Continuing its rapid growth in the U.S., Portland announced today it has appointed Rob Shapiro as Head of its U.S. B2B practice. Shapiro brings more than two decades of experience in agency public relations to Portland.

Shapiro’s responsibilities will include leading new business efforts, building firm's B2B practice in the U.S. and serving client relationships across a multitude of sectors, including financial and professional services, manufacturing, technology and energy, among others.

Shapiro joins Portland from FleishmanHillard where he counseled global B2B corporations on integrated marketing communications programs, reputation management, corporate positioning and the myriad of challenges they face with respect to their strategies, products and service portfolios. Prior to FleishmanHillard, Shapiro had roles at several global public relations agencies including Weber Shandwick, Burson-Marsteller and MSL Group, as well as in-house with Visa USA.

Shapiro will report to David MacKay, Portland’s U.S. General Manager, and work closely with the firm’s US leadership team in Washington, DC and New York practices which leads in the firm’s London headquarters and Portland’s global network. He will be based in Portland’s New York office.

“Adding Rob to our U.S. leadership team will enable Portland to expand its counsel to our existing and growing client base and deepen our B2B capabilities,” said MacKay. “Rob’s track record in building a business and his extensive experience with the B2B market will be instrumental to our fast growing operation and invaluable to our clients in the U.S., U.K and internationally.”

“I'm proud to be joining a dynamic and diverse global team of professionals at Portland at an exciting time in its global expansion,” said Shapiro. “As B2B organizations navigate an increasingly competitive global marketplace to meet their customers marketing and business needs, Portland’s outstanding reputation provides a new platform for significant growth.”

Tim Allan, founder and managing director, said of the appointment: “By continuing to invest in top-talent from the corporate and B2B sector, Portland is in a stronger position to deliver great work for our clients. Rob’s skills and experience in U.S. and international markets will be of huge value to our current and future clients. I look forward to working with him to build a highly effective offer.”