Chris Day Joins Hill & Knowlton as SVP