Joshua Reynolds Appointed CEO of Blanc & Otus

Joshua Reynolds Appointed CEO of Blanc & Otus

Move demonstrates H+K's commitment to invest in boutique tech brand, its people and clients

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K) today announced that Joshua Reynolds has been appointed CEO of Blanc & Otus (B&O). Reynolds, formerly executive vice president and co-lead of Hill+Knowlton Strategies' Global Technology Practice, will remain a resource to H+K Strategies clients and teams globally, but will focus his efforts on helping B&O further expand its strong roster of technology clients and elevate its brand.

Joshua Reynolds, CEO of Blanc & Otus (Photo: Business Wire)

Founded in 1985, B&O has a long legacy of entrepreneurism, innovation and success in communicating technology issues and establishing market leaders. B&O was Facebook's first public relations firm, provided global support for HP, helped the Blu-Ray Disc Association win its standards battle, promoted the Sony PlayStation launch, and has experience across mobile, cloud, social, big data and clean tech markets. Reynolds has a similar background, making him ideally suited for this task.

"I often speak about our commitment to ensuring our considerable talent has opportunities to grow their careers right here within H+K, and Josh is a perfect example of that working well," said Jack Martin, global chairman and CEO of Hill+Knowlton Strategies. "He has built key offerings for us, managed key accounts, led a global practice and served on our global council. I know he'll continue to drive success in his new role at Blanc & Otus."

Reynolds began his H+K Strategies career 10 years ago, having originally been hired as a dual resource for both H+K and B&O. He has a history of consulting directly to the technology C-suite, including for tech visionaries such as Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Weiner and Michael Capellas and for brands such as CA, HP and McKesson. Previously he was a Gartner Research analyst who covered collaborative computing and security. He speaks regularly at industry tech events, including Gartner Symposia, Forrester Research technology marketing forums, and Mobile World Congress. Reynolds will immediately bring a robust set of tools and offerings to B&O, including viral storytelling and next-gen messaging techniques, influencer relations, market positioning and category creation, and C-suite marketing strategies.

"Blanc & Otus is one of the greatest untapped growth potentials in the Hill+Knowlton Strategies family," Reynolds said. "It's the longest-standing tech PR firm in the industry, with a history of working with some of the most transformative innovators in the world, and home to incredibly talented people who are ready for something big. At this point in my career, having just celebrated the 10th anniversary of beginning to work with H+K and B&O, I cannot wait to sink my teeth into this challenge."

The relationship between H+K and B&O, both part of the WPP family of companies, has always been one of strategic importance to both firms. A boutique tech firm at heart, B&O has long complemented the technology offering of H+K with a focus and strength on entrepreneurial companies.

The CEO role had been held on an interim basis by Richard Weber, a senior vice president based in Austin and former general manager of the Blanc & Otus Austin office, and most recently by Reynolds as both firms worked to determine the best leadership for Blanc & Otus over the long term. With Reynolds' appointment as CEO, Amanda Groty, H+K vice chair and fellow Global Technology Practice co-chair, will continue to lead the H+K global practice independently.

"This is a victory across the board for H+K and B&O in the U.S. market," said Andy Weitz, president and CEO of H+K Strategies U.S. "This strong connection and collaboration between our tech boutique brand and our global tech practice is a winning proposition for clients and employees of both firms, and it is consistent with our approach to ensuring access to the right expertise."

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 89 offices in 52 countries, as well as an extensive associate network. The agency is part of WPP, the world's largest communications services group. For more information, please visit www.hkstrategies.com.

About Blanc & Otus

Blanc & Otus is the industry's most experienced tech communications agency. For nearly 30 years we have delivered impactful campaigns for innovative start-ups and global brands, including Blu-Ray, Dolby, Facebook, HP, Oracle and Sony. Blanc & Otus is a sister agency of Hill+Knowlton Strategies and part of WPP, the world's largest communication group. For more information, please visit www.blancandotus.com or connect with us on Twitter @blancandotus

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available:http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20130806006479/en/

Hill+Knowlton Strategies
Rebecca Ballard, 202-354-8271
rebecca.ballard@hkstrategies.com

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