Ogilvy PR has recruited former Westpac corporate affairs head, David Bell, to fill the newly created role of group managing director, corporate after a nine-month international search.

Bell (pictured) will now oversee a number of companies and products within the Ogilvy PR group, including Parker & Partners, Ogilvy Impact and OgilvyEarth.

He will pick up his new post on April 15 and will be based in Sydney.

Kieran Moore, chief executive of Ogilvy PR, described Bell – who has most recently general manager of corporate affairs and sustainability for Westpac – as a “highly-credentialed practitioner”.

 “The current managing directors of each of the companies will remain, but we see David’s role as drawing together our existing strong abilities in areas like thought leadership, issues and crisis, corporate reputation and housing them under one umbrella so we can offer them as a more compelling option to the market,” Moore said.

“We wanted someone who would be able to draw on the obvious synergies that exist between the various Ogilvy PR brands. David’s background and ability makes him the ideal candidate for such a senior role.”

Bell has previously been chief executive of the Australian Bankers’ Association and has headed corporate affairs at NRMA and Telstra.

He has also led public affairs company Kreab Gavin Anderson, formerly known as Gavin Anderson & Kortlang, as managing director.