This move strengthens Newlink’s global presence in one of Europe’s most dynamic communications markets. Newlink Italy becomes a new hub that will combine global expertise with local insight to deliver purpose-driven engagement strategies.
Miami, [6th October] – Newlink Group, ‘The Engagement Company’ headquartered in Miami, Florida with a strong presence across the Americas and Spain, today announced its official entry into the Italian market through the acquisition of EJ, agency founded by Massimo Costa. The move establishes Newlink Italy, a strategic Engagement consultancy, also recognized for its commitment to developing next-generation talent.
This acquisition marks a key milestone in Newlink’s global expansion. Building on its Iberian presence in Madrid and Barcelona, the company now extends into Italy, providing current and future clients access to integrated support across multiple countries, a broader portfolio of solutions, spanning from integrated strategies and innovative campaigns to cultural transformation and crisis management, with expertise across three strategic dimensions: Organizational Culture, Brand, and Reputation.
By combining local expertise with Newlink’s global perspective and planned expansion into new markets, clients at an international level will have a partner that understands the particularities of each country while also helping them capitalize on opportunities beyond their borders.
Founded over 25 years ago by Sergio Roitberg, Newlink has reimagined the consulting model through its proprietary philosophy: shifting from viewing people as “targets” to recognizing them as empowered actors and understating that the only way to truly connect with them is by finding a Shared Purpose that delivers measurable and lasting value. Staying true to this purpose-driven identity, the firm is now expanding further across Europe with plans to extend into Asia.
“This acquisition is not just about expanding our business; it’s about delivering greater value to clients around the world. With Newlink Italy, we bring a fresh way of interpreting the world, a more collaborative approach to planning, and proven methodologies to execute in ways that truly connect with today’s empowered actors. At the same time, it’s about embracing new cultures and talent. Italy represents a strategic gateway for sharing our Orbital Thinking with the world.”
— Sergio Roitberg, Founder & President, Newlink Group
Under the new structure, Massimo Costa will serve as Chairman and CEO of Newlink Italy, leading local operations within Newlink’s global network. As Newlink’s partner in Italy, Massimo will become part of Newlink’s global Leadership Team. As such, he will participate in all strategic discussions and bring a global perspective, cross-border expertise, and an international business network. Massimo’s deep knowledge of the industry and European markets will be a welcome addition to Newlink’s decision-making.
He will be joined by the agency’s partners: Jack Blanga (VP Executive Creative Director), Carla Giammillaro (General Manager), and Francesco Bacchelli (Client Service Director).
“I’m very pleased to continue strengthening our structure in Italy by joining an international group that supports our project for developing young talent in our sector. We are excited about this acquisition, which will allow us to support our clients also in international markets with innovative strategies.”
— Massimo Costa, Chairman & CEO, Newlink Italy
For Newlink, the vision is clear: to move beyond traditional corporate conglomerates and build a global network that is agile, diverse, human, and deeply rooted in its multicultural origins. In the months ahead, Newlink Italy will expand its team, enhance its service offering, and grow its strategic capabilities to attract leading companies seeking high-impact solutions in Italy and other European markets.
For Gustavo Martínez, Chief Growth Officer of Newlink Group and Country Manager of Newlink Spain, the opening carries a personal dimension:
“Launching Newlink Italy is especially meaningful to me. It reflects my strong bond with the country where I lived at different stages of my life, the opportunity to once again collaborate with Massimo Costa, a valued colleague from past ventures, and an important step forward in our group’s expansion. I’m truly delighted to see this vision become a reality.”
This will be Newlink’s eighth office worldwide, adding to its network in the United States (Miami), Argentina (Buenos Aires), Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo), Mexico (Mexico City), Peru (Lima), and Spain (Madrid and Barcelona).
The transaction was supported by Fieldfisher Italy and Nunziante Magrone.
About Newlink
Newlink is an international engagement consultancy firm with 500+ employees across the United States, Latin America and Europe (with expansions first in Spain, now in Italy) with a robust network of Strategic Partners around the globe. For more than 25 years, it has been successfully driving value connections in three areas of expertise: Reputation, Brand and Organizational Culture.
Its goal is to continue growing by strengthening its presence across the European continent and expanding into Asian markets in the near future.