LONDON & BARCELONA, Spain--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 19, 2026--
The traditional holding company model that has shaped global marketing for decades is facing increasing pressure as capital markets, consolidation activity, and client demands point to a need for structural change.
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The marketing industry is searching for a new model. The question is no longer whether agencies need to change, but which ones were built for this shift from the start.
Keenfolks, the Integrative AI® partner built natively for the Age of Intelligence, today announces the launch of KEENFOLKS X_ — a new global AI-native marketing network designed to help organizations move beyond fragmented services and toward intelligent systems, scalable solutions, and measurable transformation.
The network is built on K OS_, Keenfolks’ proprietary marketing operating system, which connects intelligence, data, automation, and execution into reusable marketing systems.
The objective is clear: to help organisations move beyond fragmented agency delivery and build scalable marketing capabilities powered by AI.
The Industry Shift
Over the past decade, marketing organisations have accumulated increasingly complex technology stacks, fragmented agency ecosystems, and disconnected data environments. While these structures worked in a campaign-driven era, they struggle to operate effectively in a world where marketing performance is increasingly shaped by:
In this environment, competitive advantage comes not from isolated campaigns, but from integrated marketing systems that learn and improve over time. KEENFOLKS X_ was designed specifically to build and operate those systems.
“The industry is looking for a new model, but for us this is not a future idea — it is an operating reality. KEENFOLKS X_ is how we scale an AI-native way of working that enterprise brands already trust: connecting intelligence, platforms, workflows, and experiences into systems that perform, learn, and compound value over time. We believe the next era will belong to partners who do more than deliver campaigns — they help build the intelligent systems and growth engines behind modern marketing.”
— Miguel Machado, CEO and Co-Founder, Keenfolks
The Platform: K OS_
At the core of the model is K OS_, Keenfolks’ AI-native marketing operating system. The platform connects four foundational layers:
Together, these layers transform marketing from a collection of services into a continuously improving operational system.
From Services to Systems
Keenfolks has spent the past several years helping enterprise organisations build these systems.
One example is Diageo’s “What’s Your Cocktail” platform, an AI-driven personalisation engine that analysed behaviour across 51 million consumers in the US and UK. The system delivered cocktail recommendations at key decision points, generating engagement rates more than 4X the industry benchmark. More importantly, the system continues to learn and improve over time. KEENFOLKS X_ extends this approach globally.
The Economic Model
The network introduces a new commercial structure that moves beyond traditional agency economics.
KEENFOLKS X_ operates through three engagement models:
This approach allows Keenfolks and its partners to participate in long-term value creation rather than short-term project delivery.
Network Expansion
Founded in Barcelona and with offices in London, New York, and Mexico City, Keenfolks currently delivery activity across 50+ markets. The launch of KEENFOLKS X_ marks the beginning of the company’s next phase of growth.
Over the coming months, Keenfolks will begin confirming strategic partners across key markets and expanding the network’s global delivery capabilities. The company is also exploring venture funding to accelerate the development of new AI-driven marketing infrastructure and solutions.
About KEENFOLKS X_
KEENFOLKS X_ is Keenfolks' global AI-native marketing network for the Age of Intelligence. Built on K OS_, it connects intelligence, platforms, workflows, and experiences into reusable intelligent systems and scalable solutions that help organisations move beyond fragmented marketing delivery. Through this model, Keenfolks combines transformation services, solution building, venture co-creation, and selected risk-share structures to create more durable and measurable value for clients.
About Keenfolks
Keenfolks is the Integrative AI® partner built for the Age of Intelligence. Founded in Barcelona, with offices in London, New York, and Mexico City and delivery activity across 50+ countries, Keenfolks helps global brands evolve their marketing practice through intelligent systems that connect strategy, data, technology, media, CRM, and creative execution. Clients include Coca-Cola, Diageo, Kellanova, Reckitt, Mars, Nestlé, and Merck-MSD.
About Miguel Machado
Miguel Machado is the CEO and Co-Founder of Keenfolks and Og.ai. He has led AI-driven marketing transformation for global brands including Coca-Cola, Diageo, Mars, Reckitt, Merck-MSD, and Nestlé. A frequent keynote speaker and host of the AI Marketing Transformation Podcast, he focuses on building practical frameworks that connect strategy, technology, data, and human capability for the Age of Intelligence.
Miguel Machado, CEO and Co-Founder, Keenfolks
MCLEAN, Va. & LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar 19, 2026--
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced an exclusive agreement with YOTEL that will provide guests yet another way to stay within the hospitality leader’s growing global portfolio. With highly efficient hotels in urban markets, YOTEL has pioneered ways to meet changing guest needs through stays that feature smart room design, and clever tech-enabled features.
