Hill and Knowlton : News : News Releases

Chariot Carriers chooses Hill & Knowlton as PR Agency of Record for North America

Jun 21, 2010 (4:00 pm)

Chariot Carriers today announced that it has selected Hill & Knowlton as its North American public relations agency of record. Chariot Carriers is a Calgary-based creator and manufacturer of multi-functional child carrier products dedicated exclusively to outdoor child transportation through all seasons.

The selection was the result of a competitive review process that also included advertising agencies to identify the agency and solution best suited to meeting Chariot Carriers’ marketing needs, helping to raise awareness of the company and its many products for young children, and ultimately helping to drive sales.

“At Chariot Carriers, we are guided by values such as work/life balance, environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility,” said Dan Britton, president and CEO, Chariot Carriers. “We believe Hill & Knowlton is equally committed to these core principles. Their enthusiasm, motivation and experience in public relations make them a perfect fit with our culture.”

As Chariot Carriers’ PR agency, Hill & Knowlton will provide a range of public relations and communications services, including media relations, social media and marketing communications. The 2011 campaign will be rolled out across selected North American cities to help increase brand awareness for Chariot Carriers.

“Chariot Carriers has an inspiring entrepreneurial story and culture that includes deep commitment to its people and partners,” said Peter Hunt, General Manager of Hill & Knowlton Alberta. “We are very pleased that Chariot has chosen to partner with us and we are looking forward to deploying our expertise and unrivalled network to deliver outstanding results and contribute to its market leadership.”

About Hill & Knowlton

Hill & Knowlton (www.hillandknowlton.com) is a leading international communications consultancy, providing services to local, multinational and global clients. The firm is headquartered in New York, with 79 offices in 44 countries, as well as an extensive associate network. The agency is part of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY, www.wpp.com), one of the world’s largest communications services groups.

About Chariot Carriers

Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Chariot Carriers Inc. is a family-run business that for nearly 20 years has been dedicated to the design and development of innovative multi-functional child carrier products. Chariot Carriers are sold worldwide to families inspired to live an active, healthy and fun lifestyle with their children by using a leading quality outdoor CTS (Child Transportation System).

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Hill & Knowlton Canada Promotes British Columbia General Manager

Jun 9, 2010 (10:28 am)

Hill & Knowlton Canada president and CEO, Mike Coates today announced the promotion of Joy Jennissen, general manager of H&K’s British Columbia offices to senior vice president and western Canadian representative to the company’s national senior management team.

“Joy has not only worked for us coast to coast since 2001, but has successfully grown and led the British Columbia operations since 2006. During her four years in the Vancouver office, Joy has significantly grown revenue, built a tremendous team of professionals and ensured top quality performance and customer service,” noted Coates.

“In addition to leading the BC team and their high profile clients during one of the most influential world-wide events, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Joy developed and executed an internal program leveraging the unique expertise among the global H&K network and provided an opportunity for colleagues around the world, to work together. We are thrilled to continue to share Joy’s experiences and knowledge with the rest of the country.”

Joy has worked for Hill & Knowlton Canada for nine years and prior to that was co-owner of Roberts Jennissen Communications, an H&K affiliate, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. When Jennissen moved to Ottawa she accepted a role as a communications group leader in the H&K Ottawa office where she spent six years. Originally from British Columbia, she returned to Vancouver in 2006 to assume the role of general manager, British Columbia where she managed the growth of that region from eight people to more than fifteen. Over the years, she has been instrumental in helping national clients attain their communications objectives – whether they are managing a complex issue, promoting a new product, or creating advocacy groups.

The H&K Olympic Experience

Led out of the Vancouver office, Hill & Knowlton’s Olympic work focused on sharing the company’s rich Olympic experience across the country and around the world to the benefit of both staff and clients. Client programs tapped into insights gained from previous Olympic experiences, most recently in China and previously in Salt Lake City, Athens and Torino.

To further extend experience and exposure to the event, the company created an Olympic Work Experience program, enabling colleagues from around the world to come to Vancouver to both volunteer and work for clients on Olympic files.

“We are so proud to have been able to touch the hearts of Canadians across the country through programs like the Coca-Cola Olympic Torch Relay, the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Paint the Town Red campaign, as well as the Royal Canadian Mint’s Olympic coin collection that let ALL Canadians share the Olympic spirit,” commented Jennissen. “The whole country came together to support our athletes and we were so honoured to have been able to play a part in supporting the sponsors and the organizing committee; it was a phenomenal opportunity.”

Hill & Knowlton British Columbia

With offices in both Vancouver and Victoria, Hill & Knowlton British Columbia provides full service public relations and public affairs strategy and support to local, national and international clients.

