Dewey Square Group Tightens Bonds with Hill+Knowlton Strategies

Dewey Square Group is moving in with its sister company, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, the public affairs shops announced on Monday.

While Hill+Knowlton will take the firm under its wing, Dewey Square will keep its brand and operating independence, according to the firms. Hill+Knowlton and Dewey Square are owned by the London-based advertising and public relations giant WPP.

Dewey Square Chairman Chuck Campion said his firm and Hill+Knowlton have had a "really strong" working relationship. Joining Hill+Knowlton will allow Dewey Square to go to "another level" in its ability to serve clients, he said.

"It really makes a lot of sense for us," Campion said.

The reorganization of the companies also will bring two staff changes. Joe Eyer, director of the Dewey Square Group's grassroots practice, will lead Hill+Knowlton's global public affairs practice. Jason Cohen, a principal and senior member of the grassroots practice, will succeed Eyer.

Dewey Square, which was established in 1993 and became a WPP company in 2006, has offices in Washington; Boston; St. Louis; Santa Monica, Calif.; Tampa, Fla.; Sacramento, Calif.; and Grosse Pointe, Mich. Like Hill+Knowlton, the firm does grassroots campaigns, crisis communication, advertising and lobbying, among other work. But Hill+Knowlton has a global presence.

In addition to Dewey Square and Hill+Knowlton, WPP-owned companies include Glover Park Group, Ogilvy Government Relations, Prime Policy Group and Wexler & Walker Policy Associates.