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The franchise agreement with YOTEL expands Hilton’s network, filling a distinct customer need in the growing lifestyle segment in a manner consistent with its proven asset-light model. YOTEL will continue to independently manage and license its brand at 23 hotels across 10 countries, with a goal of more than tripling its portfolio in the coming years.
YOTEL will be the first brand in the newly established Select by Hilton. Select by Hilton is designed to grow into a brand that creates new ways to stay for guests, with the trust, confidence, and perks they expect from Hilton. High-quality, established hotel brands that join Select by Hilton will retain their own identity and brand management while they connect to the award-winning Hilton Honors loyalty program and enjoy the benefits of Hilton's superior distribution and technology platforms.
Launched in London in 2007, YOTEL has extended its innovative brand to hotels in key markets like New York, Tokyo, Amsterdam, Glasgow and Singapore with smart, efficient room designs that feature the YOTEL SmartBed™, which can transform from a flatbed to a sofa with the touch of a button, and tech-forward features like automated luggage storage.
“The addition of YOTEL to Hilton's network is the latest example of our commitment to capital efficient growth through a relationship that is both complementary to our existing brand portfolio and offers guests thoughtfully designed, sleek new ways to stay with Hilton in key urban locations around the world,” said Christian Charnaux, executive vice president and chief development officer, Hilton. “This agreement further strengthens our network effect by connecting a beloved independent brand like YOTEL into the powerful Hilton Honors network and commercial distribution system, while preserving what makes the brand unique.”
The Hilton brand increases visibility and demand for YOTEL without altering the experience that defines YOTEL’s brand, which will continue to operate with the same quality, intelligent design, and service style.
“Hilton brings unmatched global distribution and loyalty scale to our brand and business,” said Phil Andreopoulos, chief executive officer, YOTEL. “YOTEL’s relationship with Hilton allows us to expand our reach while staying true to who we are. What changes for YOTEL is access – not identity – in a capital-light, and scalable way.”
Once integrated into Hilton’s network, Hilton Honors members staying at participating YOTEL properties will enjoy the benefits of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s world-class brands. The nearly 250 million Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits and contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app.
The first hotels are expected to be available for booking through Hilton channels later in 2026.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 27 world-class brands comprising more than 9,100 properties and over 1.3 million rooms, in 143 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 4 billion guests in its more than 100-year history. Named as the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune, Hilton aims to create the best culture for its 500,000 team members around the world. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 250 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
About YOTEL
YOTEL is a global hotel group with 23 properties in sought-after locations. YOTEL exists so guests sleep better, move faster and enjoy the destination more. From buzzing cities to bustling airports, YOTEL promises the luxury of time, the access of brilliant locations and the fun of discovery. Every stay.
Headquartered in London, the group’s portfolio consists of three brands: YOTEL (city centre hotels), YOTELPAD (extended stay option) and YOTELAIR (airport hotels). YOTEL is in cities across the world, including Amsterdam, Boston, Edinburgh, Geneva, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Miami, New York, Porto, San Francisco, Singapore, Tokyo and Washington DC, and at London Gatwick, Amsterdam Schiphol, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Istanbul, and Singapore Changi airports. Upcoming openings include Kuala Lumpur (2026), Athens (2027), Belfast (2028), Lisbon (2028) and NEOM (2029).
YOTEL’s major shareholders include the Talal Jassim Al-Bahar Group, United Investment Portugal, and Kuwait Real Estate Company (AQARAT).
YOTEL was originally created by YO! founder Simon Woodroffe OBE who took inspiration from the experience of first-class travel and translated that ethos, language and design into small but beautifully designed rooms. www.yo.co.uk. www.yotel.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to our expectations regarding the performance of our business, future results, and other non-historical statements. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "outlook," "believes," "expects," "forecasts," "potential," "continues," "may," "will," "should," "could," "seeks," "projects," "predicts," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates" or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties including, among others, risks inherent to the hospitality industry; macroeconomic factors beyond our control, such as inflation, changes in interest rates, challenges due to labor shortages or disputes and supply chain disruptions; the loss of key senior management personnel; competition for hotel guests and management and franchise contracts; risks related to doing business with third-party hotel owners; performance of our information technology systems; growth of reservation channels outside of our system; risks of doing business outside of the U.S.; risks associated with geopolitical conflicts; uncertainty resulting from U.S. and global political trends, tariffs and other policies, including potential barriers to travel, trade and immigration and other geopolitical events; and our indebtedness. Additional factors that could cause our results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found under the section entitled "Part I—Item 1A. Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, which is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and is accessible on the SEC's website atwww.sec.gov. Such factors may be updated from time to time in our periodic filings with the SEC. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this press release and in our filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.
YOTEL Boston
