FGS Global announced it has launched a new AI Advisory practice and acquired Memetica, a specialist consultancy focused on AI-driven threat detection and mitigation across social, dark web, and fringe platforms. The firm said the new practice will sit within its recently formed AI and Innovation group, led by Aaron Kwittken, Global Head of AI and Innovation.
The firm positioned the move as a response to growing client demand for support using AI and other emerging technologies to strengthen communications outcomes, improve operational efficiency, and defend reputations against a fast-evolving threat landscape. FGS Global said the practice is supported by a global team of more than 200 specialists spanning strategy, analysis, engineering, development, design, and data science, with expertise across digital influence, campaigns, earned, paid and owned media, influencer engagement, special situations, and crisis management.
FGS Global also highlighted FGS Labs, its in-house development team, as a key engine behind the new offering. The firm said FGS Labs built “Fergus,” an agentic AI platform used by more than 1,500 consultants across 31 cities, designed to help teams synthesize information faster and develop strategic recommendations.
With the acquisition, FGS Global said it is integrating Memetica’s capabilities to bolster early-warning detection, tipping point analysis, and threat mitigation strategies aimed at identifying and managing hostile online actors and coordinated activity that can escalate from online narratives into real-world consequences. The firm cited risks including AI-generated disinformation, deepfakes, SEO manipulation, doxxing, cybersecurity incidents, and violent threats.
FGS Global said the AI Advisory practice will deliver integrated services spanning generative search visibility, AI risk and crisis preparedness, advanced intelligence and analytics, and organizational transformation support, including technology audits, vendor selection, training, and change management for communications teams.
Memetica was founded in 2019 by Ben Decker, whom FGS Global identified as a technology researcher and former investigative journalist at The New York Times. The firm said Memetica has been a long-term partner and will now formally join FGS Global as part of the new practice.
KEY QUOTES:
“Organizations today face a dual imperative: harness AI to optimize workflows and strengthen stakeholder engagement while also safeguarding against AI-generated threats to reputation and operations. Our AI Advisory practice provides both the strategic framework and tactical and technical capabilities clients need to navigate this transformation confidently, persistently and effectively.”
Aaron Kwittken, Global Head of AI and Innovation, FGS Global
“The addition of Memetica comes at a time when clients urgently need sharper insights to manage threats to their reputation and license to operate from across a digital landscape that is evolving every day. With AI accelerating the scale and sophistication of online narratives, our advanced expertise in early threat detection and response will only become more important to our work.”
Alex Geiser, Global CEO, FGS Global
“The Memetica team has been a long-term partner of FGS Global and its clients, so we are thrilled to be formally joining the firm as part of its AI Advisory practice. We look forward to working with new and existing clients across sectors to demonstrate FGS Global’s unmatched capabilities in integrated, AI-driven reputational and risk advisory.”
Ben Decker, Founder, Memetica
