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HiTouch, a Mobile App that Improves the Happiness of Individuals and Organizations

SEOUL, South Korea, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the social atmosphere emphasizes the importance of mental health care and depression prevention, the number of companies providing related services is increasing. HiTouch, a recently launched mobile app for measuring happiness, is attracting attention.

HiTouch is an innovative app that allows users to easily measure their happiness with the touch of a cellphone once a day. It’s easy to use and can be used as an HR solution for both individuals and companies.

HiTouch allows users to diagnose and continuously manage their well-being based on data that is accumulated daily. This can help prevent negative emotions such as stress and depression.

The app provides a four-step systematic happiness management cycle consisting of happiness measurement, happiness diagnosis, self-happiness management, and communication, and is designed to be integrated into an individual’s daily life and corporate culture.

HiTouch’s main features include a happiness measurement function that easily measures happiness daily and a function that compares and analyzes happiness among various groups such as teams, companies, countries, and age groups. In addition, HiTouch has a happiness diary, community features, and a point earning system to help you keep track of your emotional state and encourage and communicate with family, friends, and coworkers.

While happiness surveys and organizational culture assessments typically cost companies at least a few million won to tens of millions of won, HiTouch is free to use. The company hopes to help companies take a step towards becoming a ‘great workplace”.

https://metadata14.com/touch/participate_form.php

Individuals can download and use it for free from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

*Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/kr/app/hitouch-happiness-index/id6741422515?uo=2

*Google Play Store: 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.metadata.hitouch&pcampaignid=web_share

In the future, HiTouch will continue to update and add new features to allow users to manage their happiness in a more detailed and personalized way. The idea is not just to measure happiness, but to empower users to actively manage their happiness and create a better life.

“We believe that small daily acts of happiness will contribute significantly to the protection of individual mental health and the creation of a happy organizational culture,” said a HiTouch official, “and we look forward to establishing HiTouch as a practical happiness management solution for both individuals and organizations.”

Blackpearl Group announces US-based COO to drive aggressive growth strategy

PHOENIX, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Blackpearl Group Limited (NZX:BPG) has appointed Christie Kerner as its Chief Operating Officer (COO) to support the company’s strategic go-to-market (GTM) strategy and drive its next phase of growth in the US market. With over 30 years of experience scaling companies of all sizes, leading global teams and driving operational excellence, Kerner will play a pivotal role in strengthening Blackpearl Group’s leadership team as it accelerates expansion.

“The US is our primary market and local expertise is key to our success. To do this, we need to secure world-class talent with the chops, experience and proven ability to align company operations with trajectory,” comments Nick Lissette, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Blackpearl Group.

With extensive experience in both high-growth startups and profitable, long-term businesses, Kerner brings a rare ability to balance ambition with structure. “Her leadership will be instrumental in ensuring Blackpearl Group scales effectively while preserving the ingenuity and agility that set us apart,” adds Lissette.

Leading from the US – scaling with vision

Kerner will be based in the US and will work to closely align the company’s US and NZ teams. Her focus will be on building the infrastructure needed to support long-term success. “We’re sitting on a launchpad right now – our trajectory is set and my role is to refine our strategies, remove barriers and shape the rocketship for sustainable growth,” she says.

“Scaling isn’t just about growth though – it’s about ensuring the right people are in the right seats, that priorities are aligned and that we’re disciplined in execution,” explains Kerner. “I focus on creating an environment where people thrive – because when they do, the businesses will thrive.”

A track record of leadership and impact

With a Master’s in Management and Leadership, Kerner’s career spans senior leadership roles across startups, corporates and academia where she is renowned for her ability to balance aggressive growth with sound fiscal strategy, ensuring businesses scale effectively while maintaining strong foundations.

Kerner has been instrumental in shaping the growth-stage startup ecosystem in the US, helping companies as they scale toward $200M+ in revenue. As a board member of StartupAZ and Founder of the Founders Collective, she has championed high-growth founders navigating this critical phase and has scaled international programs with Startup Grind.

