International Cricket Council appoints Porter Novelli as global communications consultancy

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Porter Novelli as its global communications consultancy.

Porter Novelli is a leading communications consultancy with offices in Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa and the West Indies and has helped other organisations manage their reputations worldwide.

Commenting on the appointment, ICC President Malcolm Gray said: "We recognise that as external attention on the cricketing world intensifies, we need to communicate with the media - and everyone else interested in cricket - in the most professional way possible.

"To achieve this, we took the decision to enhance the communications expertise and resource available to the ICC. After an extensive search, we have appointed Porter Novelli as our strategic advisors.

"As well as their expertise in communication, media relations and issues management, their group includes offices in the cricketing continents of Asia, Africa, Europe and Australasia. This international coverage - and experience of working with international organisations - were important factors in their selection".

At the same time, the ICC has announced the secondment of Mark Harrison, an independent communications consultant, to the organisation for six months, pending the finalisation of a permanent appointment to the ICC management team. He will be based at the ICC's offices and will take up his post in early October.

"We want the media - and other interested parties - to have quick and easy access to the ICC," said Malcolm Gray. "Mark, who has 16 years experience in communications, will be a major factor in helping us achieve this.

"The appointment of Porter Novelli and Mark Harrison underline our commitment to professional, pro-active and open communication," concluded Malcolm Gray. "The good name of cricket is very precious to us, and these appointments put us in a much stronger position to enhance the sport's reputation."