Stagwell raises stake in Real Clear Holdings, names new leadership

Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW) has increased its investment in Real Clear Holdings (RCH), the publisher of Real Clear Politics and creator of the RCP Poll Average, according to a company press release.

As part of the expanded partnership, Real Clear Holdings has appointed Jared Smith as president and Kristen Elliott as Head of Commercial. Smith previously held senior roles at Yahoo, AOL, WWE, and HuffPost. Elliott previously led revenue and brand partnerships for Vogue.com at Condé Nast and later served as Head of Revenue at Kargo.

Stagwell said the additional investment is intended to support hiring of digital media talent and expand the Real Clear portfolio. Planned initiatives include enhancing user experience across Real Clear properties, growing audio and video content, expanding the events calendar, developing subscription-based products, and launching a new vertical called Real Clear AI focused on artificial intelligence policy and regulation.

Real Clear Holdings also publishes verticals including Real Clear Defense, Real Clear Energy, and Real Clear Health, and produces podcasts, radio and television programming, and conferences.

"Over the past 25 years, Real Clear has built an incredible track record as a go-to source for political decision-makers and influencers," said Ben Berentson, CEO of Owned Media at Stagwell.

John McIntyre, CEO of Real Clear Holdings, said Stagwell's investment and the addition of new leadership "will empower us to accelerate our plans to reach new audiences with innovative products and content."

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