Porter Novelli: Now a FleishmanHillard Brand, Profile
Porter Novelli, founded in 1972 by Bill Novelli and Jack Porter, became a dedicated brand within FleishmanHillard in February 2026 under Omnicom. See details.
Specialty
Regional & Full-Service
Updated
Oct 17, 2026
Desk
EPR Editorial Team
Firm summary
Porter Novelli is a communications agency founded in Washington, D.C. in 1972 by Bill Novelli and Jack Porter, and owned by Omnicom since 1988, per Wikipedia. FleishmanHillard announced on February 9, 2026 that Porter Novelli is integrating as a dedicated brand within FleishmanHillard, with Porter Novelli CEO Jillian Janaczek becoming Americas CEO and Sakima Johnson chief integration officer. A portion of its clients, including U.S. public sector work, continues under the Porter Novelli brand.
Originally published May 2026. Updated October 17, 2026.
How did Porter Novelli start?
Wikipedia says Novelli and Porter were advertising executives who worked together to market the Peace Corps before founding the firm in 1972. Needham Harper Steers acquired it in 1981, turning it into Needham Porter Novelli, and Omnicom took it over when Needham merged with Omnicom in 1988.
What did the 2026 integration change?
FleishmanHillard's February 9, 2026 announcement said Porter Novelli integrates as a dedicated brand to deliver deeper sector expertise and faster solutions globally. Exchange4media reported that J.J. Carter continues as FleishmanHillard CEO, that Janaczek takes the Americas CEO role, and that a portion of Porter Novelli's clients, including U.S. public sector relationships and select others, continues under the Porter Novelli brand. See EPR's FleishmanHillard profile, Omnicom Public Relations Group page and Omnicom Group page.
Does Porter Novelli still exist?
Yes, as a dedicated brand within FleishmanHillard rather than a standalone agency, according to Exchange4media's report of the February 2026 announcement.
How does Porter Novelli compare with other Omnicom PR firms?
Porter Novelli now sits inside FleishmanHillard, and Omnicom's February 2026 restructuring also merged Golin and Ketchum. See EPR's Golin Ketchum and FleishmanHillard profiles for the sister brands.
Related: PR agency profiles, Omnicom Group, Omnicom Public Relations Group, FleishmanHillard, 5W Public Relations
Porter Novelli: Now a FleishmanHillard Brand, Profile FAQ
Does Porter Novelli still exist?
Yes, as a dedicated brand within FleishmanHillard since the February 2026 integration.
Who owns Porter Novelli?
Omnicom, which acquired it in 1988; it now sits inside FleishmanHillard.
Who runs Porter Novelli now?
Jillian Janaczek, formerly Porter Novelli CEO, is Americas CEO of FleishmanHillard, and Sakima Johnson is chief integration officer.
Who founded Porter Novelli?
Bill Novelli and Jack Porter, in Washington, D.C. in 1972.
Editorial assessment by Everything-PR, based on public record and archive coverage. No firm-supplied marketing copy, no paid placement.
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