Omnicom shakes up PR: Golin-Ketchum merger, Porter Novelli joins FleishmanHillard

MUMBAI: Omnicom is shaking up its public relations roster with a bold restructuring move, according to media reports. The holding company is merging Golin and Ketchum into a single brand agency, while Porter Novelli will now operate under the FleishmanHillard umbrella.

The combined Golin-Ketchum agency will be led by Golin CEO Matt Neale as chief executive officer, with Ketchum’s Tamara Norman stepping in as global president. Norman, who became Ketchum’s US CEO in 2024, has been steering the ship since former CEO Mike Doyle’s departure in July. Despite the merger, both brands will retain their individual identities during the transition.

Meanwhile, Porter Novelli will no longer operate independently. The agency will continue as a dedicated brand within FleishmanHillard, bringing together expertise in corporate affairs, reputation management, and social impact work. FleishmanHillard CEO J.J. Carter will stay at the helm, while Porter Novelli CEO Jillian Janaczek takes on the role of Americas CEO within the new structure, according to reports.

The shake-up sits within Omnicom Public Relations, one of the group’s “connected capabilities,” overseen by CEO Chris Foster. The move is part of a wider plan to streamline operations, improve consistency across markets, and ensure clients experience uninterrupted service.

Not every agency under Omnicom’s PR umbrella is affected. Weber Shandwick, MMC, and the company’s public affairs firms including DDC Public Affairs, GMMB, FP1 Strategies, Mercury Public Affairs, Plus Communications, Portland Communications, and Vox Global will continue to operate as usual under their existing leadership.

The restructuring is set to roll out in phases throughout 2026, with Omnicom emphasising continuity for both clients and teams.