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Rocketium co-Founder & CEO, Satej Sirur, Recognized as One of RETHINK Retail’s Top AI Leaders in Retail for 2024

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Walmart Veteran Matthew Adam Smith to Lead Expansive “AiR” Initiative

DALLAS, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Satej Sirur, co-Founder & CEO of Rocketium has been named one of the 2024 Top AI Leaders in Retail by RETHINK Retail as part of its newly launched AiR (AI in Retail) program. The list highlights 150 leaders across 10 categories driving AI innovation, including Retailers & Brands, Technology, Investors, Ethicists, and more.

“I’m honored to be among the Top AI Leaders in Retail and excited to collaborate with fellow AI innovators,” said Satej Sirur, co-Founder and CEO of Rocketium. “AI is a powerful tool that makes good teams exceptional. Those rethinking every area of work using AI will easily outpace their competition. We see this daily from the Marketing and Creative teams who are Rocketium customers.”

The announcement comes on the heels of successful AI-themed events at NRF’s Big Show and ShopTalk earlier this year, where top executives discussed the rapid evolution of retail AI solutions. “The response to these events confirmed the need for a trusted, always-on resource dedicated to AI in retail,” said Paul Lewis, Co-founder and Managing Director of RETHINK Retail. AiR aims to educate retail professionals, showcase groundbreaking work, and provide a forum for leaders to collaborate on shaping the future of retail.

As an AI retail pioneer, Satej brings deep insights from his work with leading retail brands such as Amazon, Walmart, and Colgate-Palmolive. Leveraging Rocketium’s AI-powered platform, his team has consistently driven retail and e-commerce growth, ensuring creative excellence at every step. Satej joins honorees from companies such as Diebold Nixdorf, Microsoft, Intel, and PwC, in this prestigious recognition.

To lead AiR, RETHINK Retail has appointed Matthew Adam Smith as Executive Director. Smith, a former leader in Walmart’s retail media network and eCommerce marketplace, is also Founder and CEO of TWO ISAACS, a consultancy focused on AI-driven business transformation. “Our Top AI Leaders will be more than just a list,” said Smith. “We’re building a diverse community to guide the industry through the most transformational era in our history.”

The honorees will join RETHINK Retail’s existing communities of Top Retail Experts and Global Retail Leaders to collaborate on addressing complex industry challenges. The AiR platform also offers members peer connections, private events, speaking opportunities, and more.

AI is transforming retail operations in areas such as creative production, demand forecasting, inventory management, and marketing operations. The innovations driven by AiR leaders include Chatbots, Autonomous Robots, Smart Shelves, and Predictive Analytics, enhancing personalization, automation, and efficiency in retail.

In conjunction with the announcement, RETHINK Retail is launching a new wave of AiR content, including video and podcast interviews with honorees, and is soliciting submissions of AI case studies from individuals or companies in the retail sector. RETHINK Retail will feature selected submissions in an upcoming AiR “LookBook” and live at the first-ever AiR Virtual Summit in fall 2024, and consider them for the first-ever AiR Awards in early 2025.

For more information about the AiR Program, the full list of Top AI Leaders and opportunities to participate in the community, visit rethink.industries/air.

About AiR:
AiR (AI in Retail) is the leading community and platform helping retailers harness AI’s transformative power. We provide members with insights, strategies, and innovative ideas to revolutionize their businesses.

About RETHINK Retail:
RETHINK Retail is a premier destination for executive-led insights into retail’s evolving landscape. Our award-winning content reaches top decision-makers and industry leaders worldwide.

