NEW YORK, Feb. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Global public relations leader Porter Novelli announced that Jess Schmidt has joined its Los Angeles office as a senior vice president in the consumer brand marketing practice. Schmidt will play a key role in the agency's work with a top consumer client, and will be responsible for managing, growing and developing talent. She joined the agency on February 1, and reports to Jimmy Szczepanek, executive vice president.

"Jess brings an incredible background in food and beverage and consumer packaged goods to this role, which will be a great asset as we continue to grow our consumer brand marketing practice," said Linda Martin, managing director, Southern California. "In addition, her talent-focused mindset is a wonderful fit for our culture of continuous learning and collaboration. We're thrilled to welcome her to the team."

Schmidt has more than a decade of experience developing strategic communications campaigns that raise awareness, increase sales, generate thought leadership and build brands. Prior to joining Porter Novelli, she was a vice president in the consumer marketing practice at Finn Partners, where she managed several food and beverage accounts, including Dole Packaged Foods, the happy egg co. and Auntie Anne's. Previously, Schmidt spent five years with The Rogers Group during which she executed large-scale consumer-focused media events, managed the internship program and spearheaded the creation of the agency's pro bono program.

"Porter Novelli's research-driven approach to find what motivates consumer's decisions coupled with a team of the brightest and best in the food industry made this role the perfect fit," said Schmidt. "I'm excited to be part of a company that creates purposeful campaigns in a rewarding work environment, and I look forward to helping grow the great talent we have at the agency."

Schmidt earned a bachelor's degree in mass communications from the University of Wisconsin--Eau Claire.

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 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