Latest news with #MGT
Chicago Tribune
17-06-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Column: Jon Kendseth begins work as Park Forest's eighth village manager
Park Forest's new village manager, Jon Kindseth, was introduced to the public at Monday night's Village Board meeting, although most of the meeting was spent honoring the man he is succeeding, Tom Mick. Kindseth, the eighth manager in the 76-year history of the community, spoke briefly and for most of the meeting heard the tributes to Mick while standing in the back of the crowded room. Mick, who is leaving after serving as the village manager for 20 years, was praised by board members for his dedication, commitment and building of trust. Hired as the director of personnel under then manager Janet Muchnik in 1998, Mick was promoted to assistant village manager in 2001 and became the village manager in 2005. Mick announced his planned retirement last some 11 months ago, generating an intensive search for his replacement. Village Trustee Erin Slone, along with fellow board members Theresa Settles, Tiffani Graham and John Moore, began the search for Mick's replacement last July. The process also included Mayor Joe Woods and department heads, national, regional, state, Black and Latino manager groups, and the services of MGT, a national consulting firm, which whittled down an initial list of 62 applicants to a dozen. The finalists all had a master's degree in public administration and from five to seven years of governmental experience. From those 12, six were invited for either personal or virtual interviews with the board, and from there two were invited back for interviews with department heads and a tour of the village. Slone said it was evident that Kindseth stood out. 'What we saw impressed us all,' she said. At the end of the tour, Slone said, Kindseth offered suggestions for trustees 'even if he said he was not chosen.' Kindseth graduated from Illinois State University in 2009 and was an intern with the west suburban community of Westchester for two years, and then assistant to Highwood's manager for another 17 months. In December, 2021, he became the village administrator for Beach Park, a small north suburban village. It was a position he held until he was appointed the deputy city manager of Decatur in 2019. In Beach Park, he joined with the neighboring communities of Zion and Winthrop Harbor in an agreement to hire an economic development coordinator to market the three municipalities as one unit, sharing sales taxes earned by new business brought to the area. Under terms of the Park Forest contract, Kindseth will be paid $196,000 this year with a $4,000 raise to $200,000 in 2026.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aive raises 12 million euros to become the world's leader in automated video post-production
Olivier Reynaud & Rudy Lellouche, cofounders of Aive Aive's platform PRESS RELEASEParis, June 5th 2025 Aive raises 12 million euros to become the world's leaderin automated video post-production Its AI creative co-pilot is capable of generating - in just a few clicks - from a single original video, any desired variation of content (length, format, subtitles, localization...). On the market since early 2024, Aive's proprietary technology has already won over more than 40 customers, including Stellantis, LVMH, Clarins, Groupe Seb, Meetic, Publicis, IPG, Datawords and Omnicom. This Series A, led by Invus, aims to accelerate the large-scale deployment of Aive, whose objective is to become the world leader in this fast-growing market. Paris, June 5th 2025 – Video post-production automation platform Aive raises €12 million in Series A funding, led by international investment firm Invus. This round of financing, which comes just over a year after the launch of its solution, supports Aive's ambition to become the global reference in a fast-expanding video market, based on its proprietary MGT (Multimodal Generative Technology) - a unique innovation that combines artificial intelligence, creativity and performance. Create better, faster - in the age of omnipresent video Video content has exploded in the last ten years and now accounts for over 80% of all digital content consumed. For brands, agencies and media, creating personalized content, tailored to each platform and audience, has become essential. But this need generates a considerable workload: nearly half of creative professionals say they spend more than 50% of their time on repetitive adaptation tasks. Aive responds to this challenge with a solution capable of automatically producing an optimized version for each channel, format or objective, from a single video. Proprietary technology dedicated to enhancing creative in 2019 by Olivier Reynaud, one of the co-founders of Teads (acquired by Altice in 2017), and Rudy Lellouche, former Adyoulike executive, Aive officially entered the market in January 2024 after an intensive R&D phase. At the heart of Aive: an exclusive and proprietary technology 'MGT' (Multimodal Generative Technology), which combines Generative AI, Analytical AI and multimodal analysis (image, sound, text, emotions, rhythm...). Its technological engine is based on a genetic algorithm capable of generating up to 100,000 back-end variations from a user-defined creative prompt. It automatically selects the best version, according to precise marketing objectives: performance on a social network, emotional impact, branding, storytelling... This result is presented via a creative AI co-pilot, which highlights the strengths of the proposed version, suggests concrete adjustments, and helps achieve a tailor-made performance score. 