Jess SchmidtJess Schmidt

Omnicom PR powerhouse Porter Novelli has appointed Jess Schmidt senior vice president in the agency’s consumer brand marketing practice. She will be stationed in Porter Novelli’s Los Angeles office.

Prior to joining Porter Novelli, Schmidt was a vice president of Finn Partners’ consumer marketing practice, which she joined in 2011 and managed food and beverage accounts. Prior to that, she held account management positions at The Rogers Group, and also led consumer-focused media events, managed the agency’s internship program and spearheaded its pro bono program. She previously held account executive stints at JMPR Public Relations and Blaze.

In the new role, Schmidt will serve as North American consumer PR lead for one of Porter Novelli's top consumer accounts. She will also be responsible for budget, staffing and developing talent. She will report to executive vice president Jimmy Szczepanek.