Hill & Knowlton Add to Tech

International PR firm Hill & Knowlton announced two promotions among its technology divisions.

Maureen Blanc, co-founder of the firm's leading tech PR practice Blanc & Otus, is now acting director of Hill & Knowlton's worldwide technology practice. Blanc will also join the firm's worldwide executive committee. Along with her worldwide role, she continues to head the U.S. technology practice.

"It's an exciting job," says Blanc. "Hill & Knowlton is a $100 million technology practice, with clients like Motorola and Compaq. And we have a tremendous opportunity to oversee a global practice that will be one of the top practices in the world.

"We're finding in today's market, companies are going global much faster, because they just can't limit themselves to their own backyard. And boutique firms just can't offer that global perspective. Tech firms have a tremendous opportunity to tap our strengths."

She co-founded Blanc & Otus in 1985. It merged with Hill & Knowlton in 1999. Blanc & Otus remains a separate brand, although the partnership with Hill and Knowlton forms the core of the Hill & Knowlton's worldwide technology practice.

And at Blanc & Otus in San Francisco, Gregory Spector moves from COO to president and CEO.

"We face the same challenges of all of our competitors," says Spector, of the tech market's downturn. "It's a far more competitive market, and we also have to deal with [clients'] shrinking budgets.

"My focus and agenda here is to continue winning new clients, and doing great work for the clients we already have. I'm lucky to be inheriting a really good firm and good clients."

Spector, who joined Blanc & Otus early last year as COO, has 20 years of communications experience, including 10 years with PC Week and the Los Angeles Herald Examiner.

He co-founded the market development and communications firm Jennings & Co. in San Francisco in 1990. When the firm was acquired by GCI Group in 1995, he was made president of GCI Group/San Francisco a year later.

Blanc and Spector replace Jonelle Birney, who held their two positions simultaneously. She remains with Blanc & Otus as an evp and strategic counselor, and will contribute to new business development in the telecommunications practice.

Hill & Knowlton is based in New York City.