PYEONGCHANG, Republic of Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hill+Knowlton Strategies (H+K) has been awarded an 18-month international communications remit for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, following a competitive pitch. The contract signing took place on Nov. 3 at the headquarters of the PyeongChang Organizing Committee for the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (POCOG), attended by Vivian Lines, Chairman of Hill+Knowlton Strategies Asia-Pacific, and POCOG Secretary General YEO Hyung-koo.
To be led out of Asia-Pacific by Lorna Campbell, Regional Director Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, H+K will activate a media and content communications campaign that will promote PyeongChang 2018 worldwide. The H+K team will also provide strategic counsel on crisis and issues preparation and response.
The PyeongChang 2018 win adds another string to H+K’s Olympic bow, having previously handled communications for the Organizing Committees of the Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010, and London 2012 Games.
Vivian Lines says: “We are honoured to have been awarded this prestigious contract with POCOG. H+K has a deep understanding of the Olympic environment, cultures and values and we are delighted to add PyeongChang 2018 to our experience. As well as an extensive global network, that gives us agility to support POCOG where and when it is needed, we have a strong team in the region who will work closely with POCOG to help us connect with and inspire the world around the excitement of PyeongChang and the Winter Olympics.”
YEO Hyung-koo, POCOG Secretary General, comments: "It is important to raise the international profile of PyeongChang 2018 to generate enthusiasm and positively represent the Olympic Games. As our slogan, ‘Passion Connected,’ we and our partners are striving to spread PyeongChang’s passion and charm to connect people throughout the world. Securing the right communications partner to work with our in-house team is key to this, and we are confident that Hill+Knowlton Strategies brings a fresh approach that will see our Olympic dream brought to life across the globe.”
Andy Sutherden, H+K Global Head of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, adds, “Hosting an Olympic games means more than just inspiring a nation, it’s about connecting and inspiring the world. We are thrilled that POCOG has chosen us to partner with them to showcase the PyeongChang 2018 Games and stamp their place in Olympic history. We know that with each Games comes new challenges and opportunities, and PyeongChang will be the first Games to benefit from the new Olympic Channel, which is incredibly exciting as we navigate through the key milestones on the run up to the Games in February 2018.”
The 18-month project will commence immediately.
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.
About POCOG
The PyeongChang Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (POCOG) will host the XXIII edition of the Olympic Winter Games on 9-25 February 2018. Approximately 95 countries and 3,000 athletes are expected to take part in the first Olympic Winter Games to be held in Asia in 20 years. Seven sports comprising 15 disciplines will be on the official program.
The PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games will take place on 9-18 March 2018, with approximately 50 countries and 670 athletes competing. Six sports are on the Paralympic program.