Fleishman-Hillard Appoints Steve Hardwick General Manager in New York, President of Eastern Region

NEW YORK, June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Fleishman-Hillard appointed Steve Hardwick, former president of Grey Group, as general manager of its New York office and president of its Eastern region, which includes offices in Boston and Cleveland, the company announced today.

"Our goal is to be the most complete communications firm in the world," said Dave Senay, president and CEO of Fleishman-Hillard.  "That means working effectively across all communications platforms in an integrated way that moves people to act.  Steve's appointment is a major commitment to that vision.  He is a great communicator, a proven leader, a builder and a growth driver.  He also has a strong digital background and a diverse history that ranges from educator to filmmaker."  

Hardwick, who has a 25-year career in communications, also joins the Fleishman-Hillard Senior Management Committee, which is responsible for the firm's strategic direction.  His background includes working in global holding companies, large international agencies, and multichannel creative boutiques.  In addition to his communications career, he co-wrote and co-produced "The Shovel," starring Academy Award nominee David Strathairn.  The film won the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival Award for Best Narrative Short Film.

Hardwick's most recent accomplishment was leading the successful New York/New Jersey bid for the Super Bowl in 2014.  Working directly with the owners of the New York Football Giants and the New York Jets and their respective teams, he was responsible for the creation of every aspect of the pitch presentation, from the overarching strategy to all concepts, copy, art direction and all creative execution.  

"We have worked with Steve on a complex corporate and financial public relations assignment, and he clearly embraces and applies the principles of public relations that give our industry an advantage in this era of integration," Senay added.  "Equally important, he is an excellent match for our culture.  We are very pleased that he is joining our management team."

Hardwick said, "I've been a proponent of the integrated model since my Bank of America experience from 2004-2007."  Hardwick spent three years at the Interpublic Group of Companies overseeing the Bank of America enterprise as COO and managing director.  In this role, he managed the talents of 18 agencies to deliver integrated communications across the full spectrum of brand touch points and channels.

"I've declined new opportunities in advertising, because I've seen enough in my career to know that the principles of the public relations field create the most powerful communications platform today," Hardwick said.  "Beyond that, when I chose to join Fleishman-Hillard, I chose based on three factors:  outstanding people; a culture of respect and excellence; and a functioning vision that surpasses older agency models and responds to the way people, and therefore clients, are employing and consuming media today.  I am energized about being a part of the leading global network, and about being surrounded by colleagues in New York, Boston and Cleveland who are tops in their field."

Hardwick succeeds Nancy Seliger, who was promoted to executive vice president for global client relations earlier this year.  

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.