Clemenger Group forms new public affairs & communications consultancy

AUCKLAND, Today: Clemenger Group NZ has announced the merger of its two New Zealand-based specialist consulting firms – public affairs & strategic communications firm GRC Partners, and public relations & reputation management agency Porter Novelli.

GRC Partners + Porter Novelli will serve clients across a broad range of industries with a single reference point for their public affairs, corporate and financial communications needs, as well as multi-disciplinary special projects.

Strengthening the two agencies’ capabilities, experience, and strong government & business networks, GRC Partners will be led by managing partner Mark Watts.

Brad Pogson, formerly Porter Novelli NZ MD, will become the firm’s first New Zealand partner. Half of the firm’s consultants are shareholders in the group.

GRC Partners + Porter Novelli will operate offices in Auckland and Wellington, and will maintain its existing connections throughout Australia via GRACosway Australia.

The new firm will also retain its connection to Porter Novelli worldwide.

“Together GRC Partners + Porter Novelli will form a formidable force in government, public and corporate communications.”

Mark Watts said: “For our clients, the establishment of GRC Partners + Porter Novelli means one firm for expert advice in public affairs, corporate and financial communications.

“For our teams, it means greater collaboration and opportunities for development, building on our existing cross-agency partnership.

“Current clients include NZX-listed businesses, multinational brands and other companies drawn from a diverse range of industry sectors in New Zealand, Australia and beyond.”

Clemenger Group NZ ceo Strahan Wallis said: “Together GRC Partners + Porter Novelli will form a formidable force in government, public and corporate communications.

Clients will have access to best-in-class consultancy services from a phenomenal team of experts in Auckland, Wellington and beyond.

“This is one of the best teams I’ve seen in many years, and I am excited to see what they will deliver together.”

GRC Partners + Porter Novelli has a trans-Tasman board, led by Kirsten Mulley, ceo of GRACosway, who also serves as a director of Clemenger Group.

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