NEWS18 June 2014

Engine USA acquires The Intelligence Group

US — Engine Group has acquired The Intelligence Group from Creative Artists Agency.

The Intelligence Group is a consumer insights and consulting company that tracks and forecasts the behaviours of young consumers.

The Intelligence Group will be merged with Noise, an Engine-owned creative agency that develops digital products and content designed to drive consumer engagement. The combined company will continue to publish The Intelligence Group’s Cassandra Report – a syndicated study of young consumers.

Current president of The Intelligence Group, Joe Kessler (pictured), has been named president and CEO of the combined entity, which is to be called Noise. Noise co-founder and former CEO Noah Kerner will become non-executive chairman and an advisor, while Jamie Gutfreund, formerly chief strategy officer at The Intelligence Group, will become chief marketing officer at Noise.

“It seems clear the marketplace is ripe for a comprehensive agency offering that combines research-driven insights and strategy with stellar creative execution and deep digital acumen to help brands engage with Millennial consumers more effectively,” said John Bernbach, president of Engine USA.

“We believe the new Noise is just that.”