Omnicom has officially completed the merger of its public relations agencies Golin and Ketchum, unveiling the new global brand Golin Ketchum as part of its broader post-acquisition restructuring following the integration of Interpublic.
The newly formed agency brings together more than 2,000 professionals worldwide, positioning it among the largest PR networks globally. The move follows the merger announcement earlier this year and marks a significant step in Omnicom’s efforts to streamline and strengthen its communications portfolio.
The combined operation will be led by former Golin chief executive Matt Neale, who assumes the CEO role for Golin Ketchum. Former Ketchum executive Tamara Norman has been appointed president, while Ellen Ryan Mardiks takes on the role of chairman.
According to Neale, retaining both legacy names in the new identity was a deliberate decision designed to preserve the reputation and market recognition built by each agency over decades.
The merger unites two firms that entered 2026 from contrasting positions. Golin has enjoyed strong growth and industry recognition in recent years, while Ketchum has faced revenue challenges amid wider restructuring across Omnicom's agency network.
Regional Leadership Structure
The new organization has announced key regional appointments:
Dawn Langeland will oversee North America as president.
Jamey Peters becomes president of operations and managing director for the southern US region.
Ondine Whittington will lead the UK business.
Hortensia Nastase will head continental Europe, overseeing an expanded footprint that now includes Ketchum's German and Austrian operations.
Amanda Berenstein will lead Latin America while continuing her responsibilities within Weber Shandwick's Mexico office.
While Omnicom recently reorganized its Asia-Pacific operations under a broader regional structure, no specific Golin Ketchum leadership appointments for the region have yet been announced.
Strengthening Practice Areas
The agency has also confirmed leadership for several specialist sectors:
John Bradbury will lead Corporate Affairs.
Michele Murray will head Food, Agriculture and Nutrition.
Jaimee Reggio and Samantha Schwarz will jointly oversee the Health practice.
Consumer and brand communications remain the agency's largest area of business, complemented by healthcare, corporate affairs, technology, and Ketchum's established food and agriculture expertise.
New Executive Team
The leadership roster includes:
Jonny Bentwood – Chief Data & Analytics Officer
Jeff Beringer – Chief AI Officer
Rob Bernstein – Chief Innovation Officer
George Bryant – Chief Creative Officer
Maxine Enciso – EVP, Inclusion & Impact
Paul Parton – Chief Strategy Officer
Carrie von der Sitt – Chief Growth & Brand Officer
Omnicom confirmed that affiliated agencies including Brooklyn Brothers and DeVries Global will continue operating under their existing brands.
Ambitious Vision for Growth
Neale said the merger expands the agency's capabilities and scale, particularly in areas such as corporate affairs, food and agriculture, strategic planning, creative services, and AI-driven communications.
He emphasized that executives from both legacy agencies quickly aligned around a shared vision, allowing the integration process to be completed in just five months.
The new agency's purpose statement is: "Together, we'll do the best work of our lives and create change that matters."
Its four guiding values are centered on bravery, curiosity, collaboration, and ambition balanced with kindness.
New Brand Identity
The visual identity for Golin Ketchum was created internally by the agency's creative teams. The branding introduces a fresh colour palette intended to reflect energy, innovation, and growth, reinforcing the company's commitment to creativity as a key differentiator in the marketplace.
Neale described the in-house development of the brand as a reflection of the creative strength that both agencies bring to the newly formed organization, expressing confidence that Golin Ketchum is well positioned to compete as one of the world's leading communications firms in the years ahead.
