Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada (H+K) CEO Goldy Hyder and chairman Brian Mersereau announced today that Peter Donolo will join the company as vice-chairman.

Donolo is one of Canada’s most experienced communications strategists and a veteran adviser to leaders in corporate Canada and at all three levels of government. He is the longest-serving prime ministerial director of communications in Canadian history (to Prime Minister Jean Chretien), served as a senior executive in the private and public sectors, and also represented Canada abroad as a senior diplomat. He is currently special adviser to the Ontario government on intergovernmental affairs and communications.

As H+K’s vice-chairman, Donolo will work as a senior adviser to H+K’s senior management and to its clients—focusing on strategic communications and public engagement.

“Peter’s understanding of both the rapidly changing currents of public opinion and the complex decision-making processes of government are an important, and uncommon, combination,” says Hyder.  “Our country—and our clients—are facing major transformational challenges when it comes to the economy, the way we now engage audiences,  live together in communities, as a society and our place in the world. The skills and experience that Peter brings to H+K will help our clients seize the opportunities inherent in those challenges.”

Donolo will report to the firm’s chairman, Brian Mersereau.

“Hill+Knowlton Canada is already a leader in creative and innovative public engagement, with a dynamic, energetic team. Peter’s seniority and sage advice is the perfect complement,” adds Mersereau.

“Hill+Knowlton is the gold standard for strategic public affairs consulting, and I’m delighted to join the team,” says Donolo. “I’m particularly excited about the comprehensive nature of the company’s service offering. In 2016, the factors that influence the public are extraordinarily multifaceted, so to have an impact on public opinion, a broad and complete range of tools is imperative; that’s what H+K is all about, and I can’t wait to be part of it.”

Peter Donolo joins H+K on July 18, 2016.