Kerner has also built and exited multiple companies and served as an Entrepreneur in Residence advising founders on growth, leadership and decision-making. Previously, she led the Center for Entrepreneurship at Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business (the largest public university in the US) and was Executive Director of Student Entrepreneurship across ASU.

“This experience aligns seamlessly with Blackpearl Group’s trajectory as it moves beyond $11M in ARR and into its next stage of growth,” adds Lissette.

A billion-dollar vision

“AI and emerging technologies can disrupt markets overnight,” notes Kerner, adding that “Success lies in building resilience and that’s rooted in an ability to innovate on an ongoing basis.”

Blackpearl Group leverages a portfolio approach to product development within a rapidly evolving tech landscape, reflected in the development of Bebop, the company’s AI-powered sales intelligence tool, in a single quarter. Bebop is a game-changer for SMEs, offering powerful sales intelligence at a fraction of the cost of competitors like ZoomInfo, Kaspr and Apollo. The beta launch of Bebop follows the success of Pearl Diver, Blackpearl Group’s flagship prospect identification platform. Pearl Diver is a marketing intelligence platform which offers businesses a way of off-setting their reliance on traditional pay-to-play ad platforms.

“Under Nick’s progressive leadership, we have the potential to be a billion-dollar company. Importantly, we’re not building that success around a single product – we’re creating a portfolio of solutions that balance high-risk innovation with consistent, long-term performance,” she adds.

“Christie shares a belief that’s been fundamental to our success so far: it’s time to stop playing small. This appointment brings together ambition, strategy and the discipline to execute at scale and I’m excited to see its effects,” concludes Lissette.

About Blackpearl Group (NZX: BPG)

Blackpearl Group is a market-leading data technology company that pioneers AI-driven, sales and marketing solutions for the US market. 

Specifically engineered for small-medium-sized businesses (SMEs), Blackpearl Group consistently delivers exceptional value to its customers. Our mantra is simple: ‘Creating Motivating Opportunities.’ 

Blackpearl creates the opportunities that motivate action. We create high-impact products that pivot at speed to serve what businesses really need, kick-starting action – turning data into dollars. 

Founded in 2012, Blackpearl Group is based in Wellington, New Zealand, and Phoenix, Arizona. blackpearl.com 

 

Jewelers Mutual® Group Acquires Q Report

The acquisition creates a competitive advantage that will expand the Group’s footprint into Australia and allow for operational synergies that will benefit the global jewelry market.

NEENAH, Wis., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Jewelers Mutual® Group, the insurance and business solutions provider dedicated to the jewelry industry since 1913, recently announced its acquisition of Jewellers Loop, the company which founded Q Report. Jewellers Loop is an Australian general agency with access to two leading specialized jewelry insurance products, Q Report and JewelCover. The acquisition marks a significant milestone in the history of Jewelers Mutual, representing the company’s initial venture into international markets for personal jewelry insurance.

Both organizations will leverage their combined expertise to expand personal lines insurance solutions to more customers in more markets. The acquisition sets the foundation to further revolutionize how products and services are delivered through the synergistic alignment of technology, data and analytics for enhanced customer experiences.

“This strategic acquisition strengthens our collective ability to deliver unparalleled service and innovation to the jewelry industry on a global scale, ensuring both our companies thrive, grow and continue learning from each other’s successes,” said Scott Murphy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jewelers Mutual. “Bringing our capabilities together supports our united mission to elevate the love of jewelry and protect the pieces that mean the world to our customers.”

Jewellers Loop was founded in 2004 under the Q Report brand as Australia’s first specialist jewelry insurance provider. Since inception, the company has built a strong reputation and is known for its high-quality service and customer satisfaction, providing access to comprehensive coverage for jewelry customers. Both insurance products offered through Jewellers Loop – Q Report and JewelCover – are underwritten by Chubb Insurance Australia Unlimited, a carrier relationship valued by Jewelers Mutual.

“The world is changing fast, and the way people interact with businesses is evolving. Together, we’re embracing that change, using technology to enhance every customer touchpoint, and ensuring we remain industry leaders,” said Rami Baron, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Jewellers Loop.

