News From Huntsworth – Hudson Sandler, Hill+Knowlton, Freud’s, and DeVries Global
Hudson Sandler Becomes LLP After Huntsworth Sells Majority Interest
London-based Hudson Sandler (HS), an affiliate of U.S. agency KCSA , just filed the paperwork to become a limited liability partnership. Through this process, Huntsworth, which bought HS in 2008, moved from being the majority shareholder to a minority one with a rumored 25% (or so) interest in the new entity. HS, however, has been independently managed all along, so the transition will remain business as usual for their clients.
Andrew Hayes, HS’s managing partner, confirmed that with this transition the 40 staff members were given partial ownership and a chance to become partners. He further said: “It is the intention of the board to spread that partnership interest more broadly across the team because we believe that partnership is important to developing the business and people’s careers.”
Hill+Knowlton Strategies Hired by 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter PyeongChang Committee (POCOG)
An 18-month contract was won by Hill+Knowlton to oversee content and media communications campaign promoting PyeongChang worldwide. They will also help with crisis and issues management, strategic planning, and international media efforts. The Asia-Pacific office’s Lorna Campbell, regional director for sports marketing, will be in charge of the agency’s efforts.
H+K’s APAC Chairman, Vivian Lines, said: “H+K has a deep understanding of the Olympic environment, cultures, and values, and we are delighted to add PyeongChang 2018 to our experience. We have a strong team in the region who will work closely with POCOG to help us with and inspire the world around the excitement of PyeongChang and the Winter Olympics.” H+K has worked with Olympic Committees in 2008, 2010 and 2012.
Andrew McGuinness Leaving Freud Communications Employ but Remains Advisor
After just two years with Freud Communications, Andrew McGuinness will leave full-time employment with the U.K.’s largest PR agency but continue as an advisor when needed. In that capacity, he will look for “acquisitions and nurturing key business that we have recently invested in,” according to Matthew Freud, the founder of the PR consultancy.
Freud’s already made some key acquisitions recently, including Brew from the U.S., and Proud-Robinson.
Altar’d State, Christian Fashion Retailer Accessorizes by Adding Devries PR
DeVries accepts the contract to represent Altar’d State, a women’s fashion retailer in the U.S. with a Christian focus. Altar’d also added social media representation from Ignite Social Media. The fashion company is located in Knoxville, Tennessee and has approximately 70 boutiques throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, South, and Midwest regions. They also work with community relations and charitable causes.
Though their values and mission may be Christian-based, they sell boho chic women’s apparel that is feminine and flirty. DeVries is owned by Interpublic Group, and the campaign will be headed by Jessica O’Callaghan, their North American regional managing director.
