CHICAGO, IL — Shaker Recruitment Marketing just announced its acquisition of exaqueo, a globally recognized employer brand consultancy. According to their blog announcement;
This acquisition brings together two leaders in the employer branding and talent marketing space: Shaker, known for its creative execution and customized talent marketing, and exaqueo, respected for its behavioral research and data-driven brand and experience strategies. Together, they offer clients a seamless, end-to-end experience: from uncovering authentic employer brand insights to bringing those brands to life across every touchpoint of the talent journey.
“Shaker has been at the forefront of employer branding and talent marketing, and as we approach our 75th year, we’re doubling down on what matters most: our clients,” said Joe Shaker Jr., President of Shaker Recruitment Marketing. “By joining forces with exaqueo, we’re delivering an even more strategic, holistic approach to helping our clients attract, hire, and retain the right talent, solving their complex talent needs in our rapidly evolving world.”
Clients of both Shaker and exaqueo will benefit from expanded capabilities, deeper insights, and a unified team of experts dedicated to delivering measurable impact. The integration of research and strategy teams ensures that employer brand development is grounded in authentic employee perspectives and activated across every stage of the talent journey—from candidate to employee, external to internal.
“For more than a decade, exaqueo has helped companies define who they are as employers by uncovering the relationship between employers and employees,” said Susan LaMotte, Founder and CEO of exaqueo. “Now, as part of Shaker, we’re scaling that strategy with broader resources, smarter tools, and the same commitment to building employer brands and workplace experience strategies from the inside out.”
LaMotte will join Shaker’s leadership team, bringing her deep expertise in employer branding, behavioral research, and talent strategy. The full exaqueo team will also join Shaker bringing decades of in-house and consulting experience. Together, they will continue to push the industry forward, helping clients compete, connect, and grow in the rapidly evolving world of talent.
“Shaker has been a leader in employer branding, and this acquisition is a testament to how much we believe in its power to transform organizations,” added Shaker. “It’s a natural fit, rooted in shared values and a commitment to innovation, service excellence, and client success.”
Under the Shaker name, the combined team will immediately offer integrated workforce insights, employer branding and talent marketing services, while continuing to prioritize collaboration, innovation, and results. As Shaker celebrates 75 years of excellence, this acquisition signals a bold vision for future growth, transformation, and delivering what clients need to thrive. Previous Shaker acquisitions include The Arland Group in 2018 and JobAdX in 2024.
About Shaker Recruitment Marketing
Shaker Recruitment Marketing is the leading full-service talent marketing agency redefining how organizations attract, hire, and retain talent. With 75 years of expertise in Branding, Talent Attraction, Media, Martech, and analytics, Shaker delivers strategies that lead with insight, fueled by creativity, and grounded in a legacy of trust and innovation.
About exaqueo
Founded in 2011, exaqueo is a leader in employer brand strategy and workforce experience. Built on a foundation of behavioral science, the firm has helped organizations like Google, CBRE, and CVS Health uncover, articulate, and activate their authentic employer brands. exaqueo’s data-led approach bridges the gap between employee experience and external perception, redefining how companies connect with the people who power their success.
