Porter Novelli positions itself for growth

PORTER NOVELLI POSITIONS ITSELF FOR GROWTH

Strong business growth has seen public relations firm Porter Novelli focus on how to capture new opportunities in the market whilst maintaining its hallmark internal culture. Broader leadership announced today, along with a new brand proposition and a strategic focus on growth sectors and leading businesses are key to its approach.

The firm, which was ranked in the top 10 best small workplaces by JRA last year, has won substantial new business in the last six months and a range of awards. Whilst the consultancy’s Microsoft and Yellow campaigns have received awards, new clients include leading edge firms such as Torpedo/1-Day and DB Breweries. These recent wins have built on its strong base of existing clients that recognise its corporate and marketing communications specialties, among them Visa, Vodafone, Microsoft, Turners Car Auctions and Fuji Xerox.

“All indications are that this will continue as our forward pipeline of work is in great shape” says Managing Director Jane Sweeney. “We’re finding that post-recession companies are focusing on reputation more than ever, and are keen to present a holistic view of their business that really stands out to their key audiences. CEOs are taking ownership of the corporate brand and aligning their marketing communications and corporate affairs wherever possible. Porter Novelli is well placed to offer the end-to-end strategic communications support companies need.”

The consultancy is seeking to deepen its client relationships by strengthening its senior line up with the appointment of a General Manager and new Chief Operating Officer. These new appointments will allow Sweeney to concentrate on growing the business whilst freeing up time to provide strategic advice and support to Porter Novelli’s clients.

Strahan Wallis has been appointed as General Manager, after joining Porter Novelli a year ago. He brings 15 years of national and international experience to the role, having joined Porter Novelli from KPMG where he was responsible for National Marketing, Communications and Research.

Valerie MacKenzie has been appointed Chief Operating Officer. Valerie has more than 25 years experience in finance and accountancy in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, specialising in media. Valerie joins Porter Novelli from Fairfax Magazines where she managed all financial reporting and process improvements for a range of lifestyle, business, specialist and contract publishing titles.

As General Manager, Wallis will take on increasing responsibility for the day to day running of the business. Mackenzie will assume responsibility for providing strategic financial support to the company as well as general office management oversight.

Says Wallis: “Porter Novelli has a superb set of clients and a hugely talented line up of consultants. With a bullish business plan for 2011, our focus is on bringing fresh ideas to the table and shifting client thinking by delivering insights, and then forging the connections necessary to deliver tangible reputation or bottom-line outcomes..”

“As we grow, the new structure will help ensure our team has the best combination of professional development, a nurturing internal culture and a heap of fun as we continue to focus on delivering excellent results for our clients.”

“Our brand proposition is about transforming the way people think about companies and brands, what companies stand for and how organisations operate” says Sweeney. “For us at Porter Novelli, the future of PR is an incredibly exciting one.”

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