MikeWorldWide Founder Michael Kempner Named to Crain's 2026 Notable Leaders in Communications

MikeWorldWide founder and CEO Michael Kempner has been named to Crain's New York Business' 2026 Notable Leaders in Communications list, the agency said in a PR Newswire announcement on November 5, 2026. The recognition arrives as MikeWorldWide, an independent public relations and integrated communications agency founded in 1986, marks its 40th year in business.

Kempner's Crain's Honor and MWW's 40th Year

Crain's published the report on CrainsNewYork.com. The list recognizes executives who are advancing the communications industry and making a meaningful impact on their organizations and communities, according to the announcement. Honorees are selected through a peer nomination and editorial review process.

The honor comes in what the agency describes as a landmark year. Kempner founded MWW in 1986, and in 2026 the firm marks its 40th year, a milestone accompanied by what is projected to be the strongest revenue year in its history. The Crain's recognition also follows Kempner's selection earlier this year as a 2026 PRNEWS People of the Year honoree; the 2026 class was celebrated at the PRNEWS Platinum Awards Gala in New York City in October.

"Forty years ago, I started MWW with a simple belief: that great communications can move businesses, brands and people forward," Kempner said. "I'm honored to be recognized by Crain's, but this belongs to our team."

Under Kempner's leadership, MWW has grown into one of the largest independent PR firms in the world, with offices across the United States, Mexico and the UK. He is a longtime board member of the New York Coalition for the Homeless and past chair of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.

MikeWorldWide's Recent Expansion Moves

According to akta.pro company records, MikeWorldWide acquired HudsonLake, a change-management and workforce communications firm, on May 6, 2026, adding organizational transformation, employer branding and labor relations capabilities. The same records show the agency appointed Dave Aglar, a nearly 20-year Weber Shandwick veteran, as Chief Integrated Media & Innovation Officer in May 2026 to lead media, analytics, research and its AI initiative. MikeWorldWide also relaunched and grew its DC Metro office that month, reinforcing its work at the intersection of communications, policy and public affairs.

Leadership Appointments Through 2026

Earlier in 2026, MikeWorldWide named Darrin Kayser Energy Managing Director to lead its growing energy practice, effective June 30, 2026, PR Newswire reported. In July, the agency appointed Joseph Sorrentino as its first Chief Intelligence Officer, according to PR Newswire. HudsonLake promoted Quinton Crenshaw to president in September, with Kim Cerda and Sue Garman elevated to executive vice presidents and Jared Engeset named senior vice president, Third News reported.

The full Crain's New York Business 2026 Notable Leaders in Communications report is available at CrainsNewYork.com.