Agency taps Porter Novelli New Zealand‘s Strahan Wallis to lead Southern California region and hires Raj Iyer to the Strategic Planning, Research and Analytics team in New York
Global public relations leader Porter Novelli announced two enhancements to its North America team. Strahan Wallis has been tapped as managing director for Porter Novelli’s Southern California region, which includes operations in Los Angeles, Irvine, and San Diego, after previously serving in a similar leadership role for the Clemenger Group owned Porter Novelli New Zealand. Additionally, Raj Iyer has joined the agency in New York as senior vice president in the strategic planning, analytics and research practice.
Based in Los Angeles, Wallis will assume regional responsibility for talent management, strategic growth and client service excellence. Wallis will draw on his previous experience as managing director in Porter Novelli’s New Zealand office, where he successfully strengthened office culture which resulted in the lowest staff turnover rate in more than a decade. In his new post, Wallis reports to Jennifer Swint, President of North America.
Wallis has a strong background in technology, agriculture, food, health and financial services sectors having advised some of the world’s leading companies. Some of these include: Microsoft, HP, Visa, KPMG, Credit Suisse, Fonterra (dairy), RocketLab USA (aerospace), Heineken and a number of food companies.
“Arriving stateside feels like a long time in the making,” said Wallis. “I am eager to work with my colleagues in Southern California to support our clients through their most challenging communication issues. This market offers a breadth of new opportunities and challenges for our team and our clients and I can’t wait to get into it.”
Based in New York, Iyer will be responsible for creating broad strategies that unite communications programs, while ensuring they are properly executed and impactful. He reports to Carrie Schum, North America lead of strategic planning, analytics and research.
“Joining Porter Novelli was inevitable. I’m drawn to the best talent, culture and ideas,” said Iyer. “I’m excited for this endeavor, simply because I love learning about audiences and connecting with people.”
Prior to PN, Iyer ran a strategy consulting company focusing on consumer healthcare technology startups. He also worked with consumer packaged goods and lifestyle brands to drive go-to-market strategies and develop deep audience understanding. His client experience includes brands such as AstraZeneca, GSK, Hearst Publications, Heineken, LEGO, LG and Merck.
“Both Strahan and Raj are incredibly talented individuals who will make an impact on behalf of our clients, our teams and our innovation,” said Swint. “Their energy, creativity and curiosity are the perfect fit for our agency culture and growth strategy. We are thrilled to have them on the Porter Novelli team.”