LONDON — Omnicom PR Group (OPRG) has appointed former Portland leader Mark Flanagan in the newly-created role of president, European public and corporate affairs.

Flanagan will work alongside the public affairs and corporate leaders from the group’s agencies – which include Ketchum, FleishmanHillard and Porter Novelli – to expand existing client relationships as well as winning new business. He will also be responsible for developing new offers and services and driving collaboration across Europe.

Flanagan was CEO of OPRG strategic communications agency Portland until July this year, when he stepped down. He was with the agency for 12 years, during which time the it grew from its London base into an international business with almost 300 employees around the world. Before joining Portland, Flanagan was head of strategic communications for two UK prime ministers.

Flanagan will remain a senior adviser at Portland, working closely with new CEO Vikki Dean. In his new role, Flanagan will report to OPRG chief executive Chris Foster and will join the global leadership team.

Foster said Flanagan “has deep experience in the European corporate and public affairs space and a proven record of driving growth and guiding clients. I look forward to partnering with him to build a large-scale powerhouse practice in Europe that helps our clients tackle some of the thorniest, complex issues impacting corporate reputation.”

Flanagan added: “Having spent my entire agency career with one firm, I really wanted to take on the challenge of a wider group role. I've learned that we are best when we collaborate and innovate in the service of our clients. I'm excited by Chris Foster's vision for international growth and confident that we have the smartest talent and the right capabilities in the group to deliver that vision.”