“As one of the world’s top crisis management firms, on any given day our crisis experts are managing dozens of major issues across our global network,” said Dave Senay, Fleishman-Hillard president and CEO. “We are becoming the first stop for clients seeking around-the-clock, around-the-world support that’s instantly switched on when they need us. Brian will strengthen our cutting-edge, systematic approach in response to rapidly expanding client needs.”

“Brian brings not only an illustrious record of success for clients everywhere he has worked, but also an astonishingly long list of crises managed, in Australia and across Asia Pacific,” said Lynne Anne Davis, Fleishman-Hillard Asia Pacific president. “Brian’s return to on-the-ground consulting in Asia will enhance our firm’s already strong offering in reputation management, thought leadership, corporate citizenship and strategic long-term engagement of key stakeholders. We are thrilled to welcome him to our leadership team.”

West has advised global and regional corporations spanning many industries, as well as a number of governments, and his expertise includes managing one of the largest corporate mergers in the history of the region. He ran Hill & Knowlton’s Asia Pacific business from 1991 to mid-2005 and sat on the agency’s global board. West also managed a number of regional clients and drove many thought-leadership initiatives. Returning to Australia for family reasons, he consulted to a number of large financial institutions and then joined Australian Rugby Union as general manager, government and media.

Most recently, West ran Burson-Marsteller Australia for more than four years. He resigned from this position in November 2011 and commences his new role at Fleishman-Hillard, reporting to Davis.

Over the years, West has worked with large financial corporations and high-profile government infrastructure departments to establish in-house communication functions or reorient existing teams, as well as to spearhead major strategic initiatives. He has served as internal public affairs counsel to many clients and as a company spokesman for companies facing litigation and other issues.

About Fleishman-Hillard
Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world’s leading strategic communications firms, has built its reputation on creating integrated solutions that deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard website at www.fleishmanhillard.com

Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to more than 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 31, 2012 — Consumers have more ways to mine for information about companies than ever before. While the Internet trumps all other sources, including advice from friends and family, the ability to reach consumers with a consistent message across the variety of channels available – such as social channels – is key to thriving in the ever-changing and competitive landscape.

That is one of the key findings of the global 2012 Digital Influence Index, released today by Fleishman-Hillard International Communications in conjunction with Harris Interactive. With the addition of India, this third edition of the study now includes Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Collectively, these eight nations represent more than half of the world’s online population and more than 60 percent of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP).

The Digital Influence Index measures several key aspects of consumers’ Internet usage, from media consumption patterns to involvement in social networking to making choices about politics, healthcare and finance.

“We’re witnessing a sea change in process,” said Dave Senay, Fleishman-Hillard president and CEO. “Today, the collective voice of the Internet is eclipsing the persuasive power of family, friends or colleagues when it comes to influencing purchase decisions. Our survey shows the tremendous opportunity that today’s tech-savvy consumer presents. Marketers need to maximize their online channels to make it easy for consumers to interact with and access information about their brands.”

For the first time on the survey, Canada reported that the Internet is now more influential overall in purchasing decisions than family and friends. Comparatively, in the U.S., the Internet rated about equal in importance (46 percent compared with 47 percent for family and friends). The Internet’s greatest sway was in Asia, where the gap between the influence of the Internet and that of family and friends was 9 percent in China (79 percent to 70 percent) and nearly twice that in India (79 percent to 60 percent).

Four other key findings illustrate the breadth of opportunities for marketers to reach consumers via social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as through online gaming and game consoles:

• Nearly half of those surveyed (42 percent) currently follow or friend a brand on a social networking site. While the reasons vary widely by country, the overall greatest motivation: to learn more about the brand (79 percent).
• Nearly one in five individuals now looks to Facebook to obtain information about a brand or product.
• Almost two out of three consumers surveyed use a mobile/smartphone to gain information on a brand, product or destination at least three or four days a week.
• Overall, 43 percent of consumers have played a game with other people on a PC, and 28 percent have done so using a mobile device.

