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MikeWorldWide (MWW): Independent PR Firm Profile and CEO

MikeWorldWide (MWW), formerly MWW Group, is an independent PR firm founded in 1986 by Michael Kempner, who bought it back from IPG in 2011. See its history.

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Specialty

Large Independents

Profiled

Jun 3, 2026

Desk

EPR Editorial Team

Firm summary

MikeWorldWide (MWW), formerly MWW Group, is an independent public relations firm founded in 1986 by Michael Kempner, who remains founder and CEO. Kempner led a management buyout from Interpublic in January 2011, ten years after selling it, per O'Dwyer's. In May 2026 MWW acquired the workforce communications firm HudsonLake, per ROI-NJ and Houlihan Lokey.

Originally published June 2026. Updated October 17, 2026.

How did MWW become independent again?

O'Dwyer's reported in January 2011 that Kempner, then MWW Group president and CEO, led a management buyout from Interpublic ten years after Interpublic acquired the firm. The deal included the Financial Relations Board, which had been under his purview since 2005, and O'Dwyer's said most executives in the buyout had been with the firm during its original sale. NJBIZ quoted Kempner saying Interpublic wasn't fulfilling its investment potential in the firm.

Who founded and leads MWW?

O'Dwyer's reported that Kempner founded the firm in 1986 after serving as legislative director for New Jersey congressman Robert Torricelli, building a public affairs and lobbying shop that branched into consumer and technology PR. He remains founder and CEO, per the May 2026 HudsonLake announcements.

What did MWW announce in 2026?

MWW announced the acquisition of HudsonLake, a strategic communications firm specializing in organizational change, employee experience and workforce communications, in May 2026. HudsonLake continues to operate as HudsonLake, a MikeWorldWide company, and Houlihan Lokey advised MWW. Kempner said the deal builds reputation from the inside out.

What does MWW do?

MWW describes an integrated platform spanning corporate communications, digital strategy, influencer engagement, AI, analytics, sports marketing and workforce communications, per a May 2026 report. EPR's New Jersey PR firms and New York PR firms pages place it among regional peers.

How does MWW compare with other independent PR firms?

Large independents with EPR profiles include Finn Partners, Ruder Finn and We. Communications. Another New Jersey firm is Coyne PR.

Related: PR agency profiles, PR leaders, New Jersey PR firms, Atlantic City PR firms, 5W Public Relations

MikeWorldWide (MWW): Independent PR Firm Profile and CEO FAQ

Is MikeWorldWide independent?

Yes. Michael Kempner led a management buyout from Interpublic in January 2011, per O'Dwyer's.

Who is the CEO of MikeWorldWide?

Michael Kempner is founder and CEO.

When was MWW founded?

Kempner founded it in New Jersey in 1986.

What did MWW acquire in 2026?

HudsonLake, a workforce and change communications firm, in May 2026.

Editorial assessment by Everything-PR, based on public record and archive coverage. No firm-supplied marketing copy, no paid placement.

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