Hill + Knowlton Strategies Canada has announced big changes to its leadership structure.
Mike Coates, president and CEO of the WPP-owned PR firm, moves into the chairman role while remaining CEO. In addition, he assumes oversight responsibility for Hill + Knowlton Strategies Australia and will continue to take on special projects on a global basis.
Goldy Hyder, currently general manager of H+K’s Ottawa office, is promoted to president of the Canadian operation and will report to Coates. The changes take effect Jan. 1, 2013.
The reason is “largely opportunity,” said Coates. “Hill + Knowlton is in all the major markets across Canada, so I need the time to identify and explore new service offerings and new opportunities that might really be appropriate to the PR space.”
Coates joined H+K as president and CEO in 1995. He is credited with growing the firm from two to nine offices across the country, making it one of Canada’s largest PR companies. He was also the architect behind diversifying H+K’s services, including this year’s new offerings in public engagement, emergency response and political campaign strategy.
“We’re looking at PR branching out from beyond its traditional area of media relations, public affairs, lobbying and stakeholder relations to consultation, public engagement, all the way through campaign management,” said Coates. “If I’m going to continue to grow an already strong and large PR agency, I need some time and I need to focus on those things.”
Hyder, meanwhile, is credited with growing the Ottawa office to the second largest H+K office in Canada and one of the most profitable in the H+K global network. In August, he oversaw the acquisition of public engagement specialist firm Ascentum Inc., which was integrated into the Ottawa office.
“Goldy was an easy pick for me,” said Coates. “He has been a tremendous performer for the company. And I don’t mean just from a financial standpoint. He is very good with our people, he understands the H+K culture very well, he’s collaborative and he has a very good understanding of PR today.”
Hyder will carry out his role in Ottawa, “but just like I did for 18 years, he’ll be on the road travelling across the country,” added Coates.
The company’s six general managers will report to Hyder, who also assumes responsibility for sales, marketing and new business development in Canada.
