HILL + KNOWLTON STRATEGIES ANNOUNCES NEW GLOBAL STRUCTURE
NEW YORK, October 5th, 2018 – Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K) announces, effective immediately, the formation of a new leadership team with the appointment of Richard Millar and Lars Erik Grønntun as Global Presidents, reporting jointly to Jack Martin, Global Chairman and CEO.
In addition, we have reviewed the role of SJR in light of its dramatic growth since acquisition in 2013. As a result, we have decided that SJR is best served with a freer role to continue its expansion. From January 1, SJR will operate independently of any one WPP Company, able to collaborate with all – but with a special attachment to H+K on common clients. SJR will continue to be led by Alex Jutkowitz and Mitch Stoller.
“Both Richard and Lars Erik have proven their exceptional leadership abilities over a number of years in the UK and EMEA respectively and I am looking forward to working with them to accelerate the implementation of a transformation program that maximizes our global resources and enhances our local strengths to deliver world-class work for our clients,” said Jack Martin, Global Chairman and CEO of Hill+Knowlton Strategies.
“I also want to take this opportunity to thank Alex, Mitch and the whole SJR team for their immense contribution to our business. I am certain that the two companies are much stronger and better positioned than they were before we joined forces. I wish SJR the best of luck in the wider group and look forward to our continued close collaboration.” Martin continued.
Lars Erik has led H+K’s operation across Europe, Middle East and Africa since 2014 and is a senior strategy consultant within corporate communications and public affairs. Lars Erik is also the senior lead for some of H+K’s top global and European clients, including Equinor (formerly known as Statoil).
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to assume this leadership position,” said Grønntun. “Having led our operation in Europe, Middle East and Africa, I believe that my understanding of local markets together with our international mind-set and reach is transferable to a global stage. I very much look forward to taking a model that has worked very well for us in EMEA and putting it to work at a global scale”.
Richard has led the transformation of H+K’s flagship operation in the UK since 2008 and since 2014 has driven our creative agenda including the formation of the Global Centre of Creative Strategy and the Shanghai Addition in China. Richard is also the senior lead on clients including adidas Global across all categories.
“The new structure enables us to tap into the best talent regardless of geography or practice. It means that our teams will have access to the latest thinking, strategy and insight to help them shape meaningful and impactful careers and to deliver outstanding creative work. I am excited to be part of this change in partnership with Lars Erik and Jack,” commented Millar.
H+K has offices in more than 40 countries worldwide, delivering award winning campaigns to clients across all sectors and disciplines and with a focus on continued innovation for the industry. Recent innovations include Flight School +, a crisis communications training and simulation tool, Better Impact, a new approach to brand purpose and CSR, and H+K Smarter, a behavioral science unit.
