NEW YORK, Oct. 12, 2000 (PRIMEZONE) -- Hill and Knowlton. Inc., a leading international public relations and public affairs firm, announced today that Jeffrey D. Misakian has joined the company as a managing director in the financial communications practice. Misakian, a specialist in corporate communications and investor relations, comes to Hill and Knowlton with more than 18 years experience in financial services, and will be based in the firm's Los Angeles office.
Prior to joining Hill and Knowlton, Misakian was vice president of investor relations at CB Richard Ellis Services Inc., where he established an investor relations program for the company.
"Jeff brings a wealth of experience in strategic financial communications to the firm," said Ron Hartwig, executive vice president and general manager of Hill and Knowlton's Los Angeles office. "The addition of his talents to our already strong financial communications team will greatly enhance our services."
Prior to CB Richard Ellis Services Inc., Misakian served as senior vice president and director of corporate and investor relations of Glendale Federal Bank. During his 13-year tenure, he developed and directed the bank's investor and public relations program and created policy for the company's financial and strategic communications. He also served as vice president, financial reporting manager, where he oversaw all financial reporting on behalf of the company.
"Jeff brings to our financial communications practice extensive experience in developing and implementing corporate and investor relations programs," said Fiona Ross, senior managing director of the financial communications practice in Hill and Knowlton's Los Angeles office. "He has a proven track record of developing strategies to better position companies within the investment community with the goal of increasing their visibility and valuation."
Misakian began his career as an audit supervisor for PricewaterhouseCoopers. In addition to his business experience, he is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and an active member of the National Investor Relations Institute. Misakian graduated from the University of Southern California in 1981with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration.
Established in 1927, Hill and Knowlton, Inc. (www.hillandknowlton.com) is a leading international public relations and public affairs firm based in New York, with 68 offices in 34 countries as well as an extensive associate network. The agency is part of WPP Group, plc (Nasdaq:WPPGY) (www.wpp.com), one of the world's largest communications services groups. WPP Group provides services to local, multinational and global clients, including more than 300 of the Fortune Global 500.