PARIS — MXP Ventures, the global agency accelerator and venture fund, has launched its fourth agency, Entourage: a communications advisory firm focused on CEO reputation and thought leadership.

Entourage is headed by Fabien Contino (pictured), an experienced advisor to CEOs and leadership teams on PR, crisis communication, litigation support, corporate restructuring, and internal communication. Most recently Contino was associate director at SHAN, a Paris-based strategic communications agency. He previously led crisis communication and media training at public transport operator RATP and was associate director at the Human to Human Agency.

Contino bills the new agency as a “next-generation consulting firm providing CEOs and business leaders with personalized, objective advice and integrated communication strategies to respond to the political, technological, economic and societal dynamics changing the world.”

Entourage is aimed at corporate decision-makers, organisations and professional federations and its offer includes internal communication, issues management, crisis communication, social media and corporate communications.

Contino said: “Never before has the role of the CEO carried more weight as corporations and society redefine the new contract that governs business. The stakes have never been higher for building and protecting the corporate brand and the CEO in a context of profound changes in public expectations. The team at MXP Ventures has been incredibly supportive in helping me get my agency off the ground.”

MXP Ventures was founded less than a year ago by Michael Young, the founder of San Francisco agency holding company Millwright Holdings, and Tilo Bonow, the founder of Berlin PR agency Piabo, with the aim of building the next generation of marketing services agencies.

Entourage is MXP’s second venture into France: in May this year it backed the launch of Ellipse Communications, led by international communications specialist Coraline Bardinat.

MXP has so far also backed two UK agencies: Bound to Prosper, founded by Lydia Hoye, previously the managing partner at Kazoo, a year ago, and Upside PR, launched by former Flagship MD Mark Pinnes in January this year.

Bonow said: “The launch of Entourage is further validation of our investment thesis that the future of communications agencies is independent, entrepreneurial and global. Fabien is a perfect example of a founder with a vision for a new agency start-up based on a strong track record, deep market insights and a passion for helping clients succeed. We are thrilled to be working with Fabien and his team and look forward to supporting him on his journey.”