NEW YORK, May 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Global public relations leader Porter Novelli (PN) announced two new managing directors in its Southern California and Chicago offices. Linda Martin, partner, will lead the Porter Novelli team in Southern California, while Adam Scholder, senior vice president, takes on leadership of the Chicago team. Both will be responsible for talent management and the strategic growth of their respective offices, reporting to Brad MacAfee, president, North America.

"These leadership appointments demonstrate our commitment to growing Porter Novelli's presence in these two important markets," said MacAfee. "With their focus on talent and growth, Linda and Adam are the best people for the job. I know we'll see great things coming from Southern California and Chicago with these strong leaders in place."

Martin joined Porter Novelli in 2000. Over the past 15 years, she has served as managing director of the agency's Irvine and San Diego offices, and led work with major global clients. She served as interim managing director of Southern California over the past several months.

Scholder joined Porter Novelli earlier this year as senior vice president. Previously, he was senior vice president and general manager at Olson Engage. Scholder has led work with brands including MillerCoors, McDonald's, Kraft Foods and Skittles.

Scholder replaces Rich Jernstedt, senior counselor, who will continue in a consulting role with Porter Novelli, working with key clients to drive value and results.

"Rich's senior leadership has been a huge asset to our Chicago office, and we thank him for his commitment to our clients and our talent," said MacAfee. "Rich played an important part in bringing Adam in as the new leader in Chicago, and we look forward to his continued contributions as a senior counselor."

These leadership changes were effective April 15.

About Porter Novelli
Porter Novelli is the global public relations agency that pioneered social marketing. 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 DAS Group of Companies.

About the DAS Group of Companies
The DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com), is a global group of marketing services companies. DAS includes over 200 companies in the following marketing disciplines: specialty, PR, healthcare, CRM, events, promotional marketing, branding and research. Operating through a combination of networks and regional organizations, DAS serves international, regional, national and local clients through more than 700 offices in 71 countries.

Contact:
Tricia Whittemore
Porter Novelli
tricia.whittemore@porternovelli.com
212-601-8449

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SOURCE Porter Novelli