CM Porter Novelli merges with Pagoda PR to form Pagoda Porter Novelli
Pagoda PR has announced the acquisition of CM Porter Novelli forming a new 20-strong company – Pagoda Porter Novelli.
CM Porter Novelli’s Angela Casey will head up the company with Ian Coldwell, formerly managing director of Pagoda PR, taking up the role of deputy chairman, focusing on business strategy and sector expansion. Giselle Dye continues as a director and board member with Anne McMunn, director of CM Porter Novelli, bringing senior counsel and media expertise as an associate director.
Sir Michael Hirst remains as chair and the senior team comprises of policy director Keith Geddes and account directors Lynne Veitch; Sarah McDaid; Holly Russell; Barbara Fraser and Callum Chomczuk.
“The launch of our new business represents a real step-change for the PR and public affairs industry in Scotland and the UK,” said Casey. “We’re bringing together a core team of highly skilled, ambitious practitioners with a vision to be recognised as the most respected and successful agency in Scotland. The team has already been working together for some weeks and the dynamic is brilliant.”
Coldwell added the acquisition “not only broadens our pool of expertise, but also gives us the scale to take on larger projects” hinting at “ambitious plans for future growth.”
The new company will retain an affiliate arrangement with Porter Novelli, giving access to the wide geographical reach of its offices. Pagoda Porter Novelli will provide a full range of services including stakeholder engagement, media relations, social media and community consultation. The business will operate from Pagoda’s existing Edinburgh base.