This year’s Digital Influence Index produced a total of 11 key insights into the influence the Internet wields in consumers’ lives. A sampling of other findings includes:

• Eighty-nine percent of consumers surveyed use Internet search engines to make purchasing decisions, punctuating the need for a strong search engine optimization (SEO) strategy.
• Group-buying sites are gaining popularity, with two-thirds of consumers claiming awareness of services like Groupon and LivingSocial – with 60 percent of those respondents belonging to such sites.
• When choosing healthcare products and services, 75 percent said they rely on online information.

For statistics and analysis of how all 11 key findings affect consumers’ purchasing decisions worldwide, a complimentary copy of the 2012 Digital Influence Index white paper can be downloaded at http://fh.pr/digitalinfluenceindex.

About the Digital Influence Index
The Digital Influence Index is a joint venture between Fleishman-Hillard and Harris Interactive. The project was designed and led by Fleishman-Hillard’s digital research group, a team within the agency’s network focused on providing research that supports the digital transformation of communications. Analysis and insight development was conducted in partnership with Harris Interactive.

Harris Interactive conducted fieldwork for this study through a comprehensive, 15-minute online survey among a representative sample of 4,612 Internet users in China, the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, India and the United Kingdom.

This work took place between May and June 2011. Respondents to the survey were recruited from the various panels managed by Harris Interactive across the markets surveyed. The data was weighted to online population targets, including those based on age, gender, education, region and Internet usage. Further weighting was applied to the analysis of the combined results to reflect the online population sizes in each country.

The Digital Influence Index was constructed by factoring in both consumption of a medium and the importance consumers attach to that consumption. Respondents were allowed to give various media a score out of 100 for the amount of time they spend on them and then rate how important this time is to their decisions. Consumption and importance were each scored out of 100 to produce a percentage score for each and a total score out of 200. This latter score is halved to produce a combined percentage score that sums up the influence of the medium.

About Fleishman-Hillard
Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world’s leading strategic communications firms, has built its reputation on creating integrated solutions that deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard website at www.fleishmanhillard.com

Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to more than 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

About Harris Interactive
Harris Interactive is one of the world’s leading custom market research firms, leveraging research, technology, and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight. Known widely for the Harris Poll and for pioneering innovative research methodologies, Harris offers expertise in a wide range of industries including healthcare, technology, public affairs, energy, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant, and consumer package goods. Serving clients in over 215 countries and territories through our North American, European, and Asian offices and a network of independent market research firms, Harris specializes in delivering research solutions that help us – and our clients – stay ahead of what’s next. For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 24, 2012 — Today’s U.S. female consumer increases her impact as receiver, broadcaster and influencer of key information, according to a research study published today by Fleishman-Hillard International Communications, a leading global strategic communications firm, in conjunction with Hearst Magazines, the world’s largest publisher of monthly magazines. From her ever-expanding social circle to the unique way she buys across categories, the chief executive officer of American households is wielding her consumer influence like never before. Her role as a broadcaster has greatly expanded, as 54 percent of all women agree, “I feel it is my responsibility to help friends and family make smart purchase decisions.”

These latest insights on female consumers were revealed in research conducted by Ipsos Mendelsohn as part of the fourth wave of Women, Power & Money – an industry-leading exploration into the lives and lifestyles of American women. Fleishman-Hillard partnered with Hearst Magazines because of the company’s in-depth knowledge of the contemporary woman.

“During the past few years, we have watched the evolution of women and their sphere of influence,” said Nancy Bauer, senior vice president and senior partner, Fleishman-Hillard. “Simply put, when it comes to the dynamics of today’s marketplace, women have changed the marketing communications game. The 2012 female consumer is a valuable broadcaster and an amplifier of ideas in the marketplace.”

Her role as the family leader has magnified and continues to evolve. It’s less about taking it all upon her own shoulders and more about “leading the team.” Amid the economic adversity that is at the core of her concerns, she is taking even greater control, honing in on priorities and delegating with greater authority. From a political standpoint, women who identified as Republicans indicated those priorities to be their children’s future, household budget and child care, while Democrats indicated their core concerns are unemployment and jobs, healthcare and the economy.

