Wendi Taylor Nations Named Managing Director of Porter Novelli Chicago

February 20, 2007 | 5:36 pm

CHICAGO, Feb. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Porter Novelli today announced the appointment of Wendi Taylor Nations to managing director of its Chicago office. Nations, who has more than 20 years of marketing communications experience, brings a diverse background to client work and successful track record for regional growth.

"As the public relations industry continues to evolve, gaining strength and credibility within the marketing communications mix, it is an exciting time to be leading the Chicago office of Porter Novelli," said Nations. "We have a solid base of diverse clients that continue to grow with new and challenging needs. Our client-centered approach allows us to provide the best talent and expertise needed to help our clients reach their business goals."

Nations will continue to direct several account teams in the Chicago office. She also will use her considerable networking and relationship- building skills to connect Porter Novelli Chicago with industry partners and with Porter Novelli teams worldwide. Nations will work closely with client leaders to continue Porter Novelli Chicago's solid performance and further its goals of becoming a marketplace leader and premiere talent destination in the region.

Former Chicago managing director Linda Hadley will turn her attention to handling more client work where her seasoned counsel and research skills are in high demand.

"In addition to her robust marketing experience, Wendi brings a dynamic and passionate approach to client business and to the office culture," said Julie Winskie, partner and chief client officer. "Wendi's leadership appointment is an important part of Porter Novelli's commitment to growth in the Chicago market."

Nations joined Porter Novelli in 2001 as senior vice president and Chicago health care practice leader with experience in medical device, consumer health, biopharmaceuticals, hospitals, and health plans. She is a specialist in new product launch and re-positioning, crisis communications and issues management.

Before joining Porter Novelli, Nations served as senior managing director of Hill and Knowlton's Midwest health care practice. Prior to joining Hill and Knowlton, she directed the marketing planning and advertising programs of Advocate Health Care.

Nations has a bachelor of arts from DePauw University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

About Porter Novelli

Porter Novelli is one of the world's leading public relations agencies and is represented in all major markets. With a focus on effective stakeholder communications and adopting a holistic, media-neutral approach, Porter Novelli develops public relations programs that deliver value and impact to its clients' business. Porter Novelli was founded in Washington, D.C., in 1972 and is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC), a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. For more information, please visit www.porternovelli.com.