Clemenger Group communications agency Porter Novelli refreshes national leadership team

Clemenger Group communications agency Porter Novelli has started 2022 with a new leadership structure, to reflect its growing consulting team and practice areas for its strong national client base.

The structure will strengthen its footprint in Australia’s critical industry sectors, while continuing to build deep specialisation in strategic communications, media, content and creative services.

The national leadership team includes managing partners Clare Willenberg and Patrick McClelland, media and content lead Madeleine Hanley (arriving from Red Havas), technology sector lead Jessica Hodges and client partner Madeleine Page.

Porter Novelli has also appointed experienced communications leader Laura Hill as special counsel. Hill has held previous senior roles at Oxfam, NAB and CARE Australia, and brings more than 17 years’ experience across the not-for-profit, corporate and government sectors.

The new leadership team is supported by chief executive officer, Rhys Ryan (right), and chief operating officer Arj Ganeshalingam (left), both of whom were appointed to their new roles in January.

Clemenger Group chief executive officer Les Timar welcomed the new appointments after a stellar 12 months for Porter Novelli: “I am delighted to see the Porter Novelli team grow after a very successful two years for the business, despite the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency continues to evolve its contemporary communications offering and take a purpose-led approach to both brand and reputation.”

Porter Novelli has also made several new appointments in both Sydney and Melbourne to keep pace with the company’s growth, including senior consultant Lauren Clancy (from Howorth Communications), consultants Val Alimi (from Monash Health) and Arden Baker (from Civic Reputation), with both Tasmin McFarlane and Samuel Chen joining as consultants after completing the Clemenger Consulting Graduate Program.

Ryan commends the firm’s efforts to lay a strong foundation for growth in 2022: “Our team has demonstrated remarkable resilience and allowed us to prosper during the pandemic, while continuing to pursue our goal to be recognised as Australia’s leading Purpose-driven communications company.

“This new structure brings together a remarkable and diverse group of professionals, who strongly believe in our values and commitment to delivering outstanding work for our partners.”

Porter Novelli was recently awarded Employer of Choice at the Australian Business Awards and recognised at the 2021 PRIA National Golden Target Awards.