“We all must realize that today’s American woman has integrated a pragmatic and purposeful approach to the decision-making process for products and brands alike,” said Marlene Greenfield, vice president, executive director of research, Hearst Magazines. “Therefore, it is important to incorporate more substance and less sizzle when communicating with her. What’s more, crafting the right message and identifying the right media mix requires an in-depth understanding of the target segment and category involved.”

Almost as important as how she makes purchase decisions is who she tells before and after the sale. In 2011, more than 50 percent of women surveyed claimed to regularly influence friends and family to buy or not buy a product or service. In 2008 that number was only 31 percent. Research also showed that women use their growing social interaction and influence in a positive manner. According to the study, women are using all of the communications tools in their arsenal, hoping that collaboration will result in a better decision, for herself and those she connects with.

• 33 percent had recommended a product or service in the past six months; while 19 percent recommended that someone not buy a specific product or service.

Social networking channels play large and growing roles in the expansion of a woman’s networks and in her everyday life. In less than 12 months, the number of brands a woman follows on Facebook has increased by 12 percent. In addition, the study found:

• 73 percent of women now use Facebook, compared to 65 percent in January 2010
• The average respondent reported having 187 friends, compared to 130 friends in 2010
• 65 percent of women are a friend/fan of a company, brand or product on Facebook, compared to 52 percent of men

Study organizers believe the increased influence of female consumers – combined with an arsenal of new tools and their inherent desire to share what works with others – has evolved the modern marketplace to an extent that established brands need to take notice.

Game-Changers: Women Defining the New American Marketplace was conducted via a 20-minute online survey from Sept. 8-15, 2011, among 1,270 women in the U.S. aged 25-69 with an annual household income of $25,000 or more. For comparison purposes, 263 men were also surveyed.

To download the full report, please visit http://fh.pr/womenpowermoney

About Fleishman-Hillard
Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world’s leading strategic communications firms, has built its reputation on creating integrated solutions that deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard website at www.fleishmanhillard.com

Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to more than 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

About Hearst Magazines
Hearst Magazines is a unit of Hearst Corporation (www.hearst.com), one of the nation’s largest diversified communications companies. With its acquisition of Lagardère SCA’s 100 titles in 14 countries outside of France, Hearst Magazines now publishes more than 300 editions around the world, including 20 U.S. titles. Hearst Magazines is the largest publisher of monthly magazines in the U.S. (ABC 2011) and reaches 87 million adults (Spring 2011 MRI). Hearst Magazines Digital Media, dedicated to creating and implementing Hearst Magazines’ digital strategy, has more than 28 websites and 14 mobile sites for brands such as Cosmopolitan, Popular Mechanics, ELLE, ELLE DECOR, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Marie Claire and Seventeen, as well as digital-only sites such as Delish.com, a food site in partnership with MSN; MisQuinceMag.com; and RealBeauty.com. Hearst Magazines has published more than 150 applications and digital editions for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, as well as the Droid platform. In addition, the company includes iCrossing, a global digital marketing agency.

About Ipsos
Ipsos is a leading global survey-based market research company, owned and managed by research professionals. Ipsos helps interpret, simulate, and anticipate the needs and responses of consumers, customers, and citizens around the world. Member companies assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media. They measure public opinion around the globe. Ipsos member companies offer expertise in advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, and public affairs research, as well as forecasting, modeling, and consulting. Ipsos has a full line of custom, syndicated, omnibus, panel, and online research products and services, guided by industry experts and bolstered by advanced analytics and methodologies. The company was founded in 1975 and has been publicly traded since 1999. In 2010, Ipsos generated global revenues of €1.140 billion ($1.6 billion U.S.). Visit www.ipsos.com to learn more about Ipsos’ offerings and capabilities.

As vice president of communications and outreach, he was responsible for the organization’s brand and reputation management strategies. This included the launch of the hospital’s new vision, oversight of community relations, political outreach, media relations, issues management, employee engagement, stakeholder relations and social networking.

