Fleishman-Hillard Names Marjorie Benzkofer as Global Lead of the Firm's Reputation Management Practice

CHICAGO, Sept. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fleishman-Hillard International Communications announced today the appointment of Marjorie Benzkofer as global lead of the firm's reputation management practice. Benzkofer's appointment is another step in the firm's strategic focus on providing robust corporate reputation counsel to clients.

In her global role, Benzkofer will lead the effort to coalesce the firm's work around executive visibility, internal change management, financial communications, and crisis and issues management, as well as CSR and sustainability. Fleishman-Hillard is bringing to market new offerings and thought leadership around these areas as well as new reputation research.

"The principles of reputation management are influencing all other forms of marketing and communications today," said Dave Senay, president and CEO of Fleishman-Hillard. "No longer can reputation management be seen as an alternative label for corporate communications, brand management or other functional activities. It is clear that reputation management is itself a unique, separate discipline that requires a new kind of professional management that extends across all disciplines of business. Marjorie is just that kind of professional and knows how to lead and organize our teams to do this work across the firm."

Benzkofer brings more than 15 years of experience at Fleishman-Hillard to this new global role, having served a multitude of Fortune 500 clients across industries and geographies. She has led the corporate practice in Chicago for the past seven years and has won numerous awards for her integrated work.

"It's important in our work to be mindful of the interactions we are creating between brand and reputation," said Benzkofer. "We may be building brands as the manifestation of a company and its actions, but it is reputation that opens doors and clears the way for new opportunities and progress. We have been helping to manage the uncontrolled dialogue between our clients and their audiences for decades. It is a core capability of the firm, and we intend to remain on the cutting edge through the new work emerging from the practice."

Benzkofer is joined in leading the practice by her regional colleagues: Nick Andrews in Europe, Rachel Catanach in Asia, and Betsy Neville in the Americas.

About Fleishman-Hillard

Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world's leading strategic communications firms, has built its reputation on creating integrated solutions that deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard website at www.fleishmanhillard.com. Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Diversified Agency Services, a division of Omnicom Group Inc.

About Diversified Agency Services

Diversified Agency Services (DAS), a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com), manages Omnicom's holdings in a variety of marketing communications disciplines. DAS includes over 200 companies, which operate through a combination of networks and regional organizations, serving international and local clients through more than 700 offices in 71 countries.

About Omnicom Group Inc.

Omnicom Group Inc. (www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

SOURCE Fleishman-Hillard Inc.