Corporate Communications Veteran John Blyth Joins Fleishman-Hillard

ST. LOUIS, May 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Fleishman-Hillard International Communications today announced that longtime McDonald's Corp. communications executive John Blyth has joined the firm as a senior vice president and partner.

Blyth, who joined McDonald's in 1981, has served since 2005 as the company's corporate vice president of corporate communications, leading a global team of 80 communications professionals representing executive communications, internal communications, global Web communications, meetings and events, and creative services. He also was a member of McDonald's Worldwide Corporate Relations Council and Global Communications Council, both of which set policies for the company's corporate responsibility efforts, issues management and brand-building activities worldwide.

In his new position, Blyth will be based in Fleishman-Hillard's Dallas office, where his primary role will be to provide senior client counsel and oversee strategic initiatives for the agency's top clients.

"At a time when our clients' communications are more integrated and global than ever, it's a real pleasure to welcome John Blyth to our agency team," said Dave Senay, the firm's president and chief executive officer. "His experience spans 35 years and, in the course of helping to manage the McDonald's brand across 170 countries, his duties have included an integrated mix of everything from crisis communications to sponsorships to strategic marketing assignments. John brings with him a wealth of experience in managing one of the most respected global brands. It will be a tremendous asset to draw on that experience to further strengthen our work for our major clients around the world."

"After so many years with a company built on providing consistently high quality and value to customers, I feel fortunate indeed to join another global player that has quality service and client value so much at the heart of its reputation," said Blyth. "Add to that Fleishman-Hillard's strong culture of teamwork, its commitment to developing the full potential of its people and the chance to work with industry-leading clients, and this was simply too good an opportunity to pass up.  I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead."

Blyth originally joined McDonald's in his native Australia as advertising manager and went on to assume positions of increasing responsibility for the company's global communications, ultimately taking on leadership of its reputation management and marketing efforts in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. He co-chaired McDonald's efforts as a co-sponsor of the 2000 Olympic Games in Australia and led the regional communications for the company's sponsorship of the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan. Before joining McDonald's, Blyth also spent several years developing a solid foundation in marketing and brand building at Unilever and DDB.

In addition to his professional duties, over the years Blyth has been an active supporter of the Ronald McDonald House programs in Australia, Singapore and Chicago and also has served on the boards of Meals on Wheels Chicago and the Chicago Tourism and Convention Bureau. He holds a certificate of advertising from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and also studied business and marketing at the Caulfield Institute of Technology.  

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

SOURCE Fleishman-Hillard Inc.