Hill + Knowlton Canada (H+K) has announced two senior leaders in its corporate practice. Jason MacDonald and Susan Schutta join as vice-presidents in the firm’s Ottawa and Toronto offices, respectively.
MacDonald was most recently director of communications and chief spokesperson for Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Prior to that, he was director of communications and deputy chief of staff for two federal ministers of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. He has also held senior communications positions at Carleton University and Veritas.
Schutta was most recently senior director, corporate affairs at Walmart Canada. Prior to that, she was global leader, corporate communications, at Nortel Networks.
“Jason and Susan’s terrific experience in both the public and private sectors adds extraordinary value to the integrated solutions we provide clients facing increasingly complex and sensitive communications challenges,” said Jane Shapiro, senior VP and national practice leader, corporate and crisis communications, in a release.
In addition to his role in Ottawa, MacDonald will also serve as national deputy practice leader of corporate communications, while Sarah Andrewes, VP of corporate communications in the Toronto office, takes on the additional role of national deputy practice leader of crisis communications.
“The creation of these deputy practice leader positions is in response to the ongoing growth of the practice and the opportunity for these experienced consultants to apply their expertise more nationally,” said Shapiro.
Other recent additions to H+K Toronto’s corporate team include Deborah Rowe, formerly VP at Weber Shandwick, who joined H+K as an account director; and Emily Vear, former senior specialist, public relations at Target Canada, who joined as a senior consultant.
