NEW YORK, June 18 2015 – Further expanding Portland’s senior leadership and service offering in the U.S., Portland has appointed Sebastian Schwark as Director and head of its New York office. Schwark brings more than fifteen years of experience in strategic communications. He joins Portland from Hill+Knowlton Strategies, where he advised global clients on a wide range of issues, including reputation management in light of climate change and the on-going energy transition, mergers and restructuring, as well as labour and employment disputes.
Schwark replaces Charles McLean, now head of Portland’s Doha office, and will report to David MacKay, Partner and General Manager, Portland US, based in Washington, DC.
Building on Portland’s notable track record with international governmental and non-governmental organizations in New York, Schwark will focus on expanding Portland’s footprint in highly regulated markets such as financial services, healthcare and energy. An expert on transatlantic business, he will also serve as senior counsel to Portland’s international client base. This strategic addition to Portland’s offering comes at a pivotal moment for the transatlantic business community, when the Euro crisis and the UK referendum on membership in the EU drive political uncertainty in Europe.
David MacKay said on the appointment:
“Sebastian brings the mix of expertise and global view our clients require and Portland is trusted to deliver. We’re building the US operation by enlisting the smartest communicators and strategists in the business. Sebastian represents the calibre of advisor and team partner we need to grow – insightful, creative, ambitious and a risk taker with a global track record of exceeding client expectations.”
Sebastian Schwark said:
“Today, strategic communications is more important than ever to navigate the big debates that are shaping the environment corporations and organizations are operating in. From climate change to social and environmental sustainability, the threat of global terrorism to the protection of industries’ license to operate, Portland has the critical intelligence, media relationships and business acumen necessary for success. I am honoured to be part of this impressive team.”
Tim Allan said:
“From the day I opened the office in 2009, we’ve had the mentality of a start-up as we scale internationally. Sebastian’s enthusiasm and expertise across a broad range of industries, global markets and big brands will be incredibly valuable to our clients’ best interests and drive growth in our key areas of integrated corporate communications, reputation management, global development and public affairs.”