Hill and Knowlton chief marketing officer to retire

Hill and Knowlton has announced the imminent retirement of its chief marketing officer Tony Burgess-Webb.

The 25-year company veteran will leave Hill and Knowlton in February 2011 after playing a key role in the marketing agency's development and evolution since he joined in 1985.

Mr Burgess-Webb is credited with the establishment and management of the firm's European regional marketing, technology and healthcare practices, as well as its move into the area of digital communications via the foundation of Netcoms.

He has also helped to encourage the growth of its social media initiatives and drive the expansion of its international presence and reach.

Paul Taaffe, Hill and Knowlton's chief executive officer, said: "Tony has been one of our greatest innovators and played a key part in the growth of the agency over the last 25 years."

In October 2010, Hill and Knowlton won a new contract with health and personal care firm Procter and Gamble to help the firm promote its brands during the 2012 Olympic Games in London.