NEW YORK, Aug. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Porter Novelli, one of the world's leading public relations agencies, announced it has launched the U.S. Healthcare Payor and Policy Advisory Board (PPAB).

The group of high level, senior executives was formed to supplement the firm's current expertise in the U.S. and European payor and policy landscape as clients are increasingly demanding new solutions to access and health reform issues. The PPAB will help Porter Novelli create innovative payor and policy solutions and is available to advise clients and potential clients.

"Over the past year, we have seen a significant increase in our work helping clients communicate and create value as healthcare reform and rising costs challenge worldwide focus," said Henry Engleka, senior vice president of Porter Novelli Global Health and Wellness. "The PPAB deepens our offer in the U.S. as we will provide our clients with access to thought leaders who are helping to reshape the health system."

In March 2014, Porter Novelli launched a European Payor Panel through its Paradigm Communications Company. The Paradigm Payor Panel is a unique, mobile-enabled research community of payors across fifteen countries. In partnership with Kiosk Information Systems, a world leader in self-service solutions, the Paradigm Payor Panel offers both immediate and ongoing insights into market access challenges and opportunities across individual or multiple markets. The Paradigm Payor Panel is overseen by Neil McGregor-Paterson, Paradigm's director of Client Services.

"These two initiatives are great examples of our commitment to providing superior client service," said Karen Van Bergen, CEO, Porter Novelli. "Our clients are already finding tremendous value from this expanded expertise."

Members of the U.S. PPAB include:


    --  Amy Knapp, Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Affinity Health Plan, New
        York
    --  Robert Battista, CEO, Doctor Evidence, Los Angeles
    --  Robert Coughlin, President and CEO, MassBio, Boston

Companies seeking to consult with Porter Novelli and the PPAB on payor and policy initiatives can contact Henry Engleka via email at henry.engleka@porternovelli.com or by phone at +1 212-601-8205.

About Porter Novelli

Porter Novelli is one of the world's leading public relations agencies. With 90 offices in nearly 60 countries, Porter Novelli delivers best-in-class service to clients around the globe. As the agency that pioneered social marketing, Porter Novelli's heritage is grounded in influence - motivating people to change deeply ingrained behaviors that are rooted in cultural and social norms. This is achieved by identifying and activating against key insights that drive transformational change - going beyond just "solving a problem." The result is greater than just influencing people - Porter Novelli makes them believe.

For additional information, please visit www.porternovelli.com. Porter Novelli is a part of the DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc.

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:
Pat Sloan
Porter Novelli
pat.sloan@porternovelli.com
646-673-4787

SOURCE Porter Novelli