Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada (H+K)—the country’s No. 1-rated public relations and public affairs firm—is pleased to announce Craig Rowsell as vice-president and group leader of procurement and trade, effective immediately. A senior associate with H+K’s procurement services for three years, Craig will now lead the practice, which is headquartered in Ottawa.

“We’ve worked hard to build a strong and well-respected procurement and trade practice, offering clients and colleagues unsurpassed counsel and strategic insight in what can be an extremely complex environment,” says Jackie King, senior vice-president and general manager of H+K Ottawa. “We are fortunate to have Craig step into this role and lead our talented team, as they continue to harness the right communication support to engage the Crown, industry and public-at-large.”

Having started his public-service career at Public Works and Government Services and with more than 33 years of experience in public-sector major-capital acquisition and industrial policy, Craig brings invaluable insight and leadership to the firm, and enhances the quality of strategic counsel provided to clients. His expertise ranges from major defence procurement to industry and regional development programs to policy-issue management—with a particular focus in procurement and industrial development.

Prior to joining H+K, Craig was the lead executive responsible for the defence and aerospace sectors at the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). He worked closely with senior-level provincial government and his guidance was instrumental in establishing Atlantic Canada’s now-mature and dynamic regional Aerospace and Defence Industry Association.