For more information about this acquisition and what it means for customers in both North American and Australian markets, visit JewelersMutual.com/JL.

Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. served as exclusive financial advisor, and Dentons provided legal counsel, for Jewelers Mutual. 

ABOUT JEWELERS MUTUAL GROUP
Jewelers Mutual was founded in 1913 by a group of Wisconsin jewelers to meet their unique insurance needs. Later, consumers began putting their trust in Jewelers Mutual to protect their jewelry and the special memories each piece holds. Today, Jewelers Mutual continues to support and move the industry forward by listening to jewelers and consumers and offering products and services to meet their evolving needs. Beyond insurance, Jewelers Mutual’s powerful suite of innovative solutions and digital technology offerings help jewelers strengthen and grow their businesses, mitigate risk, and bring them closer to their customers. The Group insurers’ strong financial position is reflected in their 38 consecutive “A+ Superior” ratings from AM Best Company, as of November 2024. Policyholders of the Group insurers are members of Jewelers Mutual Holding Company. Jewelers Mutual is headquartered in Neenah, Wisconsin, with other Group offices in Dallas, Texas, Miami, Florida and Raleigh, North Carolina. To learn more, visit JewelersMutual.com.  

ABOUT JEWELLERS LOOP
Jewellers Loop, the company which founded Q Report, was established in 2004 as Australia’s first specialist jewelry insurance provider and today is a leading Australian provider of specialty consumer insurance for jewelry and time pieces. The company provides comprehensive insurance across three key categories: engagement rings, watches and jewelry, and through two brands: ‘Q Report’ and ‘JewelCover’. These two brands have enjoyed a 20-year relationship with Chubb Insurance Australia Limited as their underwriters and continues to do so. Jewellers Loop retains ownership of the customer relationship and customer data and manages all customer interactions. Since inception, the company has built a strong reputation and is known for its high-quality service and customer satisfaction, as evidenced by its 5.0-star Google ratings.

Logo – https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/jm_blue_logo.jpg

Ruko Priority Launches U11MINI 4K Triple Battery Combo: 8K Photo Imaging Meets Pocket-Sized Portability

Sub-250g mini pocket drone delivers 8K pictures and 4K/30fps videos, triple-battery combo for 96-minute flight time, and professional stabilization.

HONG KONG, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ruko today announced the global pre-order launch of its U11MINI 4K Triple Battery Combo (Fly More Combo), redefining portable imaging for creators and adventurers. The Ruko U11MINI 4K weighs less than 250g and is designed for life on the go. There’s no need for training or examinations in most countries and regions.

Professional Imaging, Minimal Footprint

The Ruko U11MINI 4K is equipped with a 48MP 1/2″ CMOS sensor, delivering stunning 8K pictures and 4K/30fps videos. A mini pocket-sized design yet equipped with powerful imaging capabilities. Its dual stabilization system combines a 3-axis brushless gimbal with electronic image stabilization (EIS) for ultra-smooth footage. Featuring four fold positioning system—GPS Positioning, Barometric Altitude Hold, Optical Flow Positioning, and TOF Sensor—it ensures precise navigation and smooth landing. In addition, the drone supports an impressive 20,000ft long-distance digital image transmission for stable and smooth filming. This powerful hardware promises that the mini pocket-sized drone offers outstanding imaging capabilities.

Ruko U11MINI 4K Drone
Ruko U11MINI 4K Drone

Extended Performance Redefined

Three intelligent batteries provide a total flight time of 96 minute— 32 minutes per battery with optimized power management.

In addition, the U11MINI 4K is packed with advanced features that take the flying experience to the next level, including Smart Return, Route Rules, Point of Interest, and GPS Follow Mode. The GPS Follow Mode ensures precise tracking of moving subjects, such as athletes or vehicles. With the U11MINI 4K, the creative possibilities are truly limitless.

Availability & Launch Offers

Pre-orders begin on April 2, 2025, exclusively at www.Ruko.net, with the first 100 customers receiving a FREE 1-Year Care Refresh Plan. Global retail availability follows on April 15 through Amazon and TikTok Shop.

