Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K), international public relations agency, is accelerating the transformation of its operations in Germany by appointing Markus Hermsen as Managing Director and Head of Technology. Hermsen takes over for Romina Gerhards, who is now heading up H+K Germany’s Content + Publishing and Digital Planning + Optimization teams.
“Meeting our client’s complex communication challenges requires infusing strategy, creativity and innovation with data and analytics,” said Rüdiger Maeßen, H+K Germany CEO. “That requires know-how in content marketing and digital strategies, and Romina and Markus’ appointments should send big signals that this is exactly what clients get from H+K Germany.”
In her new role, Gerhards will develop and implement content marketing strategies for all communication channels. Before joining H+K in 2018, she headed Proof, a digital storytelling start-up agency of the Bauer Media Group. Previously, Gerhards built up content marketing at Achtung! and worked for almost 15 years as a journalist for media companies such as Bauer Media Group and Funke Mediengruppe.
“Romina, with her many years of experience in the development of sustainable content strategies, has already successfully advised clients how to optimize their communication strategies,” said Maeßen. “Our clients are going to love what she does in this new leadership role for us.”
As Head of Tech, Hermsen will advise all companies on the tech sector. He will work closely with experts across disciplines to develop customer-specific solutions based on comprehensive industry know-how and special communications expertise.
Hermsen has more than 20 years of experience in communication for technology companies. He has held management positions at H+K, Fleishman-Hillard and Hotwire, among others. Hermsen will concentrate primarily on the further growth of the technology sector and will work closely with Anja Klein, H+K Germany’s Deputy Head of Technology.
“With Markus, we have gained an industry expert and communications expert who knows H+K, our values and our culture, and enjoys an excellent reputation,” said Maeßen. “His previous work in strategic storytelling for innovations enriches our offering and increases our appeal to technology customers.”