'Thanks to the convergence of AI Analytics, Generative AI, and our genetic optimization technology, Aive doesn't just automate creation: it maximizes performance. We've seen our customers achieve up to — Rudy Lellouche, CPTO & Aive cofounder A solution designed for large companies in all sectors Aive was designed for the requirements of large organizations, with technology that is 100% secure, hosted in Europe, and adaptable to the constraints of international groups. Its data-first approach aligns every piece of content with a clear performance objective, while guaranteeing creativity and brand consistency. The platform is used in all industries - luxury, retail, media, entertainment, FMCG, automotive... - and on all types of content: ads, stories, trailers, organic videos, internal content, movies or TV shows. Aive's 'AI creative co-pilot' is 30 times faster (from tens of hours to a few minutes) and 20 times more cost-effective than non-automated solutions currently on the market. While its solution is aimed primarily at creative teams, professionals or semi-professionals with video needs (marketing, social media, communication...) the company hopes in the longer term to see its technology embraced by small and medium-sized businesses, or even content creators. Rapid growth and world-class customers Launched commercially in early 2024, Aive has already been adopted by over 40 international groups, including Stellantis, LVMH, Clarins, Groupe Seb, Meetic, Publicis, IPG, Datawords and Omnicom. With more than a million euros in annual recurring revenues, including 15% generated in the United States, the startup is entering an acceleration phase. With a staff of 20, Aive plans to triple its workforce by the end of 2026 to strengthen its technological lead and expand internationally. 'Our mission is simple: enable brands to produce videos more effectively, more quickly, and with a level of security and personalization to match their challenges. This fundraising will enable us to take a new step in our development and confirm our global ambition.'— Olivier Reynaud, CEO & Aive cofounder 'Aive combines performance, scalability, and creative intelligence in a single platform. We believe in their ability to redefine video production standards on a global scale, and we're delighted to partner with Olivier and Rudy in this new phase of development.'— Benedetto Staccia, Managing Director, Invus Aive will be attending Viva Technology – 2025 Edition, Europe's biggest startup and tech event, from June 11 to 14, at the AWS E11-004 space. About AiveFounded in 2019 in Paris by Olivier Reynaud (CEO) and Rudy Lellouche (CPTO), Aive is the first artificial intelligence platform dedicated to automating video post-production for businesses. Its mission: to support creative teams with a creative AI co-pilot and cutting-edge proprietary technology, MGT (Multimodal Generative Technology), able to automatically edit, personalize and optimize different versions of content, whether it comes from a single source video or a mix of several videos. Each version is then adapted to the targeted formats, channels and distribution objectives. Designed for all sectors - brands, agencies, media, TV, cinema... - Aive aims to become the world leader in automated video post-production. About InvusSince 1985, Invus has supported entrepreneurs in developing ambitious projects and transforming their business sectors. With a continuous capital structure of over $10 billion under management and offices in North America, Europe and Asia, Invus' investments are focused on the software, consumer and life sciences sectors. Press Contacts - Agence RaoulCélia Jacquemond - celia@ - 06 89 53 25 18Chiara Serafini - chiara@ - 06 63 64 18 03 Attachments Olivier Reynaud & Rudy Lellouche, cofounders of Aive Aive's platformSign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aive raises 12 million euros to become the world's leader in automated video post-production
Olivier Reynaud & Rudy Lellouche, cofounders of Aive Aive's platform PRESS RELEASEParis, June 5th 2025 Aive raises 12 million euros to become the world's leaderin automated video post-production Its AI creative co-pilot is capable of generating - in just a few clicks - from a single original video, any desired variation of content (length, format, subtitles, localization...). On the market since early 2024, Aive's proprietary technology has already won over more than 40 customers, including Stellantis, LVMH, Clarins, Groupe Seb, Meetic, Publicis, IPG, Datawords and Omnicom. This Series A, led by Invus, aims to accelerate the large-scale deployment of Aive, whose objective is to become the world leader in this fast-growing market. Paris, June 5th 2025 – Video post-production automation platform Aive raises €12 million in Series A funding, led by international investment firm Invus. This round of financing, which comes just over a year after the launch of its solution, supports Aive's ambition to become the global reference in a fast-expanding video market, based on its proprietary MGT (Multimodal Generative Technology) - a unique innovation that combines artificial intelligence, creativity and performance. Create better, faster - in the age of omnipresent video Video content has exploded in the last ten years and now accounts for over 80% of all digital content consumed. For brands, agencies and media, creating personalized content, tailored to each platform and audience, has become essential. But this need generates a considerable workload: nearly half of creative professionals say they spend more than 50% of their time on repetitive adaptation tasks. Aive responds to this challenge with a solution capable of automatically producing an optimized version for each channel, format or objective, from a single video. Proprietary technology dedicated to enhancing creative in 2019 by Olivier Reynaud, one of the co-founders of Teads (acquired by Altice in 2017), and Rudy Lellouche, former Adyoulike executive, Aive officially entered the market in January 2024 after an intensive R&D phase. At the heart of Aive: an exclusive and proprietary technology 'MGT' (Multimodal Generative Technology), which combines Generative AI, Analytical AI and multimodal analysis (image, sound, text, emotions, rhythm...). Its technological engine is based on a genetic algorithm capable of generating up to 100,000 back-end variations from a user-defined creative prompt. It automatically selects the best version, according to precise marketing objectives: performance on a social network, emotional impact, branding, storytelling... This result is presented via a creative AI co-pilot, which highlights the strengths of the proposed version, suggests concrete adjustments, and helps achieve a tailor-made performance score. 