About Ruko

Ruko is dedicated to designing safe, easy-to-use, and fun products. Ruko offers something suitable for everyone.For drone enthusiasts, beginners and children,it can be the ideal companion for happy family moments.

Follow @Ruko-toy on YouTube and @droneexplorer_x on TikTok for more information.

#RukoU11MINI4K #MiniPocketDrone #RukoDrone

Media Contact: pr@rukotoy.com

Frontier AI Moneyball Reveals New Generation of Talent

Zeki Data has identified the top 2,000 individuals specialising in boundary-pushing research and engineering globally and assessed their future innovation potential— including undervalued players overlooked by talent scouts.

LONDON, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Zeki Data, a UK-based alternative data company that provides high-precision R&D talent intelligence, has identified the ‘players’ who will develop the next generation of Frontier AI models.

Released today, AI Moneyball is a free Zeki Data briefing on where the top Frontier AI talent is today, what makes them stand out and where to find this new, emerging talent.

‘We can see precisely who the next wave of Frontier AI individuals is to lead agentic AI innovation and other vertical market growth,’ said Tom Hurd, Zeki Data CEO & Co-founder. ‘The current Frontier AI cohort significantly outperforms its peers, and we know which players companies need to attract to keep hitting innovation home runs.’

How Does Zeki Know?

Zeki Data compared a cohort of the top 2,000 individuals behind the creation of the most powerful Fronter AI models outside China against a cohort of 30,000 with the same areas of expertise in AI but who were not selected or did not choose to work on Frontier AI models.

Zeki Data tracked and evaluated the two cohorts’ progress over 10 years using a proprietary scoring system based on more than 50 variables. Zeki Data’s variables measure their areas of expertise, innovation track record, career positioning, skills, influence and reputation amongst peers.

The results paint a picture of an increasingly concentrated set of elite performers
in AI.

The Frontier AI cohort’s distinctive behaviour is outlined in detail for free in Zeki Data’s AI Moneyball, including:

  • Top Expertise Areas: The cohort’s areas of expertise are highly concentrated in eight main specialisations in AI out of over 100 categorised by Zeki Data.
  • Top Employer Countries: The US leads as expected, but European and Asian countries make the list alongside the UK, Canada and Australia.
  • Top Three Talent Characteristics: There are education and career experiences that are consistent across the Frontier AI cohort of 2,000 and lacking in the comparison cohort of 30,000.

AI Moneyball identifies the difference between Power Hitters, Contact Hitters and Opposite Field Hitters in the major league of Frontier AI. Zeki Data details which companies are leading or lagging and the impact of data-driven talent decisions.

Additional R&D talent insights and the full AI Moneyball briefing are available at www.zekidata.com.

 

Cavendish Hydrogen Delivers Its First Hydrogen Fueling Station in Canada to HTEC

LOS ANGELES, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cavendish Hydrogen is excited to announce the successful delivery of hydrogen fueling equipment to HTEC for their new station in Vancouver, BC. While HTEC already operates multiple hydrogen fueling stations in British Columbia, this marks the first collaboration with Cavendish Hydrogen as the equipment supplier.

“As one of the most important markets for Cavendish Hydrogen, Canada remains a top priority in our expansion strategy, especially as we continue to strengthen our presence in North America, alongside our work in the USA,” said Eddy Nupoort, Senior Director of Sales & Business Development, Americas. “We are thrilled to support HTEC with our cutting-edge fueling technology, and we are committed to helping accelerate the growth of hydrogen infrastructure in Canada and the broader North American market.”

The hydrogen fueling equipment supplied by Cavendish Hydrogen is factory cUL certified. “We are proud to supply HTEC with premium, certified equipment that likely marks the first hydrogen fueling station in Canada to receive full cUL certification,” added Nupoort.

Cavendish Hydrogen is committed to supporting HTEC’s continued efforts to expand hydrogen refueling stations in British Columbia. “With another station already in the works, we look forward to deepening our collaboration and supporting HTEC as they work to meet the growing demand for clean hydrogen transportation,” said Nupoort.

