New Leadership at VP Level for Hill+Knowlton Toronto's Health-Care Practice

New Leadership at VP Level for Hill+Knowlton Toronto's Health-Care Practice

David Airdrie joins and Kristy Derkson promoted

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada (H+K) - the country's top-ranked public and government relations company - is pleased to announce that, effective immediately, Kristy Derkson is promoted to vice-president in the company's health practice and David Airdrie joins the Toronto health team as vice-president.

"Our health team is made up of some of the country's most strategic practitioners, who - beyond conceiving and delivering results-oriented programs - understand the importance of truly superior client service," says Ilyse Smith, general manager of H+K Toronto. "The depth of experience that Kristy and David bring to the practice is impressive; together, they offer clients nearly four decades of combined expertise."

Kristy joined the firm in 2006 from a national public relations agency where she worked on both consumer health and marketing communications files. From corporate social responsibility programs for major pharmaceutical companies to health-related issues management for well-known consumer health brands to complex, integrated strategies in the non-profit realm, Kristy has generated exceptional results for clients across the country. Recently appointed H+K Toronto's health-care group leader, she is known for razor-sharp client service, resourceful problem solving and a strong management discipline.

David is a seasoned health-care communications professional with more than 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical, medical communications, government and non-profit sectors. He has provided strategic thinking across a spectrum of therapeutic areas, including diabetes, cardiology, neurology, women's health, rheumatology, infectious disease and oncology, and joins the company from one of Canada's leading boutique agencies. Along with an honours B.Sc. in microbiology and a deep understanding of how digital tools play an integral role in strategic health-care communications, David offers H+K clients powerful experience building multi-level communications programs that deliver solid results.

"In an increasingly complex health-care environment, it is more important than ever to bring integrated services to the table," says Leslie McGill, senior vice-president and national health-care practice leader at H+K Canada. "Our comprehensive capabilities in public relations, stakeholder engagement and social and digital communications, along with a seasoned national government and public affairs team - comprised of both provincial and federal experts - seamlessly create an integrated approach for clients unmatched by any other firm in Canada."

About Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada

With nine offices across the country, Hill+Knowlton Strategies is a leader in both PR and government relations. The company is the No. 1-rated strategic communications firm in Canada. It specializes in corporate communications, public affairs, marketing communications, crisis, energy, technology, health care, digital communications, financial communications and transactions. The only communications firm to have earned the Order of Excellence from Excellence Canada, it is also recognized as one of the 2013 Best Workplaces in Canada. Its parent company, Hill+Knowlton Strategies Inc., has 89 offices in 52 countries as well as an extensive associate network and is a member of WPP (NAS: WPPGY) , one of the world's largest communications services groups.

Hill+Knowlton Canada
Meaghan Beech, 416-413-4650
Meaghan.Beech@hkstrategies.ca

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