'Thanks to the convergence of AI Analytics, Generative AI, and our genetic optimization technology, Aive doesn't just automate creation: it maximizes performance. We've seen our customers achieve up to — Rudy Lellouche, CPTO & Aive cofounder A solution designed for large companies in all sectors Aive was designed for the requirements of large organizations, with technology that is 100% secure, hosted in Europe, and adaptable to the constraints of international groups. Its data-first approach aligns every piece of content with a clear performance objective, while guaranteeing creativity and brand consistency. The platform is used in all industries - luxury, retail, media, entertainment, FMCG, automotive... - and on all types of content: ads, stories, trailers, organic videos, internal content, movies or TV shows. Aive's 'AI creative co-pilot' is 30 times faster (from tens of hours to a few minutes) and 20 times more cost-effective than non-automated solutions currently on the market. While its solution is aimed primarily at creative teams, professionals or semi-professionals with video needs (marketing, social media, communication...) the company hopes in the longer term to see its technology embraced by small and medium-sized businesses, or even content creators. Rapid growth and world-class customers Launched commercially in early 2024, Aive has already been adopted by over 40 international groups, including Stellantis, LVMH, Clarins, Groupe Seb, Meetic, Publicis, IPG, Datawords and Omnicom. With more than a million euros in annual recurring revenues, including 15% generated in the United States, the startup is entering an acceleration phase. With a staff of 20, Aive plans to triple its workforce by the end of 2026 to strengthen its technological lead and expand internationally. 'Our mission is simple: enable brands to produce videos more effectively, more quickly, and with a level of security and personalization to match their challenges. This fundraising will enable us to take a new step in our development and confirm our global ambition.'— Olivier Reynaud, CEO & Aive cofounder 'Aive combines performance, scalability, and creative intelligence in a single platform. We believe in their ability to redefine video production standards on a global scale, and we're delighted to partner with Olivier and Rudy in this new phase of development.'— Benedetto Staccia, Managing Director, Invus Aive will be attending Viva Technology – 2025 Edition, Europe's biggest startup and tech event, from June 11 to 14, at the AWS E11-004 space. About AiveFounded in 2019 in Paris by Olivier Reynaud (CEO) and Rudy Lellouche (CPTO), Aive is the first artificial intelligence platform dedicated to automating video post-production for businesses. Its mission: to support creative teams with a creative AI co-pilot and cutting-edge proprietary technology, MGT (Multimodal Generative Technology), able to automatically edit, personalize and optimize different versions of content, whether it comes from a single source video or a mix of several videos. Each version is then adapted to the targeted formats, channels and distribution objectives. Designed for all sectors - brands, agencies, media, TV, cinema... - Aive aims to become the world leader in automated video post-production. About InvusSince 1985, Invus has supported entrepreneurs in developing ambitious projects and transforming their business sectors. With a continuous capital structure of over $10 billion under management and offices in North America, Europe and Asia, Invus' investments are focused on the software, consumer and life sciences sectors. Press Contacts - Agence RaoulCélia Jacquemond - celia@ - 06 89 53 25 18Chiara Serafini - chiara@ - 06 63 64 18 03 Attachments Olivier Reynaud & Rudy Lellouche, cofounders of Aive Aive's platformError in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Maui County officials to get significant pay raises starting July 1
WAILUKU, Hawaii (KHON2) — Several Maui County officials will see decent pay raises starting July 1. The county salary commission voted on the salary increases for elected officials, public safety officials, appointed directors and deputy directors during its March meeting. Child abuse cases in the islands rise between 2023, 2024 One of the biggest salary boosts was an 89% increase in pay for the Managing Director position, going from an annual salary of $172,154 to $325,104. The Maui Fire Chief and Maui Police Chief would both see a 30% pay increase from $183,889 to $239,043. The Mayor job would see a 32% pay raise from $159,578 to $211,119. And Council Chair would get a 23% boost from $86,336 to $106,367–while council members receive a 26% increase from $80,299 to $101,302. Most department directors would be paid $192,458 and most deputy directors would earn $173,212. The salary numbers came from an outside consultant which was used to analyze and come up with salaries comparable to places on the mainland that have similar populations, income, and government employees like Maui a February 14 salary commission hearing, one of the consultants explained the different salary scenarios and ranges from its Classification and Compensation Study. The consultant, MGT, also interviewed current county employees. 