Two of Scotland’s standout public relations and public affairs firms have joined forces to form one of Scotland’s top three independent communications consultancies.
The acquisition of CM Porter Novelli by Pagoda PR combines two highly respected and successful Scottish businesses into one company, Pagoda Porter Novelli. CM Porter Novelli’s Angela Casey will lead the organisation as Managing Director. She will bring her long track record of PR and public affairs experience to lead the combined 20-strong team.
Ian Coldwell, formerly Managing Director of Pagoda PR takes on the role of Deputy Chairman, focusing on business strategy and sector expansion. Giselle Dye continues as a Director and Board Member of the new company and Anne McMunn, Director of CM Porter Novelli joins as an Associate Director, bringing senior counsel and media expertise.
The new company will retain an affiliate arrangement with worldwide group, Porter Novelli, providing access to the wide geographical reach of its offices. Pagoda Porter Novelli will provide a full range of services including stakeholder engagement, media relations, social media, and community consultation.
Sir Michael Hirst remains as Chair of the new business and the senior team comprises Policy Director Keith Geddes and Account Directors Lynne Veitch, Sarah McDaid, Holly Russell, Barbara Fraser and Callum Chomczuk. The new business will operate out of the existing Pagoda PR offices in Eyre Place, Edinburgh.
Angela Casey comments: “The launch of our new business represents a real step-change for the PR and public affairs industry in Scotland and the UK. We’re bringing together a core team of highly skilled, ambitious practitioners with a vision to be recognised as the most respected and successful agency in Scotland. The team has already been working together for some weeks and the dynamic is brilliant.”
Ian Coldwell added: “We’re bringing together Pagoda PR’s award winning focus on public affairs, issues-driven PR and stakeholder engagement with CM Porter Novelli’s expertise in tourism, consumer and B2B PR, as well as its industry leading digital media insight. This acquisition not only broadens our pool of expertise, but also gives us the scale to take on larger projects, and we have ambitious plans for future growth.”