Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K) announced two appointments within the public relations agency’s health practice. Leslie McGill joined the firm as Senior Vice-President and Francine Beck has been promoted to Senior Vice-President. Both share leadership of the company’s health practice.
Francine Beck has been in the health-consuting industry for over 20 years, supporting domestic and global clients in the life sciences (pharmaceutical), consumer health, environment and physical activity sectors. A former journalist, she is a seasoned media relations strategist with expertise in stakeholder engagement, sponsorship amplification, social marketing campaigns and health-care professional communications.
Prior to joining H+K, Francine worked in a senior capacity at NATIONAL Public Relations playing a lead role in business development for health-focused clients. In addition to her work in health and pharmaceuticals, she was also lead agency counsel for TO 2008 – Toronto’s bid for the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Leslie McGill is a seasoned health-care strategist who joins H+K directly from the Ontario Pharmacists’ Association where, as vice-president strategic development, she integrated the communications, partnerships and membership functions of the Association and led several complex projects including multi-partner communications for the province-wide roll out of pharmacists’ increased scope of practice.
As Senior Vice-President for Medbuy Corporation, she was able to develop a deep understanding for pharmaceuticals, but also medical capital equipment, medical devices and medical/surgical consumables. During her 25 years in health-care communications, marketing and public affairs she has consulted to a wide range of public- and private-sector organizations, providing counsel on product launches, fundraising, reputation management, corporate social responsibility, strategic partnerships, brand positioning, change management and community relations.