Porter Novelli Communications Names Karen Ovseyevitz Head of San Francisco Office

Global public relations firms are entities that most of us average people have heard about, have only generic concepts of and have absolutely no idea what they do in detail on a day to day basis.

For those of us who have worked in call centers and tightly structured regimented environments, having a job in Public Relations would be a dream come true.

Even the definitions are vague because they seem to be written by, well, public relations firms.

Here is one.

Public relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics.

Okay, that’s not bad. Could we hear a simpler one?

Public relations can also be defined as the practice of managing communication between an organization and its publics.

Perhaps we are understanding their world just a little more.

From our limited view it is also a world of building personal relationships with powerful people and before legal agreements are signed, important deals are agreed upon and concluded with handshakes over dinner and lunch at exclusive restaurants.

For clarity we often turn to film.

Some might confuse the successful long running television series Mad Men with a public relations agency. They are not. They are an Ad Agency and there truly is a major difference.

Yes they have the power lunches over drinks in private and build powerful personal relationships but the heart of what they do is primarily about advertising campaigns.

Public Relations firms go beyond that, including having public events and meetings to bring the businesses involved and their public together.

One of the closest depictions we may have on film is the penetrating film, Sweet Smell of Success.

Sweet Smell of Success is a 1957 American film noir made by Hecht-Hill-Lancaster Productions and released by United Artists.

It was directed by Alexander Mackendrick and stars Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis, Susan Harrison and Martin Milner.

The film tells the story of powerful newspaper columnist J.J. Hunsecker (portrayed by Lancaster and based on Walter Winchell) who uses his connections to ruin his sister's relationship with a man he deems unworthy of her.

The movie also highlights the relationship between a gossip columnist and the head of a PR Agency and shows the closely tied relationships, still relevant today, between journalists and Public Relations influencers.

Sweet Smell of Success has greatly improved in stature over the years. It is now highly acclaimed by film critics, particularly for its cinematography and screenplay.

In 1993, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

We bring all of this up because in the news, there is another example of a very successful woman charting a powerful course that will affect millions.

The inspiration emanates from our favorite city of San Francisco.

Her name is Karen Ovseyevitz.

One of the most prominent Public Relations Firms in the world, Omnicom Public Relations Group, provides us with a definition of what they do. “Omnicom Public Relations Group encompasses more than 6,300 communications specialists working at 20 best-in-class brands. Our agencies are separate and distinct, but we work together seamlessly to bring the very best solutions to our clients. Whatever the communications challenge, we work closely with clients to custom-build a team to fit their needs and deliver meaningful business results.”

They invite us into their world to share their excitement. We sense we understand it a little better. Please enjoy.

NEW YORK, Feb. 27, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Global purpose communication consultancy Porter Novelli today announced that Karen Ovseyevitz has been named managing director of the agency's San Francisco office. As managing director, Ovseyevitz is responsible for talent management and strategic growth as the office councils leading brands on how to drive their reputation and make a positive impact. She will continue as Porter Novelli's President of Latin America and the interim Head of Technology.

"Karen is an incredible global leader that has a proven track record of driving positive change for our clients and our people," said Brad MacAfee, CEO of Porter Novelli. "Her deep expertise in the field of technology paired with her passion for social impact make for the perfect ingredients as she steps into this new role in San Francisco."

Ovseyevitz co-founded the Mexico City agency Martec Porter Novelli in 1993, overseeing client strategies, training, media relations and business development. She was appointed regional director for Latin America in 2007 and President for Latin America in June 2013. She also served as Managing Director of Porter Novelli Ft. Lauderdale and co-managing director of Martec Porter Novelli. Under her leadership, Martec Porter Novelli was named Mexico City's Top Agency for four consecutive years, from 2015-2018.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to work in a market that is home to some of the best and brightest innovators of our time," said Ovseyevitz. "Now more than ever, there is an undeniable business case for leaders and brands in the technology industry to lean into their purpose and drive positive change in society. I look forward to the work that lies ahead and embrace the opportunities that await."

In her 26 years with Porter Novelli, Ovseyevitz has served as a senior consultant for brands like Microsoft, FICO, Sony and Nokia, among others. Ovseyevitz is an existing member of Porter Novelli's executive committee and will continue to report directly to Brad MacAfee, CEO.

About Porter Novelli
Porter Novelli is a global purpose communication consultancy. We believe organizations must thrive on the ambition to make a positive impact. Brands with a clear purpose motivate action, secure loyalty and encourage advocacy. We partner with our clients to find, live and tell their unique position to the audiences who matter most—both to their cause and their bottom line. This is what drives us. For additional information, please visit www.porternovelli.com. Porter Novelli is a part of the Omnicom Public Relations Group.

About Omnicom Public Relations Group
Omnicom Public Relations Group is a global collective of three of the top global public relations agencies worldwide and specialist agencies in areas including public affairs, marketing to women, global health strategy and corporate social responsibility. It encompasses more than 6,300 public relations professionals in more than 370 offices worldwide who provide their expertise to companies, government agencies, NGOs and nonprofits across a wide range of industries. Omnicom Public Relations Group delivers for clients through a relentless focus on talent, continuous pursuit of innovation and a culture steeped in collaboration. Omnicom Public Relations Group is part of the DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) that includes more than 200 companies in a wide range of marketing disciplines including advertising, public relations, healthcare, customer relationship management, events, promotional marketing, branding and research.

Contact:
Maggie Graham
Porter Novelli
maggie.graham@porternovelli.com
212-601-8338

SOURCE Porter Novelli