SINGAPORE—Porter Novelli has hired Dan Benelisha from Groupon to lead its Singapore office as SVP and MD.

In addition to leading the office, Benelisha will also serve as the regional lead for one of Porter Novelli’s largest clients, reporting to Angie Schneider, who took charge of Porter Novelli Asia-Pacific last year.

Benelisha arrives at Porter from Groupon, where he served as head of communications for the  company's 'APAC Tiger' region — eight of the company’s fastest growing markets, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Taiwan. Prior to that, Benelisha spent seven years with WE Communications, most recently as regional VP in the technology practice.

Benelisha replaces Jimmy Szczepanek, who has returned to the US to join Porter Novelli’s Southern Californian operation, after three years in charge of Singapore.

"As we continue to grow our presence in Singapore, Dan will be a significant asset, both to our team and our clients," said Schneider. "His agency- and client-side experience, combined with his deep knowledge of the Singapore market and the tech industry, will bring great value to the Porter Novelli family and our clients."