Hill & Knowlton Launches Connected Marketing Practice

NEW YORK, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Maximizing integration across the traditional and social media worlds, Hill & Knowlton is merging its New York marketing communications and digital practices into one group.  The new team, called connected marketing, will share strategies and ideas and deliver the most holistic thinking and activation for consumer marketing clients.  

Ben Trounson joins H&K to lead the new team as senior vice president and director in the New York office.

"The connected marketing practice will help deliver the best thinking for companies to rise above the noise in today's rapidly evolving communications landscape," said MaryLee Sachs, US chairman, worldwide director marketing communications.  "Ben has extensive experience bridging the traditional media space with digital and is well-suited to lead the connected marketing group.  He also understands the unique needs of a global marketplace, providing him with a valuable perspective for the team and for clients."  

Trounson most recently served at Emanate, where he oversaw nationwide consumer financial education programs for Bank of America.  He previously designed a branded integration filter for Kodak while at Emanate's sister agency, Ketchum, to enable streamlined assessments of potential marketing partners in the US and globally.  Additionally, Trounson spearheaded new business initiatives in close collaboration with Ketchum Digital and sister ad agency Serino Coyne.

Prior to Ketchum, Trounson was an account director at Taylor Global, overseeing a bi-coastal team for Xbox 360 and leading international lifestyle branding campaigns for Johnnie Walker.  He also led PR efforts for MasterCard's 2006 FIFA World Cup sponsorship campaign, designed to drive brand affinity and consumer passion and usage across the globe.  

Earlier in his career, Trounson served in key positions at Waggener Edstrom, Kodora Communications, Environics Communications and Emmanuel Kerr Kilsby, working for clients such as Alliance Capital, ProTrader and other consumer, technology and financial clients.

About Hill & Knowlton

Hill & Knowlton, Inc. is a leading international communications consultancy, providing services to local, multinational and global clients. The firm is headquartered in New York, with 79 offices in 44 countries, as well as an extensive associate network. The agency is part of WPP, one of the world's largest communications services groups.

SOURCE Hill & Knowlton