Porter Novelli: Now a FleishmanHillard Brand, Profile

Porter Novelli is a communications agency founded in Washington, D.C. in 1972 by Bill Novelli and Jack Porter, with more than 50 years of work in public affairs, corporate reputation, purpose-driven communications, and healthcare. After decades as an independent Omnicom agency, it was integrated into FleishmanHillard in February 2026 as part of Omnicom's post-IPG portfolio restructuring, and now operates as a dedicated brand within the expanded FleishmanHillard structure. Jillian Janaczek, its former CEO, is Americas CEO of the combined structure.

Originally published 2024. Updated October 17, 2026.

Porter Novelli's Founding and History Since 1972

Bill Novelli and Jack Porter founded Porter Novelli in Washington D.C. in 1972. The firm built its early reputation in social marketing, applying commercial marketing principles to public health and social change campaigns, working on government and nonprofit programs alongside corporate clients.

The firm became part of the Omnicom network and grew into a global agency operating across corporate reputation, public affairs, healthcare, purpose communications, and consumer. It developed a purpose-driven communications practice, advising brands on credibility around social and environmental commitments.

Porter Novelli's 2026 Integration into FleishmanHillard

Following Omnicom's November 2025 acquisition of Interpublic Group, Omnicom Public Relations Group CEO Chris Foster announced in February 2026 that Porter Novelli would be folded into FleishmanHillard as a dedicated brand. Former Porter Novelli CEO Jillian Janaczek became Americas CEO of the combined structure, reporting to FleishmanHillard CEO J.J. Carter. Sakima Johnson became chief integration officer.

A portion of Porter Novelli's client portfolio, including U.S. public sector relationships, continues under the Porter Novelli brand. The integration is being executed in phases through 2026. Porter Novelli now sits alongside Weber Shandwick, Golin Ketchum, and MMC as part of the same OPRG portfolio.

Porter Novelli's Purpose Communications Practice

Porter Novelli advised companies on integrating social and environmental commitments into corporate narrative before ESG became standard practice. That practice is now part of the expanded FleishmanHillard platform.

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