“Nicolas’ depth of knowledge underscores our commitment to attract the best talent in the marketplace to serve our clients’ needs,” said John Blyth, Fleishman-Hillard’s regional president for Canada. “Nicolas will lead an extremely talented group of consultants who provide integrated solutions to clients every day in our Ottawa office, while working within the broader Canadian and international Fleishman-Hillard networks.”

The appointment marks a return to Fleishman-Hillard for Ruszkowski, who is fluent in French and English. He was a vice president of the Ottawa office from 2005 to 2007. Prior to his work at The Ottawa Hospital, Ruszkowski was director of communications to the leader of the Official Opposition.

Ruszkowski is a specialist in public affairs and issues management, having honed his skills in the war rooms of two national election campaigns, on the floor of Canada’s Parliament during the sponsorship scandal, and on the front lines of healthcare during the H1N1 influenza pandemic.

“I look forward to leading our outstanding team in Ottawa as we address increasing demand for our services,” said Ruszkowski. “Building on Fleishman-Hillard’s leadership in the design and delivery of integrated public affairs and communications solutions – along with its rigorous commitment to the provision of insightful, evidence-based strategic counsel – we will continue to strengthen our service offering. I can’t imagine a better opportunity.”

Ruszkowski also has served as director of communications to the Forest Products Association of Canada and as country director (in Slovakia) for the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs.

“We are thrilled to add Nicolas’ considerable leadership qualities to our team,” Blyth said. “Nicolas immediately embraced our firm’s guiding principles: mutual respect, integrity, teamwork and ‘client comes first’ customer service. He has incorporated these principles into developing his approach to this new assignment.”

Ruszkowski graduated cum laude with a diploma in social communications, studying at the University of Ottawa’s Catholic affiliate, Université Saint Paul, and the University of Ottawa’s Department of Communication, the latter in a program created by his grandfather, professor André Ruszkowski. He also graduated from the Advanced Health Leadership Program at the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management.

About Fleishman-Hillard
Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world’s leading strategic communications firms, has built its reputation on creating integrated solutions that deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard website at www.fleishmanhillard.com

Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to more than 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

“Our strength and influence in Asia Pacific are increasingly crucial to our clients in the West who demand high-level support and insights across the region, as well as to our ability to cultivate Asia-based clients as they globalize their operations,” said Dave Senay, Fleishman-Hillard president and CEO. “I have enormous confidence in Beth’s ability to work with our regional leadership team to optimize our tremendous potential in the region. This appointment is a perfect way to draw upon her long and diverse record of achievements to benefit our firm and our clients.”

“We have experienced explosive growth in Asia Pacific — better than 150 percent in the past five years with another record high in 2011,” said Davis. “Now our challenge is to ensure a solid foundation for sustainable, long-term success. At a time when Asia Pacific’s communications consulting industry is booming, this appointment is one more way we aim to stay a step ahead in delivering what the region’s fast-evolving markets demand.

“Beth’s extensive, gold-standard consulting experience in the region gives her powerful insights that can drive a greater breadth and depth of innovative client offerings,” Davis added. “She thinks big and is fiercely committed to quality in everything she touches, making her the perfect choice to help us fast track our continued, long-range expansion.”

Boswell joined Fleishman-Hillard 17 years ago and has spent a total of 11 years working in Asia Pacific. She has lived and worked in more than seven markets across the region, including China, India and Indonesia. Prior to taking on this position, she was Fleishman-Hillard’s managing director, reputation management, for Asia Pacific. She also has particular expertise in technology and healthcare. Boswell has managed large-scale client relationships and facilitated global network business in the region. In 2010, she received the John D. Graham Award for Excellence, the firm’s highest honor, which is given to individuals who exemplify its core values and take a leading role in sustaining its collaborative culture.

Boswell has an honor’s Bachelor of Arts degree in English and history from Queen’s University in Canada and a master’s degree in communications from Boston University in the U.S. She will be based at Fleishman-Hillard’s Singapore office.

About Fleishman-Hillard
Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world’s leading strategic communications firms, has built its reputation on creating integrated solutions that deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard website at www.fleishmanhillard.com

Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to more than 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

SHANGHAI, Jan. 18, 2012 — Fleishman-Hillard International Communications has announced that it has appointed Miranda Cai as general manager and vice president of its Shanghai office.