This delivery marks a key milestone in the development of Canada’s hydrogen fueling infrastructure, and Cavendish Hydrogen is excited to continue playing a role in enabling the transition to sustainable energy solutions across both Canada and the United States.

“The opening of our Southeast Marine Drive station is an important milestone for HTEC and a positive step forward for hydrogen infrastructure in the region” said Colin Armstrong, President and CEO of HTEC. “We’re pleased to be working with Cavendish Hydrogen to deliver safe, high-quality fuelling solutions. Collaborations like this are helping us build the foundation for a cleaner transportation future”

CONTACT:

For additional information, please contact:

Marcus Halland
CFO
M +47 930 90 190
E mahal@cavendishh2.com

Eddy Nupoort
Sr. Director, Sales & Business Development Americas
M +1 916 841 7262
E enupo@cavendishh2.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/cavendish-hydrogen-asa/r/cavendish-hydrogen-delivers-its-first-hydrogen-fueling-station-in-canada-to-htec,c4130277

LBB Specialties Partners with Kerry Group to Launch Pharmaceutical Lactose to the Life Sciences Market

NORWALK, Conn., April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LBB Specialties (LBBS), a leader in specialty chemicals and ingredient distribution in North America, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Kerry Group, a world leading taste and nutrition partner for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical markets with innovative, sustainable specialty ingredients for the industry.

Through this collaboration, LBB Specialties will become Kerry’s preferred distribution partner in the United States, expanding access to high-quality pharmaceutical lactose ingredients. Kerry’s Sheffield™ brand offers a comprehensive range of pharmaceutical lactose excipients in various forms, grades, and particle sizes to provide formulators with optimized solutions for diverse pharmaceutical applications. 

“Our partnership with Kerry expands our customers’ access to high-quality pharmaceutical lactose ingredients. Kerry’s long-standing technical expertise and commitment to product consistency provide formulators with reliable, high-performance solutions tailored to their specific needs. Together, we are redefining quality and innovation in pharmaceutical formulation,” said Seth Burns, SVP of Life Sciences at LBB Specialties. 

As an industry leader, Kerry provides the industry’s extensive portfolio of anhydrous, spray dried and monohydrate grades of lactose. These include Sheffield™ brand N.F. Anhydrous Direct Tableting (DT) lactose, which has been regarded as the gold standard for anhydrous direct compression lactose excipients since its original patent, and Sheffield™ 316 Fast Flo® spray dried lactose. This portfolio will enable formulators to achieve enhanced product consistency, supply chain efficiencies, and greater innovation in drug formulation technologies. 

“The agreement will provide customers with even greater access to Kerry’s extensive lactose portfolio, ensuring the highest level of availability and customer service,” said Joey Glassco, Regional Sales Manager, Pharma Excipients at Kerry.

For more information about Kerry’s new line of innovative, sustainable specialty ingredients for the Life Sciences industry, contact LBB Specialties today.

About LBB Specialties LBB Specialties is a leader in North American specialty chemicals and ingredients distribution. It is a diversified supplier serving end markets including care, food & nutrition, industrial specialties, and life sciences. www.LBBSpecialties.com

About Kerry
Kerry is a world leading taste and nutrition partner for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical markets. We innovate with our customers to create great-tasting products, with improved nutrition and functionality, while ensuring a better impact for the planet. Our leading consumer insights, global RD&A team of 1,100+ food scientists and extensive global footprint enable us to solve our customers’ complex challenges with differentiated solutions. At Kerry, we are driven to be our customers’ most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition, and will reach over two billion consumers with sustainable nutrition solutions by 2030. www.kerrygroup.com 

Media Contact:
Ahmed Hanafy
media@lbbspecialties.com

 

Valvoline™ Global Operations Expands Worldwide Presence with New Regional Hub Office in London

CEO Jamal Muashsher celebrated the opening of Valvoline Global’s first-ever London office, marking a major milestone in the company’s strategic business growth worldwide

LONDON, April 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Valvoline™ Global Operations, a worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions, has announced the opening of its first-ever London office, a regional hub, marking a significant leap forward in the company’s global expansion.