'We did hear that with interviews with employees that was one of the primary themes we heard: the cost of living for their position, and when we looked at the salaries, they were at or below the 50th percentile,' explained MGT's Director of Human Capital, Rachel Skaggs. That means 50% of similar counties are paying more than Maui County employees, and 50% of counties pay less for seemingly similar jobs elsewhere on the continent. Based on the study, the commission approved increasing compensation at the 75th percentile. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news 'What you're recommending is that we consider using a higher percentile from a philosophical standpoint to either capture some of the cost of living gap to recruit and retain more employees?' Acting Maui County Salary Commission Chair Grant Nakama asked Skaggs, to her confirmation. The Maui County Council does not get a vote on the commissions proposed increases, and it is up to the salary commission to determine the salaries of elected officials and appointed directors and deputy directors of all the departments of the county. Council Chair Alice Lee sent in testimony supporting the pay increases. 'We have to emphasize, and especially in this climate these days, it's really hard to get good, qualified people to work here because the cost of living is so high,' she said by phone on April 6. Firefighters locate missing hiker off Lulumahu Falls Trail She added in the testimony that salaries should keep up with inflation and basic living expenses, noting the state commission on salaries proposing a 64% increase for state senators and representatives. Acting Chair Nakama also brought up the Lahaina fire and the long road ahead. 'I think we need the most qualified people leading the county government as we go down this road,' he said, while noting it could take five to 10 years. The salary commission liked the study and said they would use it as a guidebook in the future. 'The county was telling us, and it's no secret to the world, that they were having trouble recruiting based on salaries they already had, so this will allow us to make smarter decisions moving forward,' said one of the salary commissioners. The next salary commission meeting is on April 11, where they will discuss the salaries for managing director and the mayor. The new salaries will take effect on July 1, 2025. For comparison on other elected officials and directors pay, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mecklenburg County promotes from within for new county manager to replace Diorio
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Mecklenburg County has promoted from within for the next county manager. The Board of Commissioners Tuesday night unanimously approved naming Mike Bryant as the leader of the more than 1.2 million people who call Mecklenburg County home. He has served as the deputy county manager since 2020 and has worked in the county office since he was hired as management and budget analyst in 2003. Renovated hotel offers affordable housing for homeless seniors in Mecklenburg He officially takes the role in July, when current county manager Dena Diorio retires after 11 years leading Mecklenburg and 18 with the county overall. She announced her retirement last August. 'As I've told the county commission, regardless of position I've held, we have the best workforce in the nation,' Bryant said following the announcement. 'Now I have the honor to serve as their manager. For more than 22 years as a team, we've experienced good time, and as a team, we're experienced difficult times. We always rose the challenge and came out even stronger and more resilient.' Commissioner George Dunlap led the search committee to hire the MGT firm. Despite launching a national search, county leaders hired from within. They touted Bryant's fiscal prowess and overall integrity. 'Thank you for your willingness to serve as county manager, thank you for all that we put you through,' said Commissioner Elaine Powell. 'Thank you for your commitment to stability of government, history of fiscal discipline. Thank you for your integrity. These are all things we were looking for.' In his current role, Bryant provides executive oversight of the Financial Services Department, the Office of the Tax Collector, the County Assessor's Office, Information Technology, and Human Resources. He is also responsible for distribution of the American Rescue Plan Act funding. Bryant was promoted to director of the Office of Management and Budget in 2014 and deputy County manager in 2020. Prior to joining the county, Bryant worked for the City of Durham, Duke University, Granville County and the Office of the Governor. Charlotte City Council member Tariq Bokhari holds final town hall before resigning for position with Trump administration Diorio promoted Bryant three times during their time working together. 'I've watched him grow over the last 18 years,' she said. 'He loves feedback. He takes feedback well and acts on it appropriately. He wants to learn, to grow and he wants to be better.' Board Chair Mark Jerrell was not present at the meeting, but Commissioner Leigh Altman was communicating with him on the news. 'I'm getting ecstatic texts from Mark Jerrell,' she said. 'I know he's so feeling the joy of this moment.' Michael holds a bachelor's degree and a Master of Public Administration from North Carolina Central University. A 2023 raise made Diorio the highest-paid public administrator in the Carolinas. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
