NEW YORK, May 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- HL Group founders Hamilton South and Lynn Tesoro today announced that Robert Harwood-Matthews has joined the diversified communications and marketing agency as CEO, effective immediately. Mr. Harwood-Matthews will report directly to the board of directors, and will become the agency's first CEO.

"As we have continued to grow and diversify our client offerings, we wanted to find someone to lead the agency who has a deep understanding and passion for this constantly changing business, and Robert's background and expertise fits the role perfectly. Public relations is becoming an increasingly important subset of the marketing conversation and Robert's experience in leading world class organizations, his proven ability to attract talent and his deep knowledge of the global marketplace make him an outstanding choice to lead HL Group. Also, Robert's arrival provides us with the luxury to focus more of our time on client work," said founders Hamilton South and Lynn Tesoro.

Mr. Harwood-Matthews added, "HL Group has an enviable client base, and a highly professional team and together we recognize the opportunities that adaptive, fast and trusted communicators can bring to clients."

Mr. Harwood-Matthews is one the industry's most respected executives, with deep global experience across the communications, advertising and marketing landscape. Most recently he served as President at TBWA Chiat Day in New York, part of Omnicom PLC. In his 11 years with TBWA Chiat Day network, he has held CEO and MD positions in Los Angeles, London, and Manchester. His leadership tenure on the client side includes storied brands such as PlayStation, Nissan, Kraft, Bank of New York, Four Seasons, and Michelin.

ABOUT HL GROUP
HL Group is a strategic marketing and communications agency representing a diversified client roster spanning lifestyle, fashion, travel and hospitality, beauty, home and interior design, consumer goods, as well as corporate, media and civic concerns. Client services include strategic brand consulting and advisory, consumer and corporate media relations, social media marketing, influencer engagement, and reputation and crisis management. HL Group is an MDC partner firm (NASDAQ: MDCA), with offices in New York and Los Angeles.

PRESS CONTACT
Amanda Oey
HL Group
aoey@hlgrp.com
212.529.5533

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SOURCE HL Group