FleishmanHillard Appoints Turnaround Specialist and Former CVS Caremark Chairman Edwin 'Mac' Crawford to International Advisory Board

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Jul 23, 2013, 12:37 ET

ST. LOUIS, July 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- FleishmanHillard announced today the appointment of Edwin "Mac" Crawford to the firm's International Advisory Board (IAB). A turnaround and merger specialist, Crawford is the former chairman of CVS Caremark, a Fortune 20 company formed by the 2007 merger of CVS and Caremark Rx.

Well-respected by the professional investment community, Crawford has led operational turnarounds of businesses for more than 30 years. In 1998, he spearheaded the growth of the pharmaceutical benefit management (PBM) industry with the restructuring of the country's then-largest physician practice management company, Med Partners, into Caremark Rx.

Under Crawford's leadership, Caremark grew from a practically bankrupt entity into a $9 billion Fortune 100 company in only five years. In 2004, he orchestrated the acquisition of AdvancePCS, which made Caremark the second-largest PBM in the world, generating over $23 billion in annual revenue. By 2007, Caremark had grown to be a $37 billion PBM, managing more than 600 million prescriptions when Crawford led the company through the strategic merger with drug chain CVS. His performance garnered him Institutional Investor magazine's award for "Best CEO in Healthcare Technology and Distribution" for 2005, 2006 and 2007.

"New tools, technologies, media and social outlets have radically enhanced the methods and importance of communications in our society," said Dave Senay, president and CEO of FleishmanHillard. "However, as important as they are, they are not a substitute for experience, knowledge, vision and leadership. These are the core attributes that we must personify as we drive value for our clients each day, and the appointment of Mac Crawford to our IAB reflects our commitment to them. Mac's infinite skill set as a leading turnaround and M&A specialist, coupled with his stewardship of some of the world's leading health services companies, makes him an ideal resource for our clients and employees."

"As a longtime CEO and adviser on issues that impact the investing public and the public trust, I have a unique view into the value that world-class communications can drive for corporations," Crawford said. "I look forward to working with FleishmanHillard's leading professionals to bring some of that experience and knowledge to the firm's global client base."

An alumnus of Auburn University, Crawford began his career as a CPA with Arthur Young & Co. He has also held top positions at Magellan Health Services, Charter Medical Corp., Mulberry Street Investment Co. and several private firms.

FleishmanHillard's IAB is made up of respected leaders from government and business. Unlike other industry boards, the IAB provides direct counsel on a wide range of issues that are important to clients. Other distinguished IAB members include Leon Panetta, Andy Card, former Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Gen. Barry McCaffrey, Dr. David Kessler, Mickey Kantor, Janet Robinson, Adm. Vern Clark, John Onoda, Keki Dadiseth, Shoichiro Irimajiri, Guenter Verheugen and Anna Chennault.

About FleishmanHillard
FleishmanHillard is the world's most complete global communications firm, specializing in public relations, public affairs, marketing, paid media, and transmedia and social content. FleishmanHillard delivers on The Power of True, reflecting the firm's high values, and unique ability to guide clients through a world demanding unprecedented authenticity and transparency. FleishmanHillard was named "Standout Agency" on Advertising Age's 2013 A-List; NAFE's "Top 50 Companies for Executive Women" for 2010-2013; Advertising Age's 2012 "Best Places to Work"; and The Holmes Report's 2012 Global "Public Affairs Agency of the Year." The firm's award-winning work is widely heralded, including at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity. FleishmanHillard is part of Diversified Agency Services, a division of Omnicom Group Inc., and has more than 80 offices in 29 countries, plus affiliates in 42 countries. Visit us at www.fleishmanhillard.com.

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.

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