Cai will lead further expansion of the firm’s operations and client services, working closely with Alex He, senior vice president of business development in China, and Shijun Ma, a vice president who oversees service for major clients, including Philips. She reports to Li Hong, senior partner and president of Fleishman-Hillard’s mainland China network.

Cai has more than 17 years of experience in media, marketing communications, government and public affairs. As director of the corporate communications and public affairs practice at an international agency, she led account staff and provided strategic counsel to clients. She served many leading global and local companies in sectors such as technology, healthcare, consumer products and finance. Prior to that, she served as director of marketing at hiSoft, a leading IT outsourcing group, where she developed and implemented a strategic communications plan that helped grow the business by 60 percent over two years.

Cai also has considerable expertise in media and crisis management training, having conducted more than 50 training sessions for senior executives at such leading multinational corporations as McDonald’s, Covidien, Dulux, Porsche, Honeywell, Celanese and Metro.

“Fleishman-Hillard is aggressively expanding on a global scale, and China plays a leading role in our growth strategy,” said Dave Senay, Fleishman-Hillard president and CEO. “One of the key drivers of our success is to attract strong local leaders like Miranda, who combine deep communications experience with solid management skills. She is in an excellent position to build on Li Hong’s strong leadership and seize the many dynamic growth opportunities that China holds for our clients and our firm.”

“Our China business is rapidly evolving to provide the smart, integrated communications solutions our clients need to solve business problems in a complex, fast-moving environment,” said Li Hong. “Miranda brings a powerful combination of strategic consulting experience across multiple sectors that will help our clients succeed at a time of enormous change and opportunity.”

“Fleishman-Hillard is enhancing its capacity and presence in Asia Pacific as our clients center their global growth plans in the region, with special emphasis on strategic markets such as Shanghai,” said Lynne Anne Davis, the firm’s president of Asia Pacific. “The addition of seasoned consultants such as Miranda positions us as a premier provider of sound reputation management and brand-building initiatives that will move the needle for our clients in China and beyond. We’re thrilled to welcome her to our team.”

Cai started her career as a journalist and holds a bachelor’s degree in international journalism from Shanghai International Studies University and an MBA from the University of Victoria in Canada.

About Fleishman-Hillard
Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world’s leading strategic communications firms, has built its reputation on creating integrated solutions that deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard website at www.fleishmanhillard.com

Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to more than 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

The Alfred Fleishman Diversity Fellowships focus on identifying and recruiting talented seniors and graduate students at U.S. colleges and universities. Initial Fleishman-Hillard offices participating in the program are Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, New York, St. Louis, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., with additional offices adding fellowships in the future. Fleishman-Hillard recruiters will work with fellowship coordinators in each office and with university faculty to identify talented communications students for six- to 12-month paid fellowships with benefits. Recruiting will begin in the first quarter of 2012, with a target of awarding the first fellowships by summer. Upon successful completion of the fellowship program, participants will be considered for employment with Fleishman-Hillard.

“These are not typical internships,” Senay said. “Fleishman fellows will be mentored closely by senior vice presidents or higher and exposed to every aspect of agency life. Our intent is to groom the fellows to be agency-ready upon completion of the program.”

For application information and fellowship guidelines, visit Alfred Fleishman Diversity Fellowships.

Alfred Fleishman, a pioneer of modern public relations, was recognized for promoting human rights, supporting the less fortunate, and helping people from diverse backgrounds communicate with and understand one another. In the 1930s, as St. Louis superintendent of recreation, Fleishman was unhappy that black and white youngsters had separate recreational facilities. So he arranged for teams from both communities to play together, reportedly for the first time in a city program. He served as president of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis in the 1940s, and as president of the League’s Interracial Board.