About Hill & Knowlton Canada

With eight offices across the country, Hill & Knowlton Canada (www.hillandknowlton.ca) is Canada’s industry leader in public relations, public affairs and strategic communications. The company specializes in corporate, crisis, consumer marketing, technology, natural resources, healthcare, aboriginal and digital communications, public affairs, and financial and investor relations. Hill & Knowlton Canada is a recipient of Level III Certification under the National Quality Institute’s Progressive Excellence Program, and has been recognized as a Top 100 Employer eight times in the past nine years. Its parent company, Hill & Knowlton, Inc, is a world leader in public relations and public affairs, with 79 offices in 44 countries, and is a member of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY) (www.wpp.com), one of the world’s largest communications services groups.

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Hill & Knowlton Canada s�adjoint des experts chevronn�s au plan national dans ses pratiques de sant� grand public, communications m�dicales et politiques en mati�re de sant�

May 3, 2010 (4:17 pm)

Hill & Knowlton Canada a le plaisir d’annoncer la venue dans son équipe de deux expertes de haut niveau en santé, à la suite de l’embauche de Francine Beck, vice-présidente et directrice nationale, santé grand public et marketing pharmaceutique, et de Gina DeBenedetti, vice-présidente et directrice nationale, communications médicales, de même qu’un nouveau mandat d’envergure nationale dans le domaine des politiques en matière de santé pour le vice-président Jason Grier. Ils sont basés au bureau de Toronto. Ces nominations donnent encore plus d’envergure à l’expérience de haut niveau, aux connaissances approfondies et aux services-conseils offerts par Hill & Knowlton à ses clients partout au pays.

« Nous constatons que les experts en communications dans le domaine de la santé viennent chez H&K pour se joindre à une équipe d’élite; aucune firme ne réunit toutes ces compétences sous un même toit, ou est en mesure d’offrir à ses clients des solutions aussi fiables et bien avisées, a indiqué Michael Coates, président et chef de la direction. Nous sommes enchantés d’accueillir Gina et Francine, et de voir Jason jouer un rôle au plan national. »

L’équipe nationale de la santé chez Hill & Knowlton offre une gamme intégrée de services qui comprend les communications pharmaceutiques, médicales et organisationnelles, les affaires publiques, la santé des consommateurs, la gestion d’enjeux, l’accès aux marchés et les relations avec les parties prenantes, de même que les communications numériques et des médias sociaux. Notre équipe est composée de 25 personnes; notre équipe est représentée dans tous les bureaux de Hill & Knowlton d’un océan à l’autre.

Francine Beck. À titre de vice-présidente et directrice nationale, santé grand public et marketing pharmaceutique, Francine Beck travaille de concert avec les équipes de H&K en marketing consommation et en communications santé et médicales pour offrir une approche unique et intégrée en matière de communications santé. Avec une formation en kinésiologie et en journalisme, elle a entrepris sa carrière il y a plus de 18 ans et possède une expertise reconnue dans différents sous-secteurs de la santé, dont les sciences de la vie (pharmaceutique), les produits en vente libre, la restauration, la nutrition, les biens de consommation et les organisations sans but lucratif. Francine a dirigé des mandats impliquant plusieurs parties prenantes pour des clients d’importance, dont Unilever (Becel), Allergan (Botox), AstraZeneca, Nestlé, Les diététistes du Canada, Eli Lilly Roche, GSK santé des consommateurs, Effem Foods, les Brasseries Molson et Toronto 2008. Francine a également travaillé avec différentes entreprises actives dans le domaine des soins pour le cancer et a développé un intérêt particulier dans les domaines de la gestion de l’obésité, de la santé du cœur et de la vie active.

Gina DeBenedetti. Gina DeBenedetti se joint à Hill & Knowlton à titre de vice-présidente et directrice nationale, communications médicales. Elle a mené avec succès des mandats d’envergure mondiale dans différents secteurs des communications médicales et de la promotion de la santé, notamment en consultation pour des tests cliniques, en marketing, et en communications des ventes au sein de l’industrie pharmaceutique. Gina possède une vaste expérience dans les secteurs thérapeutiques suivants : cardiovasculaire, diabète, obésité, système nerveux central (douleur), VIH, hormones de croissance, nutrition, respiratoire, santé féminine et oncologie. Comptant 14 années d’expérience dans les industries de la pharmaceutique et de la santé, Gina est inspectrice certifiée en santé (Canada) et a travaillé dans l’industrie de la santé et en agence.

