Jack Martin Taps HKS Veterans for Global Leadership Posts in Energy and Crisis

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Jack Martin Taps HKS Veterans for Global Leadership Posts in Energy and Crisis

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Company veterans will fill senior positions in the energy and crisis practices at Hill+Knowlton Strategies, the global communications firm announced today. Global Chairman and CEO Jack Martin has promoted Chris Gidez to be the new global head of the firm's energy practice and Bill Coletti to be the new global co-lead of the firm's crisis practice.

"We need elite talent in these positions, and I found it within the Hill+Knowlton Strategies family," Martin said. "Each of these promotions demonstrate how we find, develop, support and push our own talent toward the best possible work for our clients — and how their successes are rewarded here. I have full confidence that each of these leaders will inject even more energy into the terrific momentum we are building in 2013."


Both will be based in the U.S. and are effective immediately.

  • Chris Gidez will be the new global head of the firm's energy practice. In consultation with Gidez, regional presidents and key energy team members, the firm will appoint a co-lead outside of the U.S. for this important role. Gidez has been global head of the firm's crisis practice. He has extensive experience counseling senior executives on and managing litigation communications, media relations, international energy and environmental issues, and controversial political matters. He is a frequently called-upon source for tier-1 media including CBS, CNN, BBC, PBS, MSNBC, NPR and national newspapers and business publications for commentary on issues of the day. He joined H+K in 2004, after 14 years with Texaco and Chevron, where he headed corporate public relations.

  • Bill Coletti will be the new co-lead of the firm's crisis practice, joining existing co-lead Tim Luckett. He currently serves as executive vice president and general manager of Los Angeles/Irvine. Coletti brings broad experience in national and international politics as well as the management of public policy issues on behalf of clients in the U.S. and globally. He was a senior strategist in Public Strategies' Austin office, having joined the firm there in 2001. Coletti is a seasoned strategist and counselor that H+K has called on for a number of its crisis and reputation management projects over the years, working with AT&T, Target and many others. Growing the firm's crisis practice and focus on reputation management is a critical goal for H+K globally.

These are the latest in a series of internal promotions at the firm, including John Morgan, now new president and CEO of Asia; Ye Yu and Ivy Soonthornsima, now co-leaders of China; Antonio Tamayo, now president and CEO of Latin America; Jamie Morse, managing director, and Chip Ng, deputy managing director, of Singapore; Sergio Morales, now U.S. practice leader for consumer and marketing communications; and Tim Luckett, co-chair of the global crisis communications and risk management practice.

About Hill+Knowlton Strategies

Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Inc. is a leading international communications consultancy, providing services to local, multinational and global clients. The firm is headquartered in New York, with 90 offices in 52 countries, as well as an extensive associate network. The agency is part of WPP, one of the world's largest communications services groups. For more information, please visit www.hkstrategies.com.

Quotes from Chris Gidez and Bill Coletti about the new appointments

Chris Gidez

  • "Energy is at the very center of our global economy, and the very center of public policy," said Gidez. "In an era where information has been democratized to such a great degree, energy companies must step up their game to engage effectively with stakeholders, policy leaders, consumers and investors. Having worked in virtually all sectors of the energy industry — oil and gas, power, mining and alternative energy — I've witnessed profound change, and I'm eager to put the experience and wisdom to work for our clients."

Bill Coletti

  • "Great companies sometimes have bad things happen to them," Coletti said. "Our focus will be on rapid response, preparedness, and training — three things corporations expect from great counselors. Managing the crisis is just one part of our offering; reputation repair and managing the long tail of crisis will anchor all of our insights. The global team at Hill+Knowlton Strategies is the best in the industry. I look forward to joining Tim in leading such a great team."



Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Inc.
Rebecca Ballard, 202-354-8271

KEYWORDS: United States North America New York

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