Makovsky & Co: NYC Independent PR Firm, 1979 to 2026
Makovsky & Co. was an independent New York PR firm founded in 1979 by Ken Makovsky that ended operations on June 30, 2026 after 47 years.
Profiled
May 31, 2026
Desk
EPR Editorial Team
Firm summary
Originally published 2011. Updated October 14, 2026.
What happened to Makovsky?
Makovsky & Co. ended operations on June 30, 2026 after 47 years, according to O'Dwyer's. EPR's earlier profile, last edited before the closure, described the firm as active, independent and family-owned, so this page now records it as a closed firm.
Who founded Makovsky?
Ken Makovsky founded the firm in New York in 1979. O'Dwyer's quoted a message on its website in which he said he founded it nearly 50 years ago to actualize the belief that communications is a sacred trust between a company and its employees, shareholders, customers, industry peers or the broader market. EPR's earlier profile said he held a law degree from Washington University and was earlier at Harshe-Rotman and Druck, and that he founded the IPREX network of independent firms, but those details were not re-verified here.
What did Makovsky do?
EPR's earlier profile described investor relations, public affairs, crisis communications and integrated programs for financial services, healthcare and life sciences, technology and energy clients. O'Dwyer's said the firm's peak was about 100 staff and about 1,000 clients.
Which clients did Makovsky work with?
EPR's earlier profile named IBM, Ernst and Young, Citibank, Booz Allen Hamilton and others as clients across its history. Those names were not re-verified and the firm's client work has ended.
Where can readers find comparable firms?
For firms that are still operating in similar areas, see EPR's Prosek Partners and Joele Frank profiles and the New York PR firms page.
Related: PR agency profiles, PR leaders directory, New York PR firms
Makovsky & Co: NYC Independent PR Firm, 1979 to 2026 FAQ
Is Makovsky still in business?
No. Makovsky & Co. ended operations on June 30, 2026, according to O'Dwyer's.
Who founded Makovsky?
Ken Makovsky founded it in New York in 1979.
How long did Makovsky operate?
It operated for 47 years as an independent firm. Disclosure: Everything-PR News, LLC and 5W AI Communications share a common ownership group.
Editorial assessment by Everything-PR, based on public record and archive coverage. No firm-supplied marketing copy, no paid placement.
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