Hill & Knowlton is an international public relations and communications consultancy headquartered in New York City, United States. The firm was founded in 1927 by John W. Hill and Donald Knowlton. It provides services in corporate communications, public affairs, crisis management, brand strategy, and digital communications for a global client base encompassing corporations, governments, NGOs, and non‑profit organizations.
History
- 1927 – The agency was established in Cleveland, Ohio, as a public relations firm focusing on industrial and financial clients.
- 1960s–1970s – Hill & Knowlton expanded internationally, opening offices in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and became known for high‑profile corporate campaigns.
- 1980s – The firm was acquired by the French advertising conglomerate Havas, later part of the larger Havas Group.
- 2000s – Continued growth through acquisitions, including the purchase of several regional agencies to strengthen its presence in emerging markets.
- 2010 – Hill & Knowlton was integrated into the Publicis Groupe following Publicis’ acquisition of several Havas units, becoming part of Publicis Communications.
- 2011 – The company rebranded its principal operating unit as Hill+Knowlton Strategies, reflecting a broader strategic focus that includes digital and data‑driven communications.
Services
Hill & Knowlton offers a range of communications services, including:
- Corporate reputation and brand management
- Crisis and issues management
- Public affairs and government relations
- Media relations and content creation
- Digital strategy, social media, and analytics
- Employee engagement and internal communications
Notable Activities
- Corporate Advocacy: Represented multinational corporations in high‑visibility public policy debates and regulatory matters.
- Crisis Communications: Managed communications for organizations during product recalls, financial scandals, and environmental incidents.
- Public Affairs: Conducted lobbying and advocacy campaigns on behalf of clients in sectors such as energy, finance, and technology.
Corporate Structure
Hill+Knowlton Strategies operates as a subsidiary within Publicis Groupe’s Communications division. The agency maintains a network of offices in more than 40 countries, employing thousands of professionals across its global footprint.
Recognition
The firm has been regularly listed in industry rankings for its scale, revenue, and influence within the public relations sector. It has received awards for creativity, strategic effectiveness, and client service from organizations such as PRWeek, The Holmes Report, and the International Public Relations Association.