Jason Grier. Après quatre années fructueuses au sein de l’équipe des affaires publiques de Toronto, plus récemment chargé de la gestion du groupe, Jason Grier a accepté le poste de vice-président et directeur national, politiques en matière de santé. À ce titre, Jason travaillera de concert avec l’équipe nationale des affaires publiques, de même qu’avec l’équipe des communication santé, pour mettre en valeur ses connaissances sur le monde en mutation constante des politiques en matière de santé, conseillant les clients et faisant connaître les programmes à travers les pays. Au service de Hill & Knowlton, il a beaucoup travaillé avec des clients du secteur de la santé, dont des entreprises en pharmaceutique, des hôpitaux, des organismes de réglementation, des groupes de patients et des associations professionnelles. Jason s’est joint à Hill & Knowlton avec une expérience variée dans le domaine de la santé, notamment comme chef de cabinet et directeur de politiques auprès du ministre de la Santé et des Soins de longue durée en Ontario, conseiller spécial auprès du ministre de la santé fédéral, et directeur des Affaires publiques et des relations communautaires de l’Hôpital Wellesley Central.

À propos de Hill & Knowlton

Avec huit bureaux à travers le pays, Hill & Knowlton Canada (www.hillandknowlton.ca) est le chef de file canadien en relations publiques, affaires publiques et communications stratégiques. L’entreprise est spécialisée en communications d’entreprise, en gestion de crise, en communications dans les secteurs du marketing, de la technologie, des ressources naturelles et de la santé, en communications numériques, de même qu’en communications financières et relations avec les investisseurs. Hill & Knowlton Canada a reçu la certification « Or » Niveau IV du Programme d’excellence progressive de l’Institut national de la qualité, et a été reconnue en 2010 comme un des 100 meilleurs employeurs et un des meilleurs milieux de travail au Canada. Sa société-mère Hill & Knowlton Inc., un leader mondial en relations publiques et affaires publiques, compte 79 bureaux dans 44 pays et est une société membre du groupe WPP (NASDAQ : WPPGY) (www.wpp.com), un des plus importants groupes mondiaux de services en communications.

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Hill & Knowlton Canada adds National Senior Experts in Consumer Health, Medical Communications and Health Policy

May 3, 2010 (4:10 pm)

Hill & Knowlton Canada is pleased to announce the addition of two senior, national health experts with the arrival of Francine Beck, vice president and national director, consumer health and pharmaceutical marketing and Gina DeBenedetti, vice president and national director, medical communications, as well as a new national health policy mandate for vice president Jason Grier. All are based in the Toronto office. These appointments further strengthen the depth and breadth of senior level experience, insights and counsel that Hill & Knowlton delivers to clients across the country.

“We’re finding that health communications practitioners are coming to H&K to be part of an elite team; no one else brings these skills together under one roof or is capable of offering such robust and informed client solutions. We’re thrilled to welcome Gina and Francine and to see Jason take on this national role,” observed Michael Coates, president and chief executive officer.

Hill & Knowlton’s national health team offers a fully integrated suite of services that encompasses pharmaceutical, medical and corporate communications, public affairs, consumer health, issues management, market access and stakeholder relations as well as digital and social media communications. The team consists of 25 members in every Hill & Knowlton office from coast to coast.

Francine Beck. As vice president and national director, consumer health and pharmaceutical marketing, Francine Beck works with H&K’s consumer marketing, health and medical communications teams to offer a unique, integrated approach to healthcare communications. Trained as a kinesiologist and journalist, she began her career more than 18 years ago and has a proven track record in a range of health subsectors, including life sciences (pharmaceutical), over-the-counter products, food and beverage, nutrition, consumer packaged goods and not-for-profit. Francine has led multi-stakeholder assignments for leading clients such as Unilever (Becel), Allergan (Botox), AstraZeneca, Nestle, Dietitians of Canada, Eli Lilly Roche, GSK consumer health, Effem Foods, Molson Breweries, and Toronto 2008, among others. Francine has also worked with a number of companies active in cancer care and has a special interest in the areas of obesity management, heart health and active living.

Gina DeBenedetti. Gina DeBenedetti joins Hill & Knowlton as vice president and national director, medical communications. She has successfully run global mandates in various areas of medical communications and health promotion, including clinical trial consulting, marketing, and sales communications within the pharmaceutical industry. Gina has extensive experience in the following therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, diabetes, obesity, CNS (pain), HIV, growth hormone, nutrition, respiratory, women’s health, and oncology. With 14 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, Gina is certified as a public health inspector (Canada) and has worked in both the health industry and in agencies.

Jason Grier. After four successful years with the Toronto public affairs team, most recently managing the group, Jason Grier has accepted the position of vice president and national director, health policy. In this role, Jason will work with the national public affairs team, as well as the health communications team, to provide insight into the ever-changing world of health policy, advising clients and informing programs from coast to coast. In his time with Hill & Knowlton, he has worked extensively with health sector clients including pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, regulatory colleges, patient groups and professional associations. Jason came to Hill & Knowlton with a wide range of health experience, including roles as chief of staff and policy director to the Minister of Health and Long Term Care in Ontario, special advisor to the federal Minister of Health, and Director of Public Affairs and Community Relations for the Wellesley Central Hospital.

