Exclusive: FHS Capital Partners expands with key hires
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FHS Capital Partners — an investment firm launched by communication industry veterans Bob Feldman, Bill Heyman and Don Spetner — has added Dave Samson, Gulden Mesara and David Kyne as partners, Axios is first to report.
Why it matters: This expansion signals there will more investment in the communications industry, especially as boutique advisories and comms tech platforms flood the market.
Catch up quick: FHS Capital Partners was founded in 2021 to help small communications firms, insights companies and comms tech companies get off the ground.
- As part of the investment, the firm also provides strategic communications counsel to its portfolio companies, which include Apple Cart, Morning Consult, DrivePath Advisors, Alethea, Next Practices Group, Qwoted and Integral.
Details: The hiring of Samson, Mesara and Kyne points to the evolving demands for strategic guidance that marries industry expertise with global perspective, as many companies grapple with regulatory scrutiny, tech innovation and change management.
- Before joining FHS, Samson led global communications for Chevron and Levi Strauss and Co., and international communications at IBM and Oracle. He also served as Edelman's global vice chairman, corporate affairs and U.S. chief operating officer.
- Mesara has deep roots in the health care space, having held leadership roles at Pfizer, AbbVie and Walgreens, while Kyne brings social impact expertise, having founded the Resilience Action Network International and Kyne Foundation.
What they're saying: "As the business landscape evolves, so does our obligation to provide thoughtful, differentiated guidance," says Spetner.
- "Dave, Gulden, and David bring unique perspectives and proven leadership that will help us broaden our reach while preserving the trusted, high-integrity approach our clients expect."
What to watch: The rise of generative AI is accelerating demand for communications leaders who understand both the technology and its effects on reputation, regulation and trust — particularly in highly regulated industries or across multinational companies.
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