Hill+Knowlton Strategies Appoints President in Colombia

BOGOTA, Colombia, Aug. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Hill+Knowlton Strategies today announced the appointment of Alfonso Cuellar to the role of president and managing director of Colombia effective immediately.  He will be headquartered in Bogota.  An expert in corporate communications and the energy industry, Cuellar also will serve as director for the energy practice in Latin America, advising national and international energy clients.

Cuellar commented, "After four years as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Colombian Embassy in Washington, D.C., I am pleased to return to Colombia and to join Hill+Knowlton Strategies.  I look forward to contributing to the strategic communications needs of our clients and their stakeholders while on the other hand welcoming international clients that recognize the potential and importance of the Colombian market." 

Latin America President and CEO Antonio Tamayo emphasized the importance of the region to H+K's overall strategic growth plans.  "Latin America is a key region to H+K with enormous growth potential.  With Alfonso's experience, we are confident that we will bring a new era to the field of high level consultancy for our local, regional and international clients." 

Cuellar has over 26 years of professional experience.  He has worked in media, the private sector and in diplomacy.  He was editor-in-chief of Semana, the most influential business news magazine in Colombia where he was recognized for his investigative pieces.  He was awarded the prestigious Simon Bolivar award as well as the Rey de Espana award given for excellency in media.  For several years, Cuellar managed government relations and public affairs for British Petroleum in Colombia and served as press secretary for BP in Latin America.  Previously he was editor for the international section of El Tiempo.

Alfonso graduated from Allegheny College in Pennsylvania with a degree in political science with a concentration on Latin America.  He is the recipient of the Knight Fellowship from Stanford University and is a frequent contributor of articles related to global politics and public affairs.

About Hill+Knowlton Strategies
Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Inc. is a leading international communications consultancy, providing services to local, multinational and global clients.  The firm is headquartered in New York, with 87 offices in 49 countries as well as an extensive associate network.  The agency is part of WPP, the world's largest communications services group.

SOURCE Hill+Knowlton Strategies