About Rocketium:
Rocketium’s AI-driven CreativeOps platform helps streamline the entire Creative Operations process, from planning and production to review. With features such as brand governance, design system integrations, creative automation, easy review & approval, and creative analytics, Rocketium empowers brands and agencies to improve efficiency in their creative workflows – enabling teams to create more visuals in 50% less time and at 30% lower costs.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rocketium-co-founder–ceo-satej-sirur-recognized-as-one-of-rethink-retails-top-ai-leaders-in-retail-for-2024-302245585.html

SOURCE Rocketium

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KSAT and Morehead State University Partner to Expand Lunar Communications Infrastructure

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Partnership strengthens the KSAT Lunar Network and supports deep space and lunar exploration

DENVER and MOREHEAD, Ky., Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), a leading provider of ground station networks and satellite operations, today announced a strategic partnership with Morehead State University (MSU) to enhance the KSAT Lunar Network, supporting the growing demand for communications and tracking services for deep space and lunar missions.

The partnership leverages MSU Space Science Center’s established deep space communications capabilities, including its 21-meter and 12-meter-class antennas in Morehead, Kentucky, to further increase the KSAT Lunar Network. Together, the partnership enables mission operators to maintain reliable links with spacecraft operating beyond Earth orbit by adding network capacity and resiliency over the Eastern United States.

“Partnering with MSU advances KSAT’s ability to deliver the communications infrastructure required for the accelerated demand for deep space and lunar missions. We are especially thrilled about this partnership as it helps enable science and exploration space missions today, while developing the next-generation workforce to support the long-term development of the U.S. cislunar economy,” said Dan Adams, General Manager of KSAT Inc.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting the future of space exploration through innovation, education, and collaboration,” said Dr. Benjamin K. Malphrus, Executive Director of Space Science Center. “Working with KSAT provides exciting opportunities for our students and researchers while enabling us to contribute directly to the thriving commercial sector.”

KSAT and MSU share a strong commitment and heritage of supporting NASA’s Artemis program, most recently the Artemis II mission, and the broader science and exploration, as well as inspiring the next generation. In addition to expanding KSAT Lunar capabilities, the partnership will create even more opportunities for student involvement and workforce development through KSAT’s internship programs, helping prepare the next generation of engineers and space professionals for careers in the rapidly growing space sector.

About KSAT:

Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) is the leading commercial provider of Ground Station Services, Earth Observation Services, and Satellite Operations Services. Headquartered in Tromsø, Norway, the company operates the largest commercial satellite ground station network worldwide, including facilities in Svalbard and Antarctica to provide unique southern hemisphere coverage. Through KSAT Inc., KSAT’s U.S. based full-capability subsidiary, KSAT delivers mission-critical infrastructure for customers in government, civil, and commercial space in the United States, as well as the global space industry. 

About MSU:
Morehead State University (MSU) is a comprehensive, regional university located in Appalachian Kentucky in the Daniel Boone National Forest. MSU is known for excellence in STEM fields and pre-professional programs. The Space Science Center is MSU’s Program of Distinction and manages a significant research and development portfolio in small satellite systems, having executed 7 smallsat missions to date. The Center operates a 21-meter ground station and a 12-meter tracking antenna that provides lunar tracking services and smaller aperture ground stations for satellite telecommunications support. The Center also supports innovative undergraduate, graduate and a Doctor of Engineering program in Space Systems Engineering.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ksat-and-morehead-state-university-partner-to-expand-lunar-communications-infrastructure-302925397.html

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Millennium Dental Technologies and Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry Mourn Passing of Professor Raymond A. Yukna, DMD, MS (1942-2026)

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CERRITOS, Calif., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — It is with profound sadness that Millennium Dental Technologies and the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD) mourn the passing of Professor Raymond A. Yukna, DMD, MS, world-renowned clinician, educator, researcher, mentor and cherished friend.

Throughout a remarkable career spanning academia, research, clinical practice and education, Dr. Yukna earned the admiration of colleagues worldwide for his unwavering commitment to scientific inquiry, clinical excellence and the advancement of patient care.

A Diplomate of both the American Board of Periodontology and the American Board of Oral Medicine, Professor of Advanced Periodontal Therapies at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, Professor Emeritus at Louisiana State University, internationally recognized lecturer, and respected researcher, Dr. Yukna devoted his life to advancing the field of periodontics. His contributions helped shape modern periodontal therapy and influenced generations of clinicians, educators, and researchers worldwide.

