First-ever Western Canada chair joins Hill+Knowlton Canada

TORONTO, Sept. 9, 2016 /CNW/ - Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada (H+K), the top-rated public relations and public affairs firm in the country, has appointed D'Arcy Levesque to the newly created position of Western Canada chair.

Modelled after a similar position created in Quebec earlier this year, D'Arcy's role includes new business growth and strategic communications leadership in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, focusing on several areas of the company's business—with a stronghold in non-profit and foundation work. This western perspective is a boost for already-strong teams in H+K's western provinces, and will help ensure clients across the country have an even more holistic point-of-view for national programming.

"From generating government investments and driving regulatory approvals to managing social responsibility policies and overseeing communications for one of Canada's biggest employers, there is no one better suited for this role than D'Arcy," says Goldy Hyder, president and CEO of H+K. "He deeply understands both the challenges and opportunities in the west, and we are proud that he has chosen to begin the next phase of his career with Hill+Knowlton."

Prior to joining Hill+Knowlton, D'Arcy served as vice-president, enterprise communications & corporate social responsibility for Enbridge Inc. He joined Enbridge in 2003 and was primarily responsible for leading the proactive management of its brand and reputation as well as overseeing the company's external and internal communications. In addition to senior executive positions with advertising and public relations agencies in western Canada, D'Arcy also held senior roles at TrueNorth Energy and Syncrude Canada, and served as a communications director to Alberta government cabinet ministers.

D'Arcy will report to H+K chair Brian Mersereau, and work closely with vice-chair Peter Donolo and Quebec chair Nathalie Bourque. 

An active member of his community, D'Arcy currently serves as a director for the Governor General's Foundation for the Performing Arts. He is also a trustee for the National Theatre School of Canada; director for the Contemporary Calgary Art Gallery; member of the Walrus Foundation National Advisory Council; and a director for the National Arts Centre Foundation. 

Hill+Knowlton Strategies

With nine offices across the country, Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada is a leader in both public relations and public affairs. Headquartered in Toronto, the company is the No. 1-rated strategic communications firm in the country. Its experts specialize in corporate communications, content marketing, research and measurement, public affairs, marketing communications, crisis, energy, technology, health care, social and digital communications, financial communications and transactions. The only communications firm to have earned the Canada Order of Excellence for Quality from Excellence Canada, it has been recognized as one of the Best Workplaces in Canada for 10 consecutive years. Its parent company, Hill+Knowlton Strategies Inc., has 87 offices in 49 countries as well as an extensive associate network; and it is a member of WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY), one of the world's largest communications services groups.

SOURCE Hill & Knowlton Canada

Stephanie Gough, [phone], [email protected]