Communications agency Porter Novelli has folded into FleishmanHillard brand, making redundant its leaders CEO Rhys Ryan and chief operating officer Arj Ganeshalingam. Managing partner Patrick McClelland has also left.
B&T understands the decision to sunset Porter Novelli is a local Australian decision and not part of a wider global call.
About 30 staff will now join FleishmanHillard, which has 38 staff. Both agencies were part of Omnicom prior to the acquisition.
Teams working under Porter Novelli used the brand until the end of 2025, but the shift had been flagged to senior leaders prior.
Omnicom’s major communications agencies in this market are now FleishmanHillard and Eleven, which is part of TBWA/Australia.
The division, which includes PR, events and social media, will be led by Roberto Pace. Laura Hill, previously managing partner of Porter Novelli, will lead engagement and regions at Fleishman, while Nicole Hamilton (Melbourne) and Merissa Lennon (Sydney) will lead the agency’s city teams. Lex Penfold will sit above them as managing director.
Porter Novelli, which was set up as a Washington lobby firm in the 70s, has a strong presence in the US and UK.
Ryan, Ganeshalingam and McClelland have worked with Porter Novelli for decades and built a 30-strong team that will now work under the FleishmanHillard banner.
Ryan told B&T, via a statement shared with the media: “Porter Novelli Australia was a wonderful place to ply our trade, for Patrick, Arj and me and for all those who came through the ranks under past leaders such as Peter Kent and Noel Turnbull. We loved working with people in an environment of trust and respect, where we learned from and valued one another.
“We ran huge national campaigns for governments and brands, nation-changing advocacy programs, and supported under-represented communities. We have shaped policy, strengthened industries and delivered real value. This work mattered to our clients.
“The things we’re most proud of? Our work on behalf of Treaty in Victoria over many years, the industry-leading agribusiness and cyber practices we built, and our work in public health, education and in regional communities. But most of all, our leaders are proud that we ran a profitable, growing business while remaining a place where 100 percent of our people said they were proud to work. That’s really the thing that made us tick – creating a great place to work, so our people felt empowered to do great work for our clients.”
In a statement, Omnicom told B&T:
“As part of a broader portfolio review of our PR agencies, we’ve simplified our brand and leadership structure for the benefit of clients and our people, reducing overlap and bringing related capabilities together. Porter Novelli has been integrated into fellow Omnicom Public Relations Group agency, FleishmanHillard.
“Rhys Ryan (CEO), Arj Ganeshalingam (COO) and Patrick McClelland (Managing Partner – Regions) departed the business at the end of December.
“Laura Hill, Managing Partner – Engagement, will lead the Regions practice moving forward. Lex Penfold (FleishmanHillard’s existing Managing Director) will lead the agency in Australia across its Melbourne and Sydney offices, with Merissa Lennon and Nicole Hamilton promoted to General Managers of Sydney and Melbourne respectively.
“We thank Rhys, Arj and Patrick for their tremendous contribution to our PR agencies and the Regions practice, and wish them every success for the future.”
Read next: Here’s What We Know About Omnicom’s Takeover Of Interpublic After The First Week