During the racially charged 1960s, Fleishman helped sustain a dialogue between black leaders and corporate executives in St. Louis. He also worked with the St. Louis Human Development Corporation on the “Street Academy,” an alternative educational and job preparation program for young men and women in the black community. This work led to his book, Dialogue With Street Fighters. For many years, Fleishman taught nonconfrontational communication skills to beginning St. Louis police officers. He retired from Fleishman-Hillard in 1975, although he was a presence in the St. Louis office for many years after that, and died in 2002 at age 96.

The Alfred Fleishman Diversity Fellowship program is one of several initiatives Fleishman-Hillard is undertaking to enrich the diversity of its workforce, including an increased focus on minority student college recruiting and a new diversity council that will work to strengthen retention of minority staff members.

About Fleishman-Hillard
Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world’s leading strategic communications firms, has built its reputation on creating integrated solutions that deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard website at www.fleishmanhillard.com

Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to more than 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

BEIJING, Dec. 20, 2011 — China Securities Journal (CSJ), a financial media authority in China, and Fleishman-Hillard, a leading international communications consultancy, today announced a strategic partnership to promote and enhance global best practices in investor relations management for Chinese companies listed or soon to be listed in both domestic and offshore capital markets.

The joint effort also aims to help Chinese companies increase their exposure in international capital markets and optimize opportunities for investment and collaboration.

The strategic program will be launched by a Chinese delegation to Europe in February. The delegation will serve as a bridge between state-owned and privately owned Chinese companies and the investor community, and it will facilitate cross-border communication between participating Chinese companies and institutional investors. The partnership will organize seminars and visits to leading stock exchanges starting in Europe and will enlist investment banks to give senior managers of participating Chinese companies a firsthand understanding of the dynamics of European capital markets.

A number of other ongoing initiatives will be organized to further promote the goals of the strategic alliance, including investor relations management training programs and seminars. The alliance will also establish a capital market information and communications platform between Chinese companies and international institutional investors to give foreign investors better access to news and information on Chinese companies and, upon request, to provide publicly available studies and research results to institutional investors.

As for the establishment of the strategic partnership, Wang Jian, the deputy editor-in-chief of CSJ, said: “It is significant for CSJ and Fleishman-Hillard, which is an internationally renowned communications company, to establish a strategic partnership. This characterizes a critical action of CSJ to enhance its global influence and develop overseas business. It is hoped that by this cooperation, an effective platform of communication and cooperation is set up in terms of news transmission, conference organizing and training activities, etc. It is expected that the cooperation between CSJ and Fleishman-Hillard is a great success!”

Lynne Anne Davis, president for Fleishman-Hillard’s Asia Pacific region, said: “We are excited to announce this strategic partnership with China Securities Journal as we deepen our dedicated efforts to provide capital market services of strategic level to meet the growing needs of Chinese enterprises in strengthening their roles in global capital markets. Global Capital Markets Services offering is Fleishman-Hillard’s commitment to providing our clients with the essential communications and reputation management services they need to achieve their capital markets objectives. China Securities Journal will provide a strong platform that will expand our reach and ensure that we have an ideal channel for delivering our expertise to our targeted Chinese companies.”

“This strategic alliance aims to help Chinese companies to better prepare for the increasingly intricate global capital markets, and to enhance their exposure and visibility in those markets,” said Ruby Yim, leader of Fleishman-Hillard’s Global Capital Markets Services team for Asia and co-chair of the firm’s worldwide capital markets business. “We hope to bring the participating companies and senior executives valuable experience and exposure that will strengthen their ability to capture opportunities and tackle challenges in the capital markets. We believe this will be particularly meaningful for them in the current climate of heightened scrutiny of listed companies, especially those based in China.”

About Fleishman-Hillard
Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world’s leading strategic communications firms, has built its reputation on creating integrated solutions that deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard website at www.fleishmanhillard.com

Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to more than 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

About China Securities Journal
China Securities Journal (CSJ) is a national securities newspaper, sponsored by Xinhua News Agency and is designated by China Securities Regulatory Commission, China Insurance Regulatory Commission and China Banking Regulatory Commission to disclose information.

