FleishmanHillard (FH) appointed Kris Balderston to the role of president of Global Public Affairs and Strategic Engagement; and named Robert Hoopes the general manager of FH D.C., in addition to his duties as president of VOX Global.

“Our Washington, D.C., operation has long been the catalyst of our global public affairs offering,” said FleishmanHillard President and CEO John Saunders. “The appointments of Kris and Robert into these new roles will strengthen our core and enhance the connectivity of our global public affairs network.”

In his new position, Balderston will be responsible for leading the global public affairs offering of the firm, while identifying and developing collaboration opportunities within the FH client portfolio and with targeted external partners.

“With 30 years of experience in Washington, including senior leadership positions in state, federal and international public affairs, Kris’ experience connecting uncommon allies uniquely positions him to make a real impact in this new role,” said Saunders. “He has been tremendously successful in helping us evolve our business in Washington, D.C., and a key advisor to me personally on global issues that impact our clients and business. I’m very pleased that we are now in a position to benefit from his experience more broadly across the organization.”

“It is an exciting time for FleishmanHillard and I look forward to advancing the issues and agendas of our clients and colleagues around the globe by assembling and building new partnerships,” Balderston said. “The time spent leading and shaping the direction of FleishmanHillard’s Washington, D.C., business has served us well and laid the groundwork for connecting our global offering.”

Balderston has been the general manager of FleishmanHillard’s D.C. office since February 2013. Before joining FH, he served as Special Representative for Global Partnerships under Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. He also served as Senator Clinton’s first Legislative Director and then as Deputy Chief of Staff during her term as Senator from New York. Before joining Senator Clinton, Balderston served President Bill Clinton in the White House as the Deputy Secretary of the Cabinet and the Deputy Assistant to the President.

Hoopes’ responsibilities will now include overall management and growth of FH Washington, D.C. He will retain his roles as president of VOX Global and as a member of FleishmanHillard’s Global Cabinet. In this expanded role, Hoopes will oversee business operations for two of D.C.’s most successful brands in public affairs and public relations.