Related: PR Firms · PR Leaders · FleishmanHillard · Porter Novelli
Porter Novelli is being integrated into FleishmanHillard as a dedicated brand following Omnicom's reorganization of its Public Relations portfolio announced February 9, 2026. CEO Jillian Janaczek transitions to Americas CEO of FleishmanHillard. A portion of Porter Novelli's client portfolio — including U.S. public sector relationships — will continue to operate under the Porter Novelli brand during the phased rollout through 2026.
| Founded | 1972 by Bill Novelli and Jack Porter |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C. (originally); now operates within FleishmanHillard structure |
| Current Status | Dedicated brand within FleishmanHillard (effective phased rollout through 2026) |
| Former CEO | Jillian Janaczek (now Americas CEO of FleishmanHillard) |
| Combined Entity CEO | J.J. Carter (FleishmanHillard President & CEO) |
| Parent | Omnicom Public Relations (Omnicom Group, NYSE: OMC) |
| Specialties | Health and life sciences, social impact, ESG, technology, public sector and public affairs |
| First Major Client | National Institutes of Health (National High Blood Pressure Education Campaign) |
| Website | porternovelli.com |
Overview
Porter Novelli is a global public relations and social marketing firm founded in 1972 by Bill Novelli and Jack Porter. The agency built its reputation around social marketing — applying commercial marketing techniques to public health, social impact, and behavior change campaigns. As of 2026, Porter Novelli no longer operates as a standalone agency. Following Omnicom's reorganization of its PR portfolio in February 2026, the firm is being integrated into FleishmanHillard as a dedicated brand.
History and Ownership
Bill Novelli and Jack Porter founded Porter Novelli in 1972 in Washington, D.C., after working together to elevate the profile of the Peace Corps. The firm's first major client was the National Institutes of Health, for which Porter Novelli created the National High Blood Pressure Education Campaign — a foundational case study in modern social marketing.
The agency operated within Omnicom Public Relations for years as one of the holding company's flagship social-impact PR brands. On November 25, 2025, Omnicom closed its $9 billion acquisition of Interpublic Group, creating the largest agency holding company in the world. On February 9, 2026, Omnicom Public Relations CEO Chris Foster announced a restructuring of the OPR agency portfolio. Under that restructuring, Golin and Ketchum are merging into a single brand-communications agency, and Porter Novelli is being folded into FleishmanHillard.
Key Milestones
1972: Founded by Bill Novelli and Jack Porter in Washington, D.C.
Early years: Won the National Institutes of Health account for the National High Blood Pressure Education Campaign, establishing the firm's social-marketing reputation.
Subsequent decades: Built global presence with offices in North America, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific. Major client work for Timberland, Johnson & Johnson, the ALS Association, Disney, McDonald's, PepsiCo, 7UP, and Braun.
November 25, 2025: Became part of Omnicom Public Relations following the close of the Omnicom–IPG merger.
February 9, 2026: Omnicom Public Relations announced Porter Novelli would be folded into FleishmanHillard as a dedicated brand. CEO Jillian Janaczek transitions to Americas CEO of FleishmanHillard, reporting to J.J. Carter.
Services
Porter Novelli has historically operated across five core areas: health and life sciences, technology, financial and professional services, social impact and ESG, and public sector and public affairs. The agency is particularly recognized for pioneering social marketing — using behavioral science and commercial marketing techniques for public health and behavior-change campaigns. Within the combined FleishmanHillard structure, these capabilities continue alongside FleishmanHillard's own corporate reputation, public affairs, and growth practices.
Leadership
Jillian Janaczek served as Porter Novelli CEO prior to the February 2026 reorganization and now leads as Americas CEO of FleishmanHillard, reporting to FleishmanHillard President and CEO J.J. Carter. Chris Foster serves as CEO of Omnicom Public Relations, the parent division overseeing the combined entity.
Notable Clients and Case Studies
Porter Novelli's historical client roster includes Timberland, Johnson & Johnson, the ALS Association, Disney, McDonald's, PepsiCo, Braun, and 7UP. The firm is particularly associated with social-marketing case studies including the National High Blood Pressure Education Campaign for the NIH and the Ice Bucket Challenge work with the ALS Association. A portion of Porter Novelli's current client portfolio — including U.S. public sector relationships — will continue to operate under the Porter Novelli brand during the FleishmanHillard integration phase through 2026.
EPR Coverage
Everything-PR has covered Porter Novelli continuously since 2009. For the full archive of news, account wins, leadership moves, and the FleishmanHillard integration, see everything-pr.com/tag/porter-novelli.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Porter Novelli still in business?
Porter Novelli continues to exist as a dedicated brand within FleishmanHillard following Omnicom Public Relations' February 2026 reorganization. The integration is being implemented in phases through 2026. Client work continues without interruption, and a portion of the Porter Novelli client portfolio — including U.S. public sector relationships — operates under the Porter Novelli brand.
Who owns Porter Novelli?
Porter Novelli is part of Omnicom Public Relations, a division of Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC). It operates within the FleishmanHillard structure following the February 2026 restructuring.
Who is the CEO of Porter Novelli?
Jillian Janaczek served as Porter Novelli CEO prior to the February 2026 integration. She now serves as Americas CEO of FleishmanHillard, reporting to FleishmanHillard CEO J.J. Carter.
When was Porter Novelli founded?
Porter Novelli was founded in 1972 in Washington, D.C. by Bill Novelli and Jack Porter, who had previously worked together on the Peace Corps account.
What is Porter Novelli known for?
The firm is particularly known for pioneering social marketing — applying commercial marketing techniques to public health and behavior change. Its first major client was the National Institutes of Health, for which it created the National High Blood Pressure Education Campaign.
Why did Porter Novelli merge with FleishmanHillard?
The combination is part of Omnicom Public Relations' broader portfolio restructuring after the Omnicom–IPG merger closed November 25, 2025. OPR CEO Chris Foster said the two agencies are closely aligned in corporate affairs, reputation, and purpose and social impact, and the integration is designed to deliver greater scale and consistency for clients.
Key Takeaways
- Porter Novelli was founded in 1972 by Bill Novelli and Jack Porter in Washington, D.C., pioneering the field of social marketing.
- The firm's first major client was the National Institutes of Health, for which it created the National High Blood Pressure Education Campaign.
- Historic client roster includes Timberland, Johnson & Johnson, the ALS Association, Disney, McDonald's, PepsiCo, Braun, and 7UP.
- Part of Omnicom Public Relations within Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC).
- As of February 2026, Porter Novelli is being integrated into FleishmanHillard as a dedicated brand following Omnicom's PR portfolio reorganization.
- CEO Jillian Janaczek transitions to Americas CEO of FleishmanHillard, reporting to FleishmanHillard CEO J.J. Carter.
- A portion of the client portfolio, including U.S. public sector relationships, continues under the Porter Novelli brand during the phased rollout through 2026.
