Fleishman-Hillard Recognized for Third Straight Year on NAFE's 'Top 50 Companies for Executive Women'

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Fleishman-Hillard International Communications has been named to the 2012 "Top 50 Companies for Executive Women" by the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE). The honor marks the third consecutive year the agency has been recognized.

The list, which will appear in Working Mother magazine's March 2012 issue, highlights organizations whose policies and practices encourage the advancement of women's careers. Results are based on factors such as succession planning, profit-and-loss roles, gender pay parity, support programs and work-life balance.

"We make it a priority to give our employees the support and opportunities they need to reach their full potential," said Dave Senay, president and CEO of Fleishman-Hillard. "Because of this, we've been able to attract, retain and promote the industry's most talented women. And they in turn provide the excellent leadership and insight that make Fleishman-Hillard an employer of choice, for both executive women and others."

At Fleishman-Hillard, women make up 64 percent of the firm's U.S. workforce, 66 percent of the firm's worldwide workforce and 47 percent of the agency's corporate executives with profit-and-loss responsibility — a main component of NAFE's ranking. "Fleishman-Hillard is way ahead of the pack in offering women opportunities with profit-and-loss responsibility, with women running more than half of its major regions," said Betty Spence, Ph.D., NAFE's president. "Part of the reason the company has so many women leaders is that it provides the growth opportunities and the flexibility to succeed in both career and family life."

And with regard to career advancement, in just the past year, Fleishman-Hillard has announced several strategic senior-level hires and promotions: Stephanie Marchesi, chief marketing officer; Nancy Seliger, head of global client relations; Jonella Donius, Shawn Ramsey and Joanne Wong, executive vice presidents; Kara Hendon, general manager of the Kansas City office; and Katie Huang Shin, deputy GM of the global technology team.

"Women hold crucial roles at Fleishman-Hillard, whether it's as a C-suite executive, regional president, general manager, global team leader or client relationship manager," said Agnes Gioconda, chief talent officer and one of the firm's four C-suite female executives. "And we continue to look for new ways to create a workplace that provides women the opportunities, training and work-life initiatives that help them grow into the firm's leaders."

NAFE, founded in 1972, serves 20,000 members nationwide with networking, tools and solutions to strengthen and grow their careers and businesses. Working Mother magazine publishes the annual Top Companies and the Women of Excellence lists. NAFE.com provides up-to-date information, community for women in business and access to member benefits. NAFE is a division of Working Mother Media, owned by Bonnier Corp.

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.