MINNEAPOLIS, July 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- FleishmanHillard today announced the appointment of Dave Schad as senior vice president and general manager of its Minneapolis-St. Paul office.

Schad succeeds David Hakensen, who served as general manager since October 2009. Hakensen will remain as senior vice president and head of the office's corporate and media relations practice.

Most recently, Schad was senior vice president, executive creative director at Minneapolis-based PadillaCRT. While there, he was responsible for building the firm's creative group and was instrumental in developing an organizational model for account and creative teams to work collaboratively. He also played a key role in helping the firm evolve from a public relations firm to an integrated communications firm.

Among his other previous roles, Schad was a partner at VS Advertising, a communications consultancy offering strategy, message development and other services to promote and advance brands. He also gained prior experience at Group One, Carmichael Lynch and Bozell Kamstra.

"Bringing on a new general manager and adding to the extended leadership team reflects our commitment to the vibrant Minneapolis-St. Paul market and the global clients we serve," said Susan Veidt, president of FleishmanHillard's U.S. Central region, which also includes Chicago, Detroit, Kansas City and St. Louis. "Dave's extensive experience in leading idea-first, integrated media programs delivered across communications channels by multidisciplinary teams will enhance the work we do for our clients, helping them achieve greater success."

FleishmanHillard's Minneapolis-St. Paul office offers global capabilities in consumer and B2B marketing, corporate communications, crisis communications, sports marketing, public affairs, internal communications, social and digital communications and content creation.

About FleishmanHillard

FleishmanHillard is the world's most complete global communications firm, specializing in public relations, public affairs, marketing, paid media, and transmedia and social content. FleishmanHillard delivers on The Power of True, reflecting the firm's high values, and unique ability to guide clients through a world demanding unprecedented authenticity and transparency. FleishmanHillard was named PRWeek's 2014 Global Agency of the Year, "Standout Agency" on Advertising Age's 2013 A-List; NAFE's "Top 50 Companies for Executive Women" for 2010-2014; and among PRWeek's 2013 "Best Places to Work." The firm's award-winning work is widely heralded, including at the Cannes International Festival of Creativity. FleishmanHillard is part of the DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc., and has more than 85 offices in 30 countries, plus affiliates in 42 countries. Visit us at www.fleishmanhillard.com.

About The DAS Group of Companies

The DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com), is a global group of marketing services companies. DAS includes over 200 companies in the following marketing disciplines: specialty, PR, healthcare, CRM, events, promotional marketing, branding and research. Operating through a combination of networks and regional organizations, DAS serves international, regional, national and local clients through more than 700 offices in 71 countries.

SOURCE FleishmanHillard