His reputation for integrity, scientific rigor and thoughtful leadership made him one of the most trusted and respected voices in the specialty.

A DEFINING CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF THE LANAP® PROTOCOL

Dr. Yukna brought credibility, intellectual curiosity and scientific discipline that would help shape the future of the LANAP® protocol, a minimally invasive laser treatment for the treatment of moderate to severe periodontal disease. He engaged in thoughtful dialogue with Millennium Dental Technologies Co-Founders Robert H. Gregg II, DDS, and Delwin K. McCarthy, DDS, regarding the emerging science behind laser-assisted periodontal regeneration.

His groundbreaking research provided some of the earliest and most influential human histological evidence supporting the LANAP® protocol. Beginning with his International Association for Dental Research (IADR) abstract in 2003, followed by the submission of his landmark study to the International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry (IJPRD) in 2006 and its publication in 2007, Dr. Yukna produced research that became a defining milestone in the scientific validation of the LANAP® protocol. His work demonstrated cementum-mediated new connective tissue attachment in humans and provided the periodontal community with compelling evidence supporting the protocol’s regenerative potential.

At a time when laser periodontal therapy was met with understandable skepticism by many within the specialty, Dr. Yukna’s willingness to objectively evaluate the science—and ultimately contribute his own landmark research—gave the LANAP® protocol a level of scientific credibility that helped change its trajectory. Many periodontists first embraced the LANAP® protocol because they trusted Dr. Yukna’s scientific integrity and respected his commitment to evidence-based dentistry.

His landmark study opened the door to broader acceptance of the LANAP® protocol within periodontics and laid the foundation for additional human histological studies, expanded university research efforts, and more than two decades of continued scientific investigation. The growing body of evidence supporting the LANAP® protocol today owes much to the foundation Dr. Yukna helped establish.

A TEACHER WHO SHAPED A GENERATION

Dr. Yukna’s influence extended far beyond the published literature. As an IALD Certified Instructor, he became one of the most influential educators in the history of the LANAP® protocol. He served as hands-on clinical instructor for approximately 350 LANAP-trained clinicians and lectured at roughly 130 Laser BootCamps™, helping educate well over 1,000 clinicians throughout his years with the IALD and Millennium Dental Technologies.

From the Denver BootCamps™ held during his tenure at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine to sessions conducted throughout New York and, later, at the facility in Cerritos, Dr. Yukna’s lectures, mentorship and quiet confidence inspired countless clinicians. His generosity in sharing his knowledge, his thoughtful guidance and his commitment to excellence helped shape the careers of an entire generation of LANAP clinicians.

A CHERISHED FRIEND

Beyond his extraordinary professional accomplishments was an even more extraordinary person. For Robert H. Gregg II, DDS and Dawn Gregg, DDS, Dr. Yukna and his wife, Charlotte, were not simply respected colleagues, they were dear friends. Over many years, they shared milestones, celebrated successes, supported one another through challenges and built a friendship that extended far beyond dentistry. In fact, when Dr. Robert Gregg and Dr. Dawn Gregg began their lives together as a couple, Dr. Yukna and Charlotte were among the very first people they chose to tell in person—reflecting the trust, respect and affection they shared.

Those privileged to know Dr. Yukna personally will remember far more than his curriculum vitae. They will remember his humility, kindness, generosity, wisdom, quiet confidence and unwavering integrity. He challenged those around him to pursue excellence, to follow the science wherever it led, and to never lose sight of the patients whose lives could be changed through innovation grounded in evidence.

HIS LEGACY LIVES ON

The LANAP® community, the periodontal profession, the IALD and the entire Millennium Dental Technologies family are better because of Dr. Yukna’s contributions.

His legacy lives on through the science he advanced, the clinicians he trained, the patients whose lives were improved by his work, and the countless colleagues and friends he inspired throughout his remarkable career.

Millennium Dental Technologies and the IALD extends deepest condolences to Charlotte and Dr. Yukna’s family, friends, colleagues, students and all those whose lives he touched.

