Red Peak Group Joins Hakuhodo DY Holdings' New Strategic Operating Unit Called kyu

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - May 9, 2014) - Red Peak Group is pleased to announce its acquisition by Tokyo-based Hakuhodo DY Holdings. Strategy-and-design firm Red Peak Branding and events management and sponsorship activation company RPMC, Red Peak Group's brands, are among the initial members of Hakuhodo DY's new strategic operating unit, kyu. This new unit will serve as home for a small, distinguished portfolio of the world's most entrepreneurial and generative agencies, design firms, and consultancies.

Red Peak Group founder Michael Birkin, an industry leader with more than 25 years experience, will become the CEO of kyu from July 1^st. "I'm delighted to have Red Peak Group companies be one of the founders of kyu, and to have the opportunity to build this new group for Hakuhodo DY Holdings. Having lived in Asia and worked with Asian companies for a good part of my career, this is a momentous next step to help both new and established brands grow across the world," said Mr. Birkin. "kyu's strategy, in which leaders of each partner firm collaborate to attract and build other companies that represent the future of our fast-changing industry, is a fresh and exciting approach."

Red Peak Branding CEO James Fox said, "Since starting in 2010, Red Peak's focus has been to create transformational work for our clients. This new relationship broadens our reach and will help us continue to grow and achieve that goal. We're thrilled to be a part of this new venture." Added Stewart Devlin, Red Peak Branding Chief Creative Officer, "The added breadth ensures we continue helping clients navigate today's complex marketing landscape and solve problems with innovative, collaborative approaches."

Stephen Hall, CEO of RPMC Europe said, "This is indeed an exciting next phase for RPMC to expand our footprint and activities. With this new partnership we will further enhance our best-in-class, advanced experiential services and sponsorships activations in sports and music." Kelly Weinberg, Executive Vice President, RPMC USA added, "Joining kyu and partnering with visionaries at the helm of leading multidisciplinary firms will ensure our ongoing success."

Red Peak Group was advised by Juniper2.

Red Peak Group, through Red Peak Branding, its new Red Peak Youth unit established to help marketers better connect with Millennials and lead thinking in this area, and RPMC, operates offices in Los Angeles, London, New York, Nashville, Rio de Janeiro and Taipei. Red Peak Branding clients include Acer, Intel and the United States Polo Association; RPMC serves clients including AB InBev, Emirates, McDonald's, Hard Rock International, Discovery Networks, Coca Cola, CBS and Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corp.