Brussels, June 6, 2016 – Current CEO Thomas Tindemans at Hill+Knowlton Strategies in Brussels becomes Chairman of the operation and COO Melanie Faithful Kent succeeds him as CEO.

Thomas Tindemans and Melanie Faithful Kent are both existing board members in H+K Brussels and manage key positions in the wider firm.  Thomas has led the H+K Brussels operation for four years, while simultaneously co-leading the firm’s global Public Affairs Practice. He hands over the Brussels CEO baton to Melanie who will continue to lead the firm’s EMEA Client Advisory Board, established two years ago and consisting of the foremost advisors across the region.   

Commenting on the move, which comes as Hill+Knowlton Strategies is named SABRE EMEA Consultancy of the Year, EMEA Chairman and CEO Lars Erik Grønntun points to increased collaboration and integration of H+K’s services: “We see clients placing an ever greater emphasis on advocacy 2.0 services, where we need an equal showcase for public affairs and for integrated communications expertise.” 

“Melanie and Thomas are an established team and we expect these promotions to help deliver even more value to the clients of the firm. We have seen the Brussels operation significantly diversify under Thomas’ leadership and the time is right for him to take on the Chairmanship, spearheading client teams assembled to meet high level international business challenges.”

Thomas Tindemans declared: “I am pleased to leave a healthy operation in the able hands of Melanie and I am proud to take up the role of Chair to further develop and grow our integrated PA and communications offer to clients.”

Melanie Faithfull Kent added: “This is an exciting period for our firm and the advocacy environment in Europe and I am thrilled about the opportunities ahead.” 

Clients will continue to rely on the expertise of H+K’s leaders as they seek to integrate their approaches to political, business and regulatory affairs. The teams are led by PA expert and board member Alain Berger, head of the EMEA Industrials practice and Brendan Hodgson, EMEA Digital lead, who joins the board in July.

Melanie has been with H+K in Brussels for five years, serving as Chief Operating Officer. She has worked for the firm since 2002, holding various leadership positions in the Middle East, and will continue her consulting role with clients in the food and healthcare sectors, where she specialises in change management.

Thomas joined the firm in 2010 and has held the CEO role since 2012. As Chairman, Thomas will expand his client facing role, taking on briefs from governments, corporates and associations across the world keen to engage with the Brussels environment.

-ENDS-

For Media Enquiries:

Thomas Tindemans
President Hill+Knowlton Strategies Belgium
thomas.tindemans@hkstrategies.com | +32 (0) 2 737 95 00

About Hill+Knowlton Strategies

Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Inc. is an 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, one of the world's largest communications services groups.