Rich Jachetti Reshapes PR M&A Landscape with Bold Leadership Move

In a move that underscores both legacy and transformation, The Stevens Group, a cornerstone in public relations agency mergers and acquisitions, has announced Rich Jachetti as its new Co-Managing Partner. With the announcement comes a rebrand: the firm will now be known as The Stevens/Jachetti Group, reflecting the critical role Jachetti has played in the firm’s evolution over the past decade.

Art Stevens, the firm’s founder and longtime industry influencer, noted that “Rich has not only strengthened The Stevens Group’s position as a leader in the PR agency M&A market, but his unusually diverse background has expanded the firm’s purview far beyond traditional PR.” That expansion now includes digital marketing, influencer and performance marketing, social media, and data analytics firms—offering a more holistic approach for clients seeking strategic acquisitions in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Rich Jachetti’s journey to this leadership position is as eclectic as it is impressive. He began his career at PRSA, launched his own PR firm, worked for iconic brands like Cunard and Penthouse International, and held senior roles at agencies including Manning Selvage & Lee and DVC Worldwide. He even founded a marketing firm focused on professional services, EmotionMapping, LLC, which specialized in direct-to-consumer advertising and SEO.

At every stage, Jachetti brought not only marketing acumen but a deep understanding of the pressures and possibilities agencies face in high-stakes environments from crisis communications and casino development deals to crafting ROI-focused campaigns for global brands.

“In today’s hyper-ROI-driven agency landscape,” Jachetti said, “clients are looking for firms that can deliver more than just media relations. They want strategic insight, creative muscle, data fluency, and digital sophistication.”

The Stevens/Jachetti Group will continues to produce the acclaimed PR Masters Series podcast co-presented by CommPRO, which features in-depth conversations with leading voices in the communications industry. Recent episodes have showcased Peter V. Stanton, founder and CEO of Stanton Communications; Jim Weiss, chairman and founder of Real Chemistry; Diana Littman, CEO of MSL U.S.; Seth Linden, president of Dukas Linden Public Relations; Dave Armon, executive vice chairman of 3BL; Amy Binder, founder and CEO of RF|Binder Partners; and Maurice Lévy, honorary chairman of Publicis Groupe and a towering figure in global marketing and communications.

These conversations are not just industry benchmarks—they’re a reflection of the vision Jachetti is helping shape: one where PR M&A isn’t just about consolidation, but transformation.

For communicators, the takeaway is clear. In a media ecosystem defined by convergence, value is increasingly measured by integration. The Stevens/Jachetti Group’s new direction is both a signal and a strategy that recognizes the new demands clients place on agencies, and the critical role M&A plays in meeting them.