Golin Taps PwC Veteran Megan Noel to Lead Its Global Corporate Affairs Practice

CHICAGO (October 17, 2024) - Golin, an Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG) agency, announced today the appointment of Megan Noel (née DiSciullo) as Global President, Corporate Affairs. Noel is charged with driving practice growth globally, expanding service offerings and intellectual property and fostering talent in order to help clients navigate complex business and reputation issues. She will also be a member of the agency's global Executive Leadership Team reporting to Gary Rudnick, President and Chief Operating Officer.

Noel is a recognized senior communications leader. She was named a "Top Woman in PR" by PR News and a PRWeek "40 under 40" recipient. She brings deep in-house and agency experience with a proven track record in counseling global companies on how to build and protect their brands, shape corporate culture and transform within a multi-stakeholder landscape.

Most recently, she led Communications and Corporate Affairs for PwC US and Mexico, where she led all aspects of the firm's media relations, executive positioning, crisis & issues, public affairs, internal communications, digital and social media and change management. She also sat on the PwC Network Communications Leadership Team, advising on global brand, communications, public affairs and reputational risk strategies. Under Noel's decade-long leadership, she transformed the PwC communications team into a best-in-class function recognized by the industry for its media and employee engagement campaigns, team culture and innovation in data, insights and AI.

"The role of corporate affairs and communications leaders has expanded in the wake of unprecedented challenges. They are now responsible for managing a maze of issues from geopolitical conflicts, societal engagement and AI transformation. They are also serving elevated roles as the dot connectors across organizations," said Noel. "I am absolutely thrilled to join Golin, an agency that combines the agility of an advisory firm with the resources and reach of a global network. I am looking forward to building upon the existing capabilities to serve our clients across a range of corporate affairs issues around the world."

Prior to PwC, Noel spent more than eight years at Edelman providing counsel to corporate, NGO and foundation clients on social purpose, sustainability, global health, public policy and crisis communications.

"Corporate affairs is a strategic priority for Golin and it requires a dynamic, experienced and forward-looking global leader," said Rudnick. "Megan's ability to understand what's next in the profession as well as build high-performing teams makes her the ideal candidate to work with our exceptional base of talent to propel our global corporate affairs practice into its next phase of growth."

Noel will succeed Scott Farrell, who retired after a successful four-decade career at the end of 2022. Golin retained executive recruiting firm Spencer Stuart in the process. Golin's corporate affairs practice roster includes leading companies that span industries from financial services to consumer packaged goods and technology.

Noel's appointment underscores Golin's commitment to strengthening its executive leadership team and expanding its global corporate affairs capabilities. In April, the firm elevated Jeff Beringer to Chief AI Officer and in July, it welcomed Michon Ellis as executive vice president, Issues & Crisis.

Earlier this summer, Golin also released its inaugural CEO Impact Index, a ground-breaking new study which indicates that high profile CEOs may act as a multiplier for the business performance of the companies they lead, making a direct impact on shareholder value. The study analyzes the communications strategies of the top 250 CEOs of the Fortune 500. The correlation marks the first time that executive visibility has been linked to clear business performance advantages, highlighting the need for leaders to build and maintain a strong public profile.