High-level appointment enhances service’s strength in Canada

Toronto, ON – February 2, 2012 – Mike Coates, president and CEO of Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada, the top-rated PR and public affairs firm in the country, has announced a new national promotion.

Jackie King, vice president and corporate communications group leader in Ottawa is now also the Canadian lead for the global change and internal communications practice group.  With H+K Strategies for 14 years, she brings vast internal and change communications experience, especially in the public sector, to the practice.

“Jackie is a true home-grown success story and a remarkable example of what it means to learn from the ground up and ultimately lead a practice,” says Coates. “With her deep understanding of multiple communications disciplines – from digital to investor relations to corporate and crisis communications – Jackie is ideally suited to meet the demand we have for change-management and internal communications consulting here in Canada.”

The rapidly evolving digital landscape – where social media tools frequently intersect with traditional communications strategies – means huge creative and strategic potential. H+K Strategies continues to grow and diversify to offer clients the best thinking.

“Integrating our practices is a key component of H+K Strategies’ worldwide business model. Jackie’s expertise will greatly benefit our clients who face the challenges of corporate transformation in a digital world, and her exemplary leadership strengthens our national team,” adds Coates.

After completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Carleton University and an honours diploma in PR from Algonquin College, Jackie joined H+K Strategies as an intern in 1999.  Her proven skills and knack for all facets of PR and corporate communications saw progressive promotions in the years that followed. Throughout her time with H+K, Jackie pursued education and completed the rigorous Canadian Securities Course and the prestigious strategic management of investor relations Program at the Richard Ivey School of Business. Jackie’s clients span a number of industries and sectors, including:  government, health, financial, trade, energy, renewable fuels, natural resources, aerospace and defence, technology, transportation and non-profit.

Jackie is often invited to speak at conferences on emerging communications trends, such as social media trends in internal communications; the impact of social media on crisis communications; and public consultations and engagement through social media.

About Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada
With nine offices across the country, Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada is Canada’s industry leader in strategic communications for both public relations and public affairs. The company specializes in corporate, crisis, consumer marketing, non-profit communications, technology, natural resources, health care, digital communications, public affairs, gaming, financial services and investor relations. Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada – the No. 1-rated communications firm in the country – is a recipient of the Order of Excellence from Excellence Canada and is recognized as one of the 2011 Best Workplaces in Canada. Its parent company, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Inc., is a world leader in public relations and public affairs, with 85 offices in 46 countries, as well as an extensive associate network; it is a member of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), one of the world’s largest communications services groups.

For more information, contact:
Ann-Marie Koumettou
416-413-4649
[email protected]