Hawk Communications in Moncton, N.B., was acquired for an undisclosed amount by employees Bill Whalen and Susan Jones yesterday, ending weeks of speculation about the future of the agency, which had been owned for the last five years by Judith Irving.
Whalen, who will be president and CEO, described it as “the most exciting and the scariest day” of his life. “Susan and I like this company and like what it is doing. (This) is the chance of a lifetime.”
In addition to focusing on strategic consultation, he and Jones, vice-president and chief operating officer, hope to continue to grow the contract publishing aspect of the business.
Before joining the agency three years ago, Whalen worked for Medavie Blue Cross, Irving Oil and the Greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce. Jones has worked with Bell Canada, Ontario Hydro, and the Atlantic Lottery Corporation.
Hawk, which has been in business for 29 years, employs 30 people and counts Atlantic Lottery Corporation, Cavendish Farms, the City of Moncton, Irving Tissue, Medavie Blue Cross and the New Brunswick Department of Tourism and Parks among its clients.
“I am very pleased that Hawk will continue to be led by two people who have a passion for the company, our clients and our employees,” said Irving in a news release. “This will be a seamless transition.”
