Porter-Novelli PR Retrenches

In the time-honored custom of always releasing the worst news on a Friday … Porter Novelli said today it is revamping with the departure of “senior leaders” of its management team, according to an internal memo penned by Julie Winskie, who assumed the presidency of the Americas post Jan. 1 of this year. PN is continuing a trend in the public relations agency business of cutting expenses by shedding experienced and high salary people.

Winskie has not yet been reached for comment on the Nov. 18 memo, according to the O’Dwyer PR Newsletter.

David Zucker, a PN partner, 19-year veteran and corporate responsibility pro, will find his next “adventure beyond our doors,” according to Winskie. He handled the “Truth Campaign,” “CauseWorks” and most recently launched “Greenfluencer.”

Peter Hirsch, who ran PN’s corporate practice for 14 years, will spend `09 wrapping up a business book and teaching a communications masters degree at Baruch College in NYC.

Boston managing director/partner Jim Barbagallo, who is credited for “having thrived on the intensity of the tech boom and surviving the tech burst shortly thereafter,” is leaving the Omnicom unit. He also made sure PN staffers had the “what’s right to win” attitude, noted Winskie.

Larry Paredes, PN’s first general counsel, is getting out of the PR business. He is going to BlackRock Kelso Capital as its lawyer.

Category: Featured, Public Relations