FINN Partners Expands Its Presence in the Midwest with a New Office in Columbus

FINN Partners Expands Its Midwest Operations

In a significant development for the marketing industry, FINN Partners, a leading independent marketing and communications agency, is broadening its U.S. reach with the opening of a new office in Columbus, Ohio. This strategic move highlights the agency's commitment to tapping into the Midwest's flourishing business environment. The new office, slated to open in September 2026, is expected to foster collaboration and innovation while offering enhanced services to clients in the region.

Marty McDonald has been appointed as the new Managing Partner for the Columbus office and will also serve as the Midwest Deputy. McDonald comes with a wealth of experience in the industry, having spent over twenty years at Fahlgren Mortine, where she notably became the agency’s first female president. Her track record of leadership and expertise is set to significantly contribute to the future success of FINN Partners in the Midwest.

Marty will work closely with Dan Pooley, one of the founding partners of FINN Partners and the Midwest region lead. Together, they will focus on establishing a strong presence in Columbus while supporting growth initiatives across the broader Midwest area. This joint effort aims to leverage local market expertise in combination with the agency's vast international knowledge to enhance client service and outcomes.

Peter Finn, the founder and CEO of FINN Partners, expressed his excitement about McDonald's appointment, highlighting her deep understanding of client relationships and operational leadership as key assets to the team. He noted that Columbus embodies the collaboration and forward-thinking approach that aligns with FINN's operational model.

As part of her new role, McDonald will join the firm's global travel leadership team, combining her local knowledge with the firm’s expansive cross-market experiences. This dual focus is designed to ensure that Columbus-based clients receive top-tier support in areas such as economic development, tourism, and corporate communications.

In her new capacity, McDonald will prioritize the growth of FINN’s portfolio across various sectors, particularly in domestic tourism, healthcare, logistics, and economic development. Her previous achievements, including recognition as one of Central Ohio's Most-Admired Executives and being listed in the 40 Under 40, signal her aptitude for steering businesses towards increased investment and competitive advantage.

Reflecting on her move to FINN Partners, McDonald expressed enthusiasm about contributing to Columbus's economic landscape. She aims to harness the agency's global resources to bolster local organizations, helping them grow and thrive in a competitive market. By facilitating enhanced connectivity and collaboration, McDonald is determined to play a pivotal role in advancing the agency's objectives in the region.

FINN Partners is on track to finalize a lease for its new office in downtown Columbus, which will serve as a hub for its communications professionals in the region. The office plans to blend local insights with FINN's global capabilities, ensuring a diverse team equipped to meet the evolving needs of clients.

Founded in 2011, FINN Partners has rapidly expanded its footprint, growing from a $24 million agency to nearly $200 million in fees in just over a decade. This impressive growth has solidified its status as one of the fastest-growing independent PR agencies globally. FINN's success stems from its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and strategic integration of new talents and services. The agency's extensive global network empowers it to provide clients with unparalleled access to expertise across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

As the agency embarks on this new chapter in Columbus, the anticipation around the potential for growth and excellence in client service continues to build. With McDonald at the helm of the new office, the future looks promising for both FINN Partners and its clients in the thriving Midwest business ecosystem.

For more information, visit finnpartners.com or follow them on Instagram at @finnpartners.