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Pead Partner and GEO / AEO Specialist, Jack Wheeler
Industry update

Pead launches new AI offering and Corporate Affairs Circle for in-house leaders

by Telum Media
11 February 2026 1:10 AM
2 mins read

New Zealand-based communications agency, Pead, has launched a new service to help brands manage how they show up in AI-generated answers. The agency's new GEO / AEO offering includes audits, workshops, and advisory support.

The launch follows independent research commissioned by the agency, which found that 48 per cent of New Zealanders under 45 already use AI tools when researching a business, product, or service. A third of this group was found to have changed their opinion of a business based on the information provided by an AI tool.

Pead Partner and GEO / AEO Specialist, Jack Wheeler, said: "At Pead, we've spent a lot of time learning about GEO / AEO and everything that goes into AI algorithms. AI answers can be influenced if you understand the right levers to pull. We're already working with our clients to change the answers to the questions their key audiences are asking.

"The real key to influencing AI answers is getting your brand and key messages represented across a wide range of authoritative outlets including traditional media, social networks, industry platforms and many others. This is an area Pead has excelled at for more than two decades.

"Pead is best known for its PR work, but we've also been building our digital division for the past ten years. Having both communications and technical experts puts us in the best position to achieve GEO / AEO success for our clients."

Pead has also partnered with the Trans-Tasman Business Circle (TTBC) to create the Corporate Affairs Circle, a new professional community designed exclusively for in-house corporate affairs leaders.

The Circle will bring together corporate affairs professionals from across New Zealand for bi-monthly virtual briefings, featuring expert speakers and real-world perspectives on topics influencing reputation, risk, and organisational leadership. The first session will focus on influencing AI and will be hosted by Jack Wheeler.

(Pictured: Pead Partner and GEO / AEO Specialist, Jack Wheeler)

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