About Hill & Knowlton Canada

With eight offices across the country, Hill & Knowlton Canada (www.hillandknowlton.ca) is Canada’s industry leader in public relations, public affairs and strategic communications. The company specializes in corporate, crisis, consumer marketing, technology, natural resources, healthcare, digital communications, public affairs, and financial and investor relations. Hill & Knowlton Canada is a recipient of “Gold” Level IV Certification and the Canada Award for Excellence from the National Quality Institute, and has been recognized as both a Top 100 Employer, and a Best Workplace in Canada for 2010. Its parent company, Hill & Knowlton, Inc, is a world leader in public relations and public affairs, with 79 offices in 44 countries, and is a member of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY) (www.wpp.com), one of the world’s largest communications services groups.

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Hill & Knowlton Named One of Canada�s Best Workplaces for 2010

Apr 13, 2010 (9:13 am)

Following the worst meltdown in the communications industry since the dotcom crash, Hill & Knowlton is delighted to announce that the national public relations and public affairs agency was again recognized as one of the Best Workplaces in Canada. Results are tabulated based on employee surveys throughGreat Place to Work^® Institute Canada.

With an ongoing commitment to the firm’s staff, workplace, and culture, and the ability to provide world-class professional development experiences, Hill & Knowlton was also recently named a Top 100 Employer in Canada for the eighth time, and is also a recipient of the Gold Quality Award for Excellence from the National Quality Institute.

“Great people bring great business – which is why we went against the trend in our industry last year, and rather than contracting, we continued to recruit,” said Mike Coates, president and chief executive officer. “Our people and our culture are what differentiate Hill & Knowlton Canada. Because of them, business continued to prosper during a tough recession – resulting in our best year, ever.”

“Congratulations to our incredible team and the tremendous work they do for our clients, every day,” he added.

Hill & Knowlton is committed to professional development through training opportunities, flexible job options to achieve work-life balance, national and international transfer opportunities, formalized performance feedback, and subsidizing health club memberships.

Unparalleled Professional Development Opportunities

In recognition of the tremendous opportunity a Canadian Olympics provided, Hill & Knowlton Canada organized an international Olympic Work Experience Program that spanned the H&K Global family and provided a unique learning opportunity for colleagues across the country and around the world. Staff had the opportunity to go to Vancouver to work for clients and volunteer with leading Olympic organizations to learn from this unparalleled event, and contribute quality support. Combined with active client work, the program resulted in more than 20 colleagues from Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, London and Amsterdam, working alongside BC-based colleagues on behalf of a multitude of clients including Coca-Cola, the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Royal Canadian Mint.

About Best Workplaces in Canada:

The competition process for “Best Workplaces in Canada” is based on two criteria: two-thirds of the total score comes from a 57-statement survey completed by a random selection of employees, along with their open-ended comments about their organization; the remaining one-third of the score comes from an in-depth review of the organization’s culture, including an evaluation of HR policies and procedures. This offers a rigorous representation of the organization from an employee perspective, and an overall portrait of the workplace culture. Together, they provide crucial data relative to the five trust-building dimensions of a great place to work^®: credibility, respect, fairness, pride, and camaraderie.

About the Great Place to Work^® Institute:

Great Place to Work® Institute is a global research and management consultancy with expertise on workplace transformation and a presence in 40 countries worldwide. Our mission is to improve society by creating better workplaces. We are best-known for our global Best Workplaces Programme, which we produce in conjunction with prestigious media partners such as the Financial Times and Fortune. With more than 4,000 organizations taking part in over 44 national lists across the globe, the programme is the world’s largest of its kind. We believe passionately that any company or organization can become a great place to work. Our mission is to help you do it.

About Hill & Knowlton Canada

With eight offices across the country, Hill & Knowlton Canada (www.hillandknowlton.ca) is Canada’s industry leader in public relations, public affairs and strategic communications. The company specializes in corporate, crisis, consumer marketing, technology, natural resources, healthcare, digital communications, public affairs, and financial and investor relations. Hill & Knowlton Canada is a recipient of “Gold” Level IV Certification and the Canada Award for Excellence from the National Quality Institute, and has been recognized as both a Top 100 Employer, and a Best Workplace in Canada for 2010. Its parent company, Hill & Knowlton, Inc, is a world leader in public relations and public affairs, with 79 offices in 44 countries, and is a member of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY) (www.wpp.com), one of the world’s largest communications services groups.

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