LONDON — Porter Novelli has appointed Sarah Shilling to the newly-created role of EMEA executive vice president of growth.

Shilling was previously chief marketing officer at Unlimited, the group which owns PR, social and influencer agency Fever, PR and communications agency Nelson Bostock and digital specialist Splendid.

She joined the group in 2014 after five years in-house as head of corporate communications at Pernod Ricard UK and global head of brand communications for Intercontinental Hotels Group. Earlier in her career Shilling held senior roles at Halpern and Ketchum.

In her new role, Shilling – who is also on the advisory board for female investor network Angel Academe – will lead on new business and marketing, including building the brand, the agency’s offer and its client portfolio in the region. She will work with and report to new EMEA managing director Fenella Grey, who stepped back into day-to-day leadership in March after three years as part-time chair.

Grey said: “We are ready to bring our proposition into the marketplace. We have been quietly brilliant. It's time to make some waves and tell the world how progressive we are in helping our clients build resilient reputations. Sarah brings high energy, a winning blend of senior leadership skills and wide understanding of marketing to accelerate growth out of our EMEA hub in London."

Shilling added: “What the Porter Novelli leadership team has built is impressive; they have the talent, the momentum, and most importantly, an unwavering commitment to align clients' intentions with actions – it’s such a compelling offer. The trajectory for growth is phenomenally exciting and I can’t wait to work with the team to add firepower to the ambition.”