MGR&CO reaches 100 client projects and makes five hires since launch

New communications firm MGR&CO, founded by former Porter Novelli leaders Patrick McClelland, Arj Ganeshalingam and Rhys Ryan, has reached the milestone of 100 client projects since its launch in early 2026.

The team is now advising more than 30 ongoing clients to pursue growth, navigate change and preserve trust. This follows a run of significant competitive pitch wins in recent months.

MGR&CO has become the country’s leading communications partner for law firms and insurers in cyber incident response, advising on more than 35 cyber incidents since February.

The firm has also continued to draw upon its deep knowledge of regional Australia to deliver communications and engagement programs in agribusiness, energy and health.

MGR&CO has expanded its team with five hires since its launch, with Alice Wilson, Annie Collison and Samuel Chen joining as client partners and Jack Langley as a client adviser. Pippa Chester (formerly Porter Novelli’s Melbourne Lead) will return to Australia and join the firm in late 2026, with other appointments to be announced in due course.

Says Patrick McClelland, MGR&CO: “Working alongside organisations in industries where reputation is everything and the stakes are high, is exactly what we aspired to do when we launched our firm. We’re bringing the right mix of senior-led counsel and hands-on execution that these kinds of partnerships need.”

MGR&CO is now advising clients across agribusiness, consumer brands, education, energy, financial services, government, health, professional services, not-for-profit, sport and technology.

Says Arj Ganeshalingam, MGR&CO: “For many of our clients, some of whom we have worked with for decades, we know the trust we have with them isn’t given lightly. It’s confirmed the model we set out to build – one where genuine care for the work sits at the heart of everything we do.”

The firm’s core team is supported by its &CO network, a group of trusted Porter Novelli and Clemenger Group alumni, collaborators and specialist partners that provides specialist capability across research, media relations, creative, design, digital, video and audio production, finance and administration.

Says Rhys Ryan, MGR&CO: “It’s been a fast start, but it’s been a careful start. We know from years of running a successful firm that steady, sustainable growth is what delivers in the long term. We’re investing in a team that’s committed to building their careers with us, and a culture that will set us up for success.”

MGR&CO has offices in Melbourne and Sydney, and has recently moved to a larger workspace in the heritage-listed Orica House in Melbourne.

Pictured (L-R): Sam Chen, Alice Wilson, Jack Langley, Annie Collison.

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