Thank you, Dr. Yukna, for your leadership, your scholarship, your mentorship, your friendship, and your unwavering belief that scientific excellence could improve the lives of patients around the world.

ABOUT MILLENNIUM DENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Headquartered in Cerritos, Calif., Millennium Dental Technologies is the developer of the LANAP protocol for treating periodontal disease and the manufacturer of the PerioLase MVP-7 variable-pulsed Nd:YAG dental laser. The company’s FDA-cleared LANAP protocol offers a more comfortable, less invasive alternative to conventional periodontal surgery while providing unique bone-building clinical results. Founding clinician Robert H. Gregg II, DDS, continues to lead the company with a vision to create better clinical outcomes for patients with periodontal disease while remaining true to its guiding principle: “It’s all about the patient.” For more information, visit www.lanap.com.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED LASER DENTISTRY

The Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry is a nonprofit educational and research organization dedicated to advancing evidence-based clinical training in laser dentistry. Established in 1999, the IALD is nationally recognized for its continuing education programs as an ADA Continuing Education Recognition Program and Academy of General Dentistry Program Approval for Continuing Education provider. For more information, visit www.theiald.com.

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SOURCE Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc.

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Okta Set to Join S&P 500; Others to Join S&P MidCap 400 and S&P SmallCap 600

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NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — S&P Dow Jones Indices will make the following changes to the S&P 500, S&P MidCap 400, S&P SmallCap 600 effective prior to the opening of trading on Wednesday, November 4:

S&P MidCap 400 constituent Okta Inc. (NASD: OKTA) will replace Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE) in the S&P 500, S&P SmallCap 600 constituent Glaukos Corp. (NYSE: GKOS) will replace Okta in the S&P MidCap 400, and McGrath RentCorp (NASD: MGRC) will replace Glaukos in the S&P SmallCap 600. S&P 500 constituent Kimberly-Clark (NASD: KMB) is acquiring Kenvue in a deal expected to be completed soon, pending final closing conditions.Loar Holdings Inc. (NYSE: LOAR) will replace LiveRamp Holdings Inc. (NYSE: RAMP) in the S&P SmallCap 600. Publicis Groupe SA (Euronext Paris: PUB) is acquiring LiveRamp Holdings in a deal expected to close soon, pending final closing conditions.

Following is a summary of the changes that will take place prior to the open of trading on the effective date:

Effective Date

Index Name 

Action

Company Name

Ticker

GICS Sector

Nov 4, 2026

S&P 500

Addition

Okta

OKTA

Information Technology

Nov 4, 2026

S&P 500

Deletion

Kenvue

KVUE

Consumer Staples

Nov 4, 2026

S&P MidCap 400

Addition

Glaukos

GKOS

Health Care

Nov 4, 2026

S&P MidCap 400

Deletion

Okta

OKTA

Information Technology

Nov 4, 2026

S&P SmallCap 600

Addition

McGrath RentCorp

MGRC

Industrials

Nov 4, 2026

S&P SmallCap 600

Deletion

Glaukos

GKOS

Health Care

Nov 4, 2026

S&P SmallCap 600

Addition

Loar Holdings

LOAR

Industrials

Nov 4, 2026

S&P SmallCap 600

Deletion

LiveRamp Holdings

RAMP

Information Technology

ABOUT S&P DOW JONES INDICES

S&P Dow Jones Indices is the largest global resource for essential index-based concepts, data and research, and home to iconic financial market indicators, such as the S&P 500® and the Dow Jones Industrial Average®. More assets are invested in products based on our indices than products based on indices from any other provider in the world. Since Charles Dow invented the first index in 1884, S&P DJI has been innovating and developing indices across the spectrum of asset classes helping to define the way investors measure and trade the markets.

S&P Dow Jones Indices is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies, and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

S&P Dow Jones Indices
index_services@spglobal.com

Media Inquiries
spdji.comms@spglobal.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/okta-set-to-join-sp-500-others-to-join-sp-midcap-400-and-sp-smallcap-600-302925405.html

SOURCE S&P Dow Jones Indices

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