NATIONAL Public Relations has announced a new leadership structure for Atlantic Canada, naming, Tanya DiPenta, Kristie Forbes and Kristan Hines as Managing Directors, Atlantic, while appointing Kevin McCann to the national role of Head of Innovation and Strategy, Canada.
Together, DiPenta, Forbes, and Hines will form the new Office of the Managing Directors, Atlantic, a co-leadership structure focused on strengthening client support, advancing regional growth, and providing more integrated service across Atlantic Canada.
The new structure brings dedicated leadership to three connected areas of the business:
- Tanya DiPenta will lead business development, commercial strategy, and the continued strength of the Atlantic business as Managing Director, Growth, Atlantic.
- Kristie Forbes will lead client service, delivery and talent as Managing Director, Client Services, Atlantic.
- Kristan Hines will lead strategic advisory, Public Affairs, and market positioning as Managing Director, Advisory, Atlantic.
“This model reflects the way our clients’ needs are evolving and the way our best work gets done,” said Martin Daraiche, President, NATIONAL. “Tanya, Kristie, and Kristan bring distinct and complementary strengths. Together, they will provide strong regional leadership, deepen our advisory offering, support our people, and continue to build NATIONAL’s presence and contribution in Atlantic Canada.”
DiPenta, Forbes and Hines said the model will allow the region to build on its strengths while taking a more integrated approach to clients, people, and growth.
“The strength of this model is that it brings our work together rather than separating it into silos,” said the new Managing Directors. “Each of us brings a distinct focus, but we will lead the region as one team. Our shared priority is to provide exceptional service to our clients, have a positive impact on the growth of our region, and contribute to NATIONAL’s continued growth in Atlantic Canada.”
As part of the transition, Kevin McCann, who has served as Managing Partner, Atlantic, will assume the role of Head of Innovation and Strategy, Canada. In this new national role, McCann will lead the advancement of NATIONAL’s innovation and artificial intelligence agenda across NATIONAL and Time & Space. He will continue to be based in Atlantic Canada and will continue to provide senior strategic counsel to clients.
“Kevin has helped build a strong Atlantic business and has consistently shown the judgment, curiosity and leadership needed to help the Firm evolve,” said Daraiche. “In this new national role, he will help ensure innovation and AI become practical capabilities across the Firm, supporting our people, our clients and the future of our business.”
The changes come as NATIONAL marks its 50th anniversary and looks ahead to the next chapter of the Firm’s growth across Canada.