H&K beats seven to win PR task for Beijing Olympics

BEIJING: BOCOG, Beijing's organising committee for the 2008 Olympics, has confirmed its selection of Hill & Knowlton (H&K) as its public relations agency.

The announcement follows a multi-agency pitch that commenced in mid-2005. The final round shortlist comprised H&K, Weber Shandwick and Burson-Marsteller (Media, October 4, 2005).

Other agencies involved in the first stage included Ogilvy PR, Grey/GCI, Fleishman-Hillard, Harris-Interactive and Rogen International.

"Hill & Knowlton will provide world-class services to the media and communicate the vision of the Beijing Olympic Games," said BOCOG executive vice-president Jiang Xiaoyu in a statement.

"Its expertise and capabilities will complement the resources we already have."

H&K will further help BOCOG implement communications plans for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing by providing support for major events and communications outreach to the international media.