Rockfish Joins WPP

Dear clients and friends of Rockfish:

I am pleased to share with you today some very exciting news: Rockfish is becoming a part of WPP, the world's largest and most successful agency holding company.  The agreement was Thursday evening.  We have announced the news to our employees this morning, and are now also sharing it with our clients, friends and the media.

The decision to join WPP’s family of agencies came after a very thorough and thoughtful evaluation of many options, including remaining independent.  What I thought would be a difficult decision was actually very easy as I learned more about WPP, their enthusiasm for Rockfish and most importantly their commitment to our future.  

WPP is a highly regarded agency holding company -- it has offices in 107 countries, employs more than146,000 people, does $15B in annual revenue and was recently named holding company of the year at the Cannes Lions.  It is a privilege to be a part of this organization.

While this is a big change in many ways, in other ways some things at Rockfish will never change -- including our commitment to you as our client and to helping you leverage emerging technologies that will drive your business.  I want you to know how grateful we are for your partnership with us and how much we look forward to working with you in the years ahead.

Today is the beginning of the next chapter in the amazing Rockfish story.  As part of the agreement, I will remain as CEO and there will be no staff changes related to the acquisition.  In fact, we expect our relationship with WPP will only serve to accelerate our growth and help us continue an expanded team of top-notch talent who can offer our clients innovative ideas, products and services.

I am truly humbled by this opportunity to take a company I started with a single laptop at a coffee shop only 5-1/2 years ago and grow it into a world-class digital agency. Many factors have contributed to our rapid growth and success.  But as I reflect on our first five years, I can state with absolute confidence our success has come because of you -- our clients -- for giving us the opportunities to work on your business.  It has also come because of the amazing Rockfish team -- the talent who got us here and who will take us forward. 

I believe our best days are ahead.  Thank you for your continued confidence and friendship.

Kenny Tomlin, Founder & CEO