CSJ has been sticking to the objective of “being your trust-worthy investment consultant” over the past 18 years. As CSJ records the development of Chinese capital market, it wins the trust from investment institutions and professionals by its unique insight, exclusives, analysis and reviews which exert great influence on Chinese securities market, financial situation and economic trends. CSJ is one of the most influential financial media in China, which is the most widely circulated publication among all domestic securities newspapers. Still CSJ is awarded “The Benchmark Brand of China’s Financial Media” by Columbia Journalism Review (Chinese).

As CSJ covers listed companies in China, it is also dedicated to strengthening its global communication capability. With a broader perspective of global vision, CSJ has been active in promoting business cooperation with global organizations. MOUs have been signed between CSJ and Nasdaq OMX Group and Korea Joongang Daily in 2011. Moreover, CSJ founded a joint venture with SBI Holdings Group for advocating communication and cooperation between domestic and global capital markets.

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 12, 2011 — Moms today believe social media marketing impacts their retail purchasing, according to the results of a national survey of nearly 700 mothers. The study, executed by Fleishman-Hillard in partnership with ModernMom.com, took place September 2011. The results were debuted by Fleishman-Hillard’s marketing-to-moms practice, FH Moms, in partnership with ModernMom.com, at the 7th Annual M2Moms – The Marketing to Moms Conference, Oct. 19, 2011, in Chicago. The study uncovered ways marketers should modernize their communications to bridge the gaps that exist between their brands and today’s mom consumers.

Most moms surveyed said social media is changing the in-store customer experience, and the top-ranked reason is because they use social media to get information about sales and coupons. Additionally, 63 percent of moms surveyed said blogger reviews are influential to their purchase decisions, whereas 56 percent of moms said they tend to avoid online ads because they are not viewed as trustworthy. Facebook was noted by moms as the most trusted space online to receive brand communication.

“Moms indicated they are being communicated with via a lot of digital means, and their digital communications are coming from a lot of brands in each online space,” noted Liz Hawks, senior vice president and co-chair of Fleishman-Hillard’s marketing-to-moms practice. “In fact, one-third of moms using Facebook and Twitter to receive branded communications are following more than 20 brands in each of those spaces.” Facebook was ranked as the space moms use most for brand engagement (84 percent), followed by blogs (69 percent) and online communities (63 percent). About half (48 percent) of moms surveyed said they are following a brand on Twitter.

When asked to select all categories of branded products or services they interact with most online, clear category leaders included 1) food/recipes (88 percent); 2) health and beauty (86 percent); 3) children’s products (84 percent); and 4) clothing/fashion (73 percent).

The study went beyond the channels moms use to uncover what captures their attention and keeps them engaged in these spaces. Moms said the dialogue with brands in these spaces should allow them to give feedback to the brand, read articles with tips and advice or get a sneak peek behind the brand. These social activities provide more value to them beyond learning about a product or service.

“The study results show the extent to which social media is changing moms’ expectations of brands and even retail purchasing behaviors,” said Hawks. “They also reveal variances based on moms’ employment status and generational demographics, and overall paint a picture for marketers and communicators of how to break through to today’s mom in the modern ways she expects.”

Analysis of the findings will be presented in a free webinar Thursday, Dec. 15, at noon EST.

Fleishman-Hillard’s marketing-to-moms practice combines the scope of the firm’s global network with a deep understanding of moms’ consumer behaviors, where and how they interact with brands, and how they increasingly lead the conversation, both as advocates and critics. Coordinating across the firm’s global network of 80 offices, FH Moms provides strategic counsel on engaging moms through an integrated range of touch points that includes both traditional and online media, as well as influencer and word-of-mouth marketing.

About Fleishman-Hillard
Fleishman-Hillard Inc., one of the world’s leading strategic communications firms, has built its reputation on creating integrated solutions that deliver what its clients value most: meaningful, positive and measurable impact on the performance of their organizations. The firm is widely recognized for excellent client service and a strong company culture founded on teamwork, integrity and personal commitment. Based in St. Louis, the firm operates throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America through its 80 owned offices. For more information, visit the Fleishman-Hillard website at www.fleishmanhillard.com

Fleishman-Hillard is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com). Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom’s branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, interactive, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to more than 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.