Porter Novelli Announces Talent-Centric Leadership Positions Focusing on Training and Diversity

NEW YORK, Feb. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Global public relations leader Porter Novelli (PN)  announced two new talent-centric leadership positions focusing on training and development and diversity and inclusion.

As Global Learning & Development Director, Melissa Kraus Taylor, partner and current managing director of the Atlanta office, will be responsible for leading learning and development for the firm globally, driving the agency's broad-based learning agenda for continued innovation and impact. She will be reporting into Global Talent Leader Mindy Gikas.

"The role of learning and development has never been as critical to driving client success as it is today," said Mindy Gikas. "As more and more clients demand holistic, integrated campaigns, PN is driving to expand our team's skills in the areas of analytics, creative, digital, content and reputation management. Melissa's well-rounded experience within our agency and her skills as an executive coach make her uniquely qualified to lead a holistic program that addresses development of competencies, leadership skills and understanding the Porter Novelli way."

In addition to over two decades of experience in social marketing, strategic planning, message development and positioning, Taylor also brings 25 years of teaching experience to her role. She has developed and implemented PN's Greater Than University (GTU) program and has served as co-dean with Gikas.

"I have personally benefited so much from the opportunities I have had to leverage my strengths and passions at PN, and I'm thrilled that creating a learning culture is one of our strategic priorities," said Taylor. "We have amazing talent within our network, and in this new role I can help unlock their potential as leaders to develop breakthrough solutions for our clients and our organization."

In a newly created role, Porter Novelli has tapped executive vice president Soon Mee Kim as Diversity and Inclusion Leader. Kim will be working in partnership with Global CEO Brad MacAfee and Global Talent Leader Mindy Gikas to evaluate, implement and develop policies, practices and programs that promote diversity, inclusion and innovation at Porter Novelli.

"At Porter Novelli, diversity is a strategic business imperative that is the foundation for driving creativity and innovation," said Brad MacAfee, CEO. "I am confident that Soon Mee will take our current diversity programs to a new level while setting a leading example among global communications agencies."

Kim is a 25-year public relations and communications veteran. Since joining Porter Novelli in 2005, she has held leadership, management, client service, and specialty roles including the posts of Atlanta Technology Practice Director, Austin Interim Managing Director, Client Relationship Leader, Global Wireless Lead, Multicultural Communications Counselor and Asian American Specialty Lead. She is an active member of the agency's Global Technology Practice, Social Impact initiative and the Diversity Council.

"Porter Novelli redoubles its efforts to be a more diverse and inclusive organization at a time when the ideals of diversity and inclusion are at a critical point, when many are wondering how to do our best work and be together," said Kim. "This organization supports my belief that our diversity is our strength. More than a trend or a fad, we have a responsibility to attract, retain and grow talent through our diversity efforts. We have an opportunity to lead our clients, be a beacon for our industry, and, dare I say, our greater society. Moreover, diversity leads to innovation and real solutions that help us see what others cannot, develop keener insights and be extraordinary in all that we do."

About Porter Novelli
Porter Novelli is a global public relations agency built on a rich heritage of marketing for social good. We've been motivating people to change deeply ingrained behaviors rooted in cultural and social norms for more than 40 years. Porter Novelli is a different kind of agency—and we recognize, respect and champion companies with the spirit, drive and tenacity to do things differently. We like taking on big challenges, and even bigger challengers, and we seek out clients who feel the same way—clients who have the conviction to tell their own story, and the courage to innovate from who they have been into who they know they can be. For additional information, please visit www.porternovelli.com. Porter Novelli is a part of the Omnicom Public Relations Group.

About Omnicom Public Relations Group
Omnicom Public Relations Group is a global collective of three of the top global public relations agencies worldwide and specialist agencies in areas including public affairs, marketing to women, fashion, global health strategy and corporate social responsibility. It encompasses more than 6,000 public relations professionals in more than 330 offices worldwide who provide their expertise to companies, government agencies, NGOs and nonprofits across a wide range of industries. Omnicom Public Relations Group is part of the DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. that includes more than 200 companies in a wide range of marketing disciplines including advertising, public relations, healthcare, customer relationship management, events, promotional marketing, branding and research.

Contact:
Amy Marriott
Porter Novelli
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404-917-6988

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