Valvoline Global Operations expands its worldwide presence with new regional hub office in London. Local employees and global leadership recently celebrated the opening of the workspace marking a significant leap forward in the company’s strategic business growth worldwide. Pictured from left to right: members of Valvoline Global Operations Senior Leadership Team, including Chief Financial Officer, Jim Holms; Chief Human Resources Officer, Tracey York; Senior Vice President and General Manager - EMEA, Davide Crespi; Chief Executive Officer, Jamal Muashsher; Chief Operations Officer, Tom Gerrald. Photo Credit: ‘Photographs by Photographer London’ https://freelanceeventsphotographer.co.uk/
Valvoline Global Operations expands its worldwide presence with new regional hub office in London. Local employees and global leadership recently celebrated the opening of the workspace marking a significant leap forward in the company’s strategic business growth worldwide. Pictured from left to right: members of Valvoline Global Operations Senior Leadership Team, including Chief Financial Officer, Jim Holms; Chief Human Resources Officer, Tracey York; Senior Vice President and General Manager – EMEA, Davide Crespi; Chief Executive Officer, Jamal Muashsher; Chief Operations Officer, Tom Gerrald. Photo Credit: ‘Photographs by Photographer London’ https://freelanceeventsphotographer.co.uk/

“Opening our London hub location marks a pivotal milestone in Valvoline Global’s growth strategy,” said Valvoline Global CEO, Jamal Muashsher. “We’re excited to strengthen our European footprint, as we aim to inspire and enable what and who move the world forward. This is an important next step for our team as we continue to invent – and reinvent – the best solutions to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers in this crucial region, and beyond.”  

Located in Central London’s Fitzrovia district, the nearly 5,000 sq. ft. high-tech, collaborative space will be home to up to 29 Valvoline Global employees. The new location joins two existing Valvoline Global international hubs in Singapore and Lexington, Ky. (U.S.), which is also home to the company’s global corporate and R&D headquarters.

The office unveiling comes at an historic moment marked by rapid growth for Valvoline Global as it approaches its 160th anniversary next year. In 2024, the company was one of the fastest growing lubricants brand worldwide, with sales in more than 140 countries and territories. Fueling this growth, the company continues to lead advancements across fast-paced industries, with global first-in-class products such as Restore & Protect, designed to restore a car’s engine to run like new*; fluids for electric vehicles (EVs); and heat transfer solutions for high performance computing (HPC).

The company also continues to expand its global motorsports footprint through its ongoing collaboration with the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team, headquartered in Silverstone (U.K.). Notably, off the track, Valvoline Global has teamed up with the team and Milton Keynes College as part of the company’s international Aspiring Mechanics Program. 2025 marks the second year in a row for the Valvoline Global program in the U.K., which provides hands-on mechanic experiences and unique learning opportunities to local students.

“We’ve spent months preparing for this moment, so seeing this new office finally become a reality is very exciting for all of us,” said Davide Crespi, Senior Vice President and General Manager, EMEA. “Our hub office in London will be key to expanding Valvoline Global’s presence and impact throughout EMEA as we work to continually serve our customers across the region with exceptional products, while also benefitting the local economy and community.”

About Valvoline™ Global Operations
THE ORIGINAL. Inventing the Way Forward.

Valvoline™ Global Operations is a worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions, creating future-ready products and best-in-class services for partners around the globe. Established in 1866, we introduced the world’s first branded motor oil, claiming our position as The Original Motor Oil.

As The Original, we’ve been innovating to solve problems for over 150 years. With sales in more than 140 countries and territories, our solutions are available for every engine and drivetrain, including high-mileage and heavy-duty vehicles, offered at more than 80,000 locations. And we’re committed to powering the future of mobility for vehicles with electric, hybrid and internal combustion powertrains – today and as we move forward. We are now a part of Aramco, one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies. Our strategic partnership creates a powerful combination to drive unparalleled product innovation and sustainable business solutions.

For more information, please visit: www.valvolineglobal.com

*When used as directed for four or more consecutive oil changes. In adapted sequence IIIH Testing.