Canadian public relations and communications giant
Hill & Knowlton has announced significant growth in its health communications operation in Toronto, with the hiring of two new senior staff and a revised mandate for one of its executives.
In a
statement, company president and CEO Michael Coates said that the moves are in response to significant growth in the company's business with health, medical and pharmaceutical companies.
Francine Beck brings a background as a kinesiologist and journalist and 18 years of health marketing experience to her role as
vice-president and national director, consumer health and pharmaceutical marketing. Gina DeBenedetti, the company's new vice
president and national director, medical communications, is a certified public health inspector and has worked in both the communications and healthcare industries. Meanwhile, Toronto public affairs manager
Jason Grier has been reassigned to the role of vice president and national director,
health policy.
According to Ann-Marie Koumettou of Hill & Knowlton, responding to questions by email, the new additions to the company's staff bring the number of new hires in the past six months to 17. She says a number of factors have led to the growth: "We are very fortunate that we were not severely impacted by the recession in 2009, but we were cautious about expansion. To that end, now that we are into 2010 and in some strong, stable client relationships, we were well positioned to add the capability to both serve our clients' growing needs, but also to help us continue that expansion through new business activities."
Writer: Edward Keenan
Source: Ann-Marie Koumettou, Hill & Knowlton Canada