Fleishman-Hillard Kansas City Names New General Manager

KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Fleishman-Hillard, the global leader in communications,  announced today that Kara Hendon, the current deputy general manager of the firm's Kansas City office, has been promoted to the position of general manager. Betsey Solberg, the current general manager, will remain with Fleishman-Hillard as an executive consultant and will continue to hold office in the Kansas City location. The announcement was made by Susan Veidt, president of Fleishman-Hillard's U.S. Central Region.

Hendon has been with Fleishman-Hillard for more than 13 years. Her work has included support for integrated marketing communications programs for a variety of national and international clients, including product launches, market expansion, ambassador programs and crisis management. In addition to serving as deputy general manager, Hendon has led the food and agribusiness division, which more recently has expanded to include nutrition communications programs relating to new legislative requirements. Hendon also oversees national and international programs for major healthcare clients. Her programs have received numerous awards for exemplary work in agriculture, animal health and general healthcare.

A graduate of Kansas State University, Hendon earned a bachelor's degree in political science, public relations and print journalism. She was named as one of the "40 under 40" class of 2003 by Ingram's Magazine.

"Despite the economic downturn, our Kansas City office delivered 10 percent growth in 2010 and is poised for comparable gains in 2011," Veidt said. "Kara's depth and breadth of knowledge in key growth areas and her excellent management and team-building skills will serve the Kansas City community and the office very well."

"Kara's strengths fit exactly with the vision for this region's growth in animal health, biotechnology and healthcare," said Solberg. "She is community-grown, she knows and understands the region, and those attributes contribute to making her the ideal person to take over the leadership of Fleishman-Hillard's Kansas City office."

Fleishman-Hillard Kansas City was the first office to open outside the headquarters in St. Louis in 1977. Nearly 35 years later, the office is more innovative and diverse than ever and serves more than 100 clients locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. The Kansas City office is home to nearly 20 unique practice groups, including digital, marketing to moms, animal care, biotechnology and healthcare, corporate communications, food and agriculture, marketing communications, public affairs, and crisis and media training.

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.