Dependency
Qwoted’s methodology introduces a new level of data-driven accountability to PR agency rankings, potentially shifting how agencies are perceived and hired.
Agency Model
The recognition highlights MWW’s emphasis on relationship-building with journalists, which may become a more critical differentiator as agencies face pressure to demonstrate tangible ROI.
Qwoted Growth
The reliance on Qwoted’s network for data means MWW’s standing is tied to the continued growth and influence of the platform itself.

Healthcare PR Firm MWW Elevates Communications Amid Adoption Hurdles

Event summary

  • MWW Health, a division of MikeWorldWide, is sponsoring Swaay.Health LIVE 2026 and maintaining a presence at HIMSS 2026.
  • The move underscores MWW Health’s focus on communications as a core growth driver for healthcare clients.
  • MWW Health serves clients across digital health, MedTech, healthcare IT, provider organizations, and payers.
  • Ryan Lilly, Managing Director at MWW Health, emphasizes the need for focused and credible communications to connect innovation with measurable outcomes.

The big picture

The healthcare industry is facing a critical juncture where technological innovation alone is insufficient for success. Tightening reimbursement, increased regulatory scrutiny, and workforce pressures are forcing organizations to prioritize adoption and demonstrable impact. MWW Health's strategic pivot to elevate communications reflects a recognition that effective messaging is now a prerequisite for growth, not a secondary consideration. This signals a broader trend where public relations and strategic communications are becoming increasingly integrated into core business strategy within the healthcare sector.

What we're watching

Adoption Challenges
The increased emphasis on communications by MWW Health signals persistent challenges in adoption rates for digital health and MedTech solutions, despite innovation.
Reimbursement Pressure
Continued tightening of reimbursement models will likely force healthcare organizations to demonstrate a clear ROI on new technologies, intensifying the need for effective communication strategies.
Agency Influence
The growing role of PR firms like MWW Health in shaping the narrative around healthcare innovation suggests a shift in power dynamics, potentially impacting the visibility and adoption of new technologies.

MikeWorldWide Bolsters Crisis Expertise with Ex-Murphy Aide

Event summary

  • Mahen Gunaratna, formerly a senior advisor and communications director to New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and deputy communications director to New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, has been appointed Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at MikeWorldWide.
  • Gunaratna's prior roles included managing communications during the COVID-19 pandemic and Murphy's tenure leading the National and Democratic Governors Associations.
  • MikeWorldWide cites increased client demand for crisis management and public affairs expertise as the driver for this hire.
  • The appointment is positioned as a strategic investment in MWW's crisis, corporate advisory, and public affairs capabilities.

The big picture

The hire underscores a broader trend of PR firms increasingly recruiting talent from political spheres to address the escalating complexity of corporate reputation management. The demand for crisis communication expertise is rising as organizations face constant public and regulatory scrutiny, and the ability to navigate political landscapes becomes a critical differentiator. This move signals MikeWorldWide's intent to capitalize on this trend and solidify its position as a leader in the space.

What we're watching

Governance Dynamics
The increasing reliance on political operatives within PR firms suggests a growing expectation that reputation management will require deeper engagement with policy and regulatory bodies.
Regulatory Headwinds
MWW's emphasis on navigating 'heightened scrutiny' and 'complex policy environments' indicates that regulatory pressures are a significant driver of demand for their services.
Execution Risk
Gunaratna's experience in high-pressure environments will be tested as he integrates into MWW and advises clients facing similar challenges; the firm's ability to leverage his expertise will be a key indicator of success.

MikeWorldWide's Culture Recognition Signals Talent Retention Focus

Event summary

  • MikeWorldWide and its subsidiary, Berk Communications, were recognized as a 'Top Place to Work in Communications' by Ragan in February 2026.
  • The award highlights workplace culture, leadership, and employee experience within the integrated agency.
  • MikeWorldWide employs over 200 professionals across North America, Europe, and LATAM.
  • The agency serves clients in technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer goods, and sports and entertainment.

The big picture

The PR and marketing agency sector faces constant pressure to attract and retain top talent, particularly as remote work and changing employee expectations reshape the landscape. Recognition like this can be a valuable recruiting tool and a signal of a company’s commitment to a positive work environment, which can impact client service and overall agency performance. MWW's focus on culture aligns with a broader trend of companies recognizing that employee well-being directly impacts business success.

What we're watching

Talent Retention
The award suggests MWW is prioritizing employee retention in a competitive talent market, a crucial factor for agency stability and growth given the reliance on skilled professionals.
Integration Success
Whether Berk Communications’ integration into MWW continues to foster a positive and collaborative environment will be key to sustaining this recognition and realizing synergies.
Client Impact
The agency's ability to translate its employee-centric culture into demonstrably better client outcomes and business results will ultimately validate this cultural investment.

PR Firm MikeWorldWide Bets on Supply Chain Communications Amid Rising Operational Risk

Event summary

  • MikeWorldWide (MWW) launched a dedicated supply chain, logistics, and infrastructure communications practice on January 28, 2026.
  • The new practice integrates existing MWW expertise in reputation management, crisis response, and ESG communications.
  • MWW cites increasing complexity, visibility, and reputational risk within global supply chains as the driving force behind the new offering.
  • The practice will support clients across sectors including transportation, manufacturing, e-commerce, and infrastructure development.
  • MWW previously advised a cold chain REIT during its IPO in 2024 and assisted a global e-commerce leader through labor negotiations.

The big picture

The launch of this practice reflects a broader trend of PR firms expanding into specialized areas to address heightened operational and reputational risks within critical industries. Supply chains have become increasingly visible and vulnerable, making proactive communications essential for maintaining stakeholder trust and mitigating potential crises. MWW's move signals a recognition that supply chain management is no longer solely an operational concern but a core element of corporate reputation and brand value.

What we're watching

Client Acquisition
The success of this practice hinges on MWW’s ability to secure contracts with companies facing significant supply chain pressures, a competitive landscape.
Reputation Management
How effectively MWW can position itself as a trusted advisor during actual supply chain crises will determine the practice’s long-term value and influence.
ESG Integration
The degree to which MWW can genuinely integrate ESG considerations into its communications strategies will be crucial for attracting and retaining clients focused on sustainability.
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