A Publicity Drama: Ex-CEO's New Venture Sparks Lawsuits

In 2019, Cindi Berger and Mark Owens merged their publicity firms, PMK*BNC and Rogers & Cowan, creating a marketing giant named R&CPMK. Fast forward to 2023, Owens was ousted and is now accused of stealing employees, clients, and confidential information to start a rival firm, 2pm Sharp. The drama unfolded when 13 employees, including top executives, left R&CPMK in quick succession. The company believes Owens began planning this exodus in late 2023 and continued his scheming even after his dismissal in January. High-level execs like Lindsay Galin and Jeff Raymond are alleged to have downloaded thousands of confidential files before resigning.

R&CPMK is suing Owens and the departing employees, accusing them of breaking contracts and company codes. The suits seek a return of confidential info and damages. Berger, now the sole CEO, remains tight-lipped about the litigation. Owens and 2pm Sharp have yet to comment. This isn't the first time such a fight has happened in the agency world, with CAA suing Range Media Partners earlier this year.

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