Cision Creates New Role to Lead AI Strategy: Appoints Antony Cousins as Executive Director for AI Strategy and Announces New AI-Driven Products and Approach for 2023

Rhea-AI Summary

Cision has appointed Antony Cousins as the new Executive Director of AI Strategy, effective immediately. Cousins, who joined Cision following the acquisition of Factmata in November 2022, brings extensive expertise in public relations and artificial intelligence. His responsibility includes integrating Factmata's technology for detecting harmful online content into Cision's products, while also developing generative AI solutions tailored for communications teams. Cousins aims to ensure that Cision adheres to ethical standards and regulatory frameworks in the US, UK, Europe, and beyond. In addition to his new role, he holds leadership positions in various communications organizations, advocating for the industry's advancement in AI technologies. This strategic appointment reflects Cision's commitment to leveraging AI in enhancing its service offerings.

Positive

• Appointment of Antony Cousins as Executive Director of AI Strategy could bring innovative leadership and perspective.
• Integration of Factmata's technology may enhance product offerings, particularly in monitoring harmful online content, which can attract more clients.

Negative

• Potential concerns about continuity in leadership dynamics as a new executive takes charge.
• Possible experience gaps due to Cousins' transition from a specialized niche to a broader strategic role in AI within Cision.

CHICAGO, April 18, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cision, the leading global communications and media intelligence platform, is pleased to announce the appointment of Antony Cousins as Executive Director of AI Strategy, effective immediately.

Cousins joined Cision through the acquisition of Factmata in November 2022. He is an accredited public relations practitioner who honed his PR and communications expertise in a variety of roles in UK Government organizations, including the Ministry of Defence, Home Office and Cabinet Office. Notably, Cousins provided press relations for British Forces deployed in Afghanistan, worked in counterterrorism and in strategy across the Middle East during the Arab Spring or "social media revolutions."

After his period of public sector service, inspired by the power of social media, Cousins spent a decade in artificial intelligence technology leadership roles, including serving as the CEO of Factmata, an AI marketing technology company focused on identifying fake news and other forms of harmful online content.

In the newly created role of Executive Director for AI Strategy, Cousins will be responsible for advancing Cision's AI strategy. This agenda includes rapidly integrating Factmata's technologies for detecting harmful online content and narrative monitoring into Cision's new products and platforms. He will also oversee the development of powerful generative text–driven solutions with the reliability that corporate, government and agency communications teams demand, and will ensure that Cision continues to develop AI solutions responsibly and ethically, ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks emerging in the US, UK, Europe and beyond.

Of his new role, Cousins said, "Cision is the only company in the industry with both the breadth and depth of contextually relevant data as well as the in-house engineering and communications industry expertise to responsibly deliver reliable, truly value-generating AI-enhanced services to our customers. I look forward to helping our global PR and communications clients take best advantage of the opportunities AI provides."

Cousins will also be playing a role in amplifying the communications industry's perspective in AI working groups through his recent appointment as co-chair of the Association for Measurement and Evaluation of Communications (AMEC) tech hub. He also has a long-standing role as member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) London Group. Additionally, Cousins is a member of the UK's All-Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence (APPG AI) and, through Factmata, is a founding member of the Credibility Coalition and UK Safety Technology Networks.

These leadership roles will help Cousins ensure that Cision, and the broader communications industry, continues to benefit from the rapid application of revolutionary technologies while respecting and protecting the power of public relations professionals, and the institutions they represent, to shape public dialogue. 

Jay Webster, Chief Product Officer at Cision, commented, "I could not think of a better person to lead Cision, and the industry more broadly, in the application of AI. With his first-hand communications and technology experience, Antony deeply understands the challenges and the opportunities that AI provides to the discipline of communications and media intelligence."

About Cision

Cision is a comprehensive consumer & media intelligence and communications platform enabling public relations, marketing and communications professionals around the world to understand, influence and amplify their stories. As the market leader, Cision enables the next generation of leaders to strategically operate in the modern media landscape where company success is directly impacted by public opinion. Cision has offices in 24 countries through the Americas, EMEA and APAC, and offers a suite of best-in-class solutions, including PR Newswire, Cision Communications Cloud®, Cision Insights and Brandwatch. To learn more, visit www.cision.com and follow @Cision on Twitter.

Contact Information:

For media inquiries, please contact:
Cision Public Relations
cision@kcsa.com

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SOURCE Cision Ltd.

FAQ

What is the significance of Antony Cousins' appointment at Cision?

Antony Cousins' appointment as Executive Director of AI Strategy is significant as he brings expertise in AI and public relations, aiming to enhance Cision's product offerings and strategic direction in the AI space.

What will Antony Cousins focus on in his new role at Cision?

In his new role, Antony Cousins will focus on integrating Factmata's technologies into Cision's products, developing generative AI solutions, and ensuring ethical compliance with regulatory frameworks.

When did Antony Cousins join Cision?

Antony Cousins joined Cision through the acquisition of Factmata in November 2022.

What are Cision's plans for AI in 2023?

Cision plans to advance its AI strategy by launching new AI-driven products and integrating advanced technologies for better content monitoring and communications support in 2023.

How does Antony Cousins' background benefit Cision?

Antony Cousins' background in AI technology leadership and public relations positions him well to lead Cision's efforts in leveraging AI effectively for media intelligence and communications.