FleishmanHillard Names Sharon Piehl General Manager in Johannesburg

JOHANNESBURG, April 12, 2016 – FleishmanHillard announced today that Sharon Piehl has been appointed general manager of FleishmanHillard’s Johannesburg operation, effective May 1, 2016.

“Sharon Piehl brings highly creative and strategic thinking to the Johannesburg team, as well as proven leadership abilities,” said John Saunders, president and CEO of FleishmanHillard. “I am confident that she will maintain the office’s commitment to outstanding client service and the agency’s growth trajectory in the African market.”

Vanessa-Baard-John-Saunders-Sharon-Piehl-Kevin-Welman-01

Piehl has more than 18 years of experience in the public relations and communications industry. She joined FleishmanHillard in 2011 to lead the office’s brand marketing team, which quadrupled in size under her leadership. Piehl also leads the consumer products and service sector in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. Prior to joining the agency, she held positions at Inzalo Communication and Altech, and has worked with clients in a wide range of industries.

“In the five years that I have been with FleishmanHillard, I have greatly enjoyed watching the Johannesburg office grow in both size and capabilities,” said Piehl. “I look forward to leading this talented team, and building our programs and talent to bring our clients the most cutting-edge and creative communications strategies.”

Kevin Welman, who has been with FleishmanHillard for over 20 years, steps down after nearly nine years as general manager of the Johannesburg office. “Kevin has done a fantastic job for us, and we are most grateful for his great service to our firm,” added Saunders.

About FleishmanHillard

FleishmanHillard specializes in public relations, public affairs, marketing, paid media, and transmedia and social content. 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 2010-2016; 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, and has more than 85 offices in 30 countries, plus affiliates in 43 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.​