WPP is merging public affairs shop Dewey Square Group into Hill+Knowlton Strategies, installing a DSG exec as H+K’s global PA chief, although the holding company said each firm will maintain a “distinct brand and operating independence.”
Joe Eyer, director of DSG’s grassroots unit, is taking the reins on H+K’s global PA practice. Eyer was deputy campaign manager and director of political affairs for Senator Joe Lieberman’s presidential campaign and a political aide to Vice President Al Gore.
“Each firm has expertise that strengthens our combined ability to solve client issues,” said DSG co-founder Charles Campion.
The change is the latest in a string of PA moves for H+K in recent years which included a merger with Public Strategies and last year’s acquisition of Glover Park Group.
WPP acquired DSG in 2006. The firm, to be known as “an H+K Strategies company,” was founded in Boston in 1993 by Democratic political vets Campion, Charles Baker and Michael Whouley and has operations in D.C., Sacramento, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Tampa and Grosse Point, Mich.
Jason Cohen takes over DSG’s grassroots unit on Eyer’s promotion.
DSG COO A.J. Donelson left the firm last year, forming Advocom Group with GolinHarris alum Lane Bailey.