Fleishman-Hillard CEO honoured for 30 years

John D. Graham, chairman and chief executive officer of Fleishman-Hillard Inc, recently celebrated 30 years at the helm of Fleishman-Hillard. On March 25, 1974, he was named president and chief executive officer of the firm, which then had only a single office in St. Louis. Today, Fleishman-Hillard is one of the world's leading public relations firms, serving clients from 83 offices around the globe.

"Thirty years ago, I knew Fleishman-Hillard had the potential to do great things on a large scale," said Graham. "But I must say the success we have achieved surpasses anything I anticipated when I took on the responsibilities of chief executive officer. That success is a tribute to the hard work and commitment of the people of Fleishman-Hillard. In everything they do, they bring to life our firm's culture of service, teamwork, and integrity. I could not have spent the past three decades in the company of better colleagues."

Graham, who received a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, joined Fleishman-Hillard in 1966. He was elected vice president, director, and senior partner in 1970. After becoming president and chief executive officer in 1974, he received the additional title of chairman in 1988. Under Graham's leadership, Fleishman-Hillard has grown from approximately 24 employees to more than 2000 professionals serving clients from offices in 22 countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Australia, and South Africa.

Graham also has been instrumental in developing the firm's reputation for quality service. Fleishman-Hillard has been recognized by the Thomas L. Harris/Impulse Research Public Relations Client Survey as No. 1 in quality for 11 consecutive years among major full-service agencies. The firm also has regularly placed at or near the top of the highly respected annual agency rankings published by the Holmes Report, which last year referred to Fleishman-Hillard as "the best managed firm in the public relations business".

Fleishman-Hillard Inc, one of the world's leading public relations firms, has built its reputation on using strategic communications to 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, Latin America, Australia, and South Africa through its 83 owned offices.