Industry Expert Ron Reaman to Lead Fleishman-Hillard's Canadian Food and Agribusiness Practice

TORONTO, April 17, 2012 /CNW/ - Fleishman-Hillard in Canada today announced the appointment of Ron Reaman as Senior Vice President and Partner, and national lead for the agency's Food and Agribusiness practice.

Reaman is a seasoned communications and public affairs executive with over 20 years of experience working in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. He is an exceptional communicator with a proven track record in media and public relations, corporate communications, stakeholder relations, reputation management, public policy and government affairs. He has also worked on some of the foodservices industry's highest profile issues at the provincial, federal and international levels.

"Ron's policy expertise, extensive network and reputation with key industry players make him an ideal choice to lead our Food and Agribusiness practice," said John Blyth, Fleishman-Hillard's regional president for Canada. "Ron is recognized across the country as a leader and influencer in the foodservices industry, and will be a tremendous asset to our clients in this important sector."

Prior to joining Fleishman-Hillard, Reaman spent seven years at the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association where he held a number of senior roles, including running the association's Ontario Regional office and overseeing several key federal government policy files. During his time at CRFA he played an important policymaking role on a number of key national food and agriculture issues, including work with a Health Canada-appointed working group that developed Canada's National Sodium Reduction Strategy. He also played a leadership role in developing the association's vision for Healthy Living and was a key industry spokesperson on nutrition related policy files often speaking to stakeholder groups about nutrition and Canada's food industry.

He has also served a number of premier global brands as a communications strategist, and worked in the Communications Branch of the Department of National Revenue in Ottawa during a decade of service as a federal public servant. He is also a contributor with The Huffington Post Canada.

"I am very excited about the opportunity to bring my industry and policy experience to the country's leading integrated strategic communications and public affairs firm," said Reaman. "I am delighted to join such an ambitious and accomplished group of communications and public affairs professionals and I look forward to growing the Food and Agribusiness practice."

Fleishman-Hillard opened its first Canadian office in Toronto in 1994 and has since established a national network with additional offices in Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver and Montreal. The firm brings together Canada's most experienced and insightful counselors, working as a tightly integrated team of public affairs, corporate communications, consumer and social media experts with deep expertise in key client sectors.

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.

Dan Madge
416-645-8188
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