Chris Perry launches Andus Labs to guide executives through AI transformation

Weber Shandwick Alum Chris Perry Launches AI-Focused Consultancy

Chris Perry, formerly chief innovation officer and chairman of Weber Shandwick Futures, is launching a new consultancy called Andus Labs on June 9. The firm aims to help executives understand AI clearly, move with intention, and build effective strategies around AI integration.

“Andus Labs is a new consultancy model to help leaders see the AI moment clearly, move intentionally and build wisely,” Perry explained. “We help executives make sense of AI and its implications and translate that clarity into action.”

What Andus Labs Offers

Perry emphasizes that many organizations rush to deploy AI without fully understanding why or what it should achieve. Andus Labs addresses this gap by offering executive residencies—intensive learning experiences designed to boost AI fluency among senior leaders.

These residencies focus on how AI is changing work, culture, and media, while encouraging participants to co-create bold responses to these shifts. Attendees also gain access to a network of peers and experts, helping them accelerate their AI knowledge and strategic approach.

The first cohort targets often overlooked strategic functions such as corporate affairs, risk, investor relations, communications, and HR. Future residencies will include groups like strategists, media company leaders, and entertainers.

Beyond residencies, Andus Labs plans to provide advisory and strategy services. The consultancy is also developing embedded internal AI labs within client organizations. These labs combine internal experts, external specialists, and task-specific tools to address unique challenges.

Agency Structure and Background

Andus Labs operates with a core team of four, but Perry stresses that growth is not measured by headcount. Instead, the firm builds a global network of experts across AI, product development, and organizational strategy, engaged on-demand based on client needs.

The consultancy was created within Betaworks, a New York-based tech incubator and venture capital fund. Perry describes Andus Labs as “category-agnostic,” working across industries without limiting client types. Specific clients have not been disclosed.

Chris Perry’s Departure from Weber Shandwick

Perry left Weber Shandwick on April 15 after more than 20 years with the company. Weber confirmed that his former role as chief innovation officer and chairman of Weber Shandwick Futures will not be refilled.

The Weber Shandwick Collective (TWSC) is part of Interpublic Group’s Specialized Communications and Experiential Solutions division. Agencies under TWSC include Cappuccino, Current Group, KRC Research, Flipside, Powell Tate, Prime, That Lot, and United Minds.

In Q1 2024, the PR agencies within this division saw low-to-mid single-digit organic growth. TWSC reported a 3% revenue increase globally to $950 million and a 3% increase in U.S. revenue to $570 million, according to PRWeek’s Agency Business Report 2025.

Industry Context

Interpublic’s PR firms, including Weber Shandwick and Golin, are currently part of a pending acquisition by competitor holding company Omnicom Group. Both companies’ shareholders have approved the deal.

• Chris Perry’s Andus Labs offers a fresh approach to AI consultancy focused on executive education and strategic alignment.
• The firm’s executive residencies provide practical AI fluency and strategy development for senior leaders.
• Embedded AI labs in client organizations support ongoing, task-specific AI innovation.
• Andus Labs builds a flexible expert network to meet client demands without traditional agency scaling.

For PR and communications leaders looking to deepen their AI knowledge and apply it strategically, Andus Labs represents an option focused on clarity and actionable insights rather than hype.

Those interested in expanding their AI skills may also find value in specialized training resources such as Complete AI Training's latest AI courses.