Global public relations leader Porter Novelli announced two additions to its executive leadership team. Nick Propper has joined Porter Novelli as global chief operating officer and Jennifer Swint has been promoted to president, North America.
Propper will serve as a high-level strategic counselor for Porter Novelli’s top clients, responsible for driving value, results and business growth. He will oversee integrated client service offerings including digital, creative, strategic planning, analytics, research and reputation management, as well as the agency’s innovation efforts. Propper reports to Brad MacAfee, CEO.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Nick to Porter Novelli in this important role, which focuses on providing the very best service to our clients,” said MacAfee. “His extensive experience working with major consumer brands, stellar client engagement skills and entrepreneurial spirit will be huge assets as we look to bring creative new solutions and programs to our clients and drive growth across the agency.”
Propper brings a deep background in consumer PR to this role, with experience working with some of the world’s biggest and most well-known brands in areas including food & beverage, technology, sports, consumer goods and health & beauty.
Most recently, Propper served as president of Emanate, a unit of the DAS Group of Companies, where he was responsible for the agency’s global operations, business development and client stewardship. Prior to that, he was CEO of Emanate London. Before launching Emanate in the U.K., Propper was deputy CEO of Ketchum London, where he led a series of global PR programs for major client brands. Propper began his career working in-house at British retailer Marks & Spencer.
“I’m energized by this new challenge and look forward to diving headfirst into this exciting role,” said Propper. “I was immediately impressed by the smarts, passion and commitment of the Porter Novelli team, and I can’t wait to collaborate with them to create a meaningful impact for our clients.”
Propper will be based in the agency’s London office initially, with plans to relocate to New York within the year. He will sit on the executive committee.
Jennifer Swint, managing director of the agency’s Washington, DC office, has been appointed president, North America. In this role, Swint will be responsible for the talent development, growth and profitability of Porter Novelli’s offices in the U.S. and Canada. She will continue leading the agency’s successful DC office.
“Jennifer has fueled growth in our Washington, DC office and expanded Porter Novelli’s footprint in the city,” said MacAfee. “Over the course of her tenure, she has built a reputation for consistently generating exceptional results. This promotion marks an exciting time for the agency and I look forward to seeing Jennifer’s leadership drive award-winning work for our clients in North America.”
Over her 25-year career, Swint has managed a wide range of successful corporate communications, public affairs, crisis and reputation management campaigns on behalf of major trade associations, Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit organizations and complex public policy issue coalitions.
“I am honored to lead Porter Novelli’s U.S. and Canadian operations and build on the incredible foundation already in place,” said Swint. “There is an amazing spirit of collaboration and creativity throughout the region – it’s a tremendous opportunity to work with all of the great talent across the various North American offices to bring the best ideas and solutions to our clients and partners.”
Prior to joining Porter Novelli, Swint led new business growth and supported clients at APCO Worldwide, Powell Tate|Weber Shandwick and John Adams Associates, as well as her own agency – Nine Dot Strategies. In addition, Swint was on the executive leadership team of the Atlantic Media Company – parent to The Atlantic, National Journal and The Hotline. While at the Atlantic Media Company, she served in several roles including president of Atlantic Live!, which developed and managed hundreds of live events each year, including the Aspen Ideas Festival. She was also executive director of the National Journal’s Policy Council, a membership-based initiative designed to improve information flow between Capitol Hill and those organizations needing to reach policymakers.
Swint earned a B.A. in technical journalism, news editorial from Colorado State University. She succeeds MacAfee in this role.