H&K closes Detroit Strat@comm deal

DETROIT: Strat@comm and Hill & Knowlton last week formalized their

long-awaited arrangement under which the DC-based automotive PR experts

will, for all intents and purposes, assume control over H&K’s troubled

Detroit outpost (PRWeek, May 1).

While Strat@comm officially becomes an H&K ’strategic partner,’ the firm

will take over many of H&K’s top local clients. Additionally, former

H&K/Detroit head Victor Pytko will serve as GM and senior counselor of

the new Strat@comm Detroit office.

’Details are being worked out,’ said Strat@comm principal Ron

DeFore.

’There are some clients for whom it appears we will be providing service

through the Detroit office.’

The Detroit operation will be led by Bruce MacDonald, a 31-year General

Motors veteran. Also joining the firm from H&K is AE Kelly Fulford.

DeFore said the Detroit outpost adds ’about dollars 1 million a year’ to

Strat@comm’s revenues, which reached dollars 3.8 million in 1999.

Eric Borsum, senior managing director at H&K/LA (where its automotive

practice is based), said Mazda and Goodyear will remain H&K clients.

The Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center account has been shifted to

H&K’s travel unit in New York.

Strat@comm’s Detroit office, billed by DeFore as an ’automotive dream

team,’ includes Chris Terry, formerly with Eisbrenner PR; Patrick

Fitzgerald, a former USA Today auto reporter; and Robert Harvey,

co-founder of Appnet Systems.

This article was first published on PR Week USA