Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada (H+K)—the country’s No. 1-rated public relations and public affairs firm—is pleased to announce that Mary Fraser is joining its corporate communications practice as vice-president, effective immediately.

“Mary’s proven track record working with media and developing communications initiatives for high-profile, dynamic brands and organizations with meaningful business impact is a perfect fit for our team and clients,” says Joy Jennissen, general manager, H+K B.C.

With more than 17 years of experience in strategic communication leadership roles, Mary has worked with some of Canada’s leading brands. Most recently, she served as the director of public relations and communications at lululemon athletica supporting several of its North American business units—including brand, community, investor relations, store operations and guest services—in addition to communications planning for international markets.

While her career began in the Canadian sport community—providing communications counsel for athletes and sports committees—Mary’s sport experience grew exponentially as director of communications and media for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. She co-managed a 40-person team and led strategy development and execution of public engagement initiatives, government relations, issues management and quarterly financial reporting. Post-Olympics, Mary worked in the non-profit sector for the Rick Hansen Foundation’s fundraising and brand awareness efforts, leading its national communications program.

Also active in community service, Mary helped found the B.C. chapter of Kids Help Phone with a number of events that engaged the corporate community and high-performance athletes to raise both money and awareness. She currently serves on the board of directors for Canada SCORES Vancouver—an after-school non-profit organization that combines soccer, poetry and service learning for at-risk children—and the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the World Rugby Sevens Series, which begins in March 2016.