WPP Buys Influencer Specialist Village Marketing

Marcoms giant WPP has acquired North America-based influencer marketing agency Village Marketing, for an undisclosed sum. The company will now join the Wunderman Thompson network.

Founded in 2013 by Vickie Segar (pictured), the firm employs more than 150 people to help brands use influencer marketing to create social media strategy and content for clients. From studios in Soho, Brooklyn and Los Angeles, Village Marketing showcases products within a contextually relevant setting - connecting off-line experiences to online communities.

The deal allows Wunderman Thompson to offer its clients and brands deeper and more direct access to influencers and creators. Mel Edwards, Wunderman Thompson Global CEO, says the company is 'a destination for brands who want to access the best creative minds and the strongest expertise in data and technology', adding: 'As Village Marketing joins the Wunderman Thompson family, we can make its full community of creators more accessible and available to our clients, who are among the world's biggest brands'.

Segar adds: 'This acquisition is a massive opportunity for us to leverage the expertise of a global leader to both turbocharge our investment in the creator economy and integrate influencer marketing into the broader marketing ecosystem. We can't wait to join the Wunderman Thompson family to continue to evolve the future of marketing and work on inspiring brands with entrepreneurial creators'.

Web sites: www.wpp.com and www.villagemarketing.com .