Porter Novelli: Agency Profile

Porter Novelli is a communications agency with more than 50 years of history in public affairs, corporate reputation, purpose-driven communications, and healthcare. Founded in 1972 and operating for decades as an independent Omnicom agency, Porter Novelli was integrated into FleishmanHillard in February 2026 as part of Omnicom's post-IPG portfolio restructuring — operating as a dedicated brand within the expanded FleishmanHillard structure.

Founding & History

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 one of the earlier recognized practices in purpose-driven communications — advising brands on building credibility around social and environmental commitments before that category became mainstream.

The 2026 Integration

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.

Purpose Communications Legacy

Porter Novelli is recognized as one of the firms that defined purpose-driven communications as a discipline — advising companies on integrating social and environmental commitments into corporate narrative before ESG became standard practice. That legacy is now embedded within the expanded FleishmanHillard platform.

Why It Matters

Porter Novelli's profile is instructive for understanding holding company consolidation. A 54-year-old agency with a distinct identity and a recognized practice area has been absorbed into a larger agency — retaining its brand as a transitional measure. The question of what survives and what disappears in these integrations will define the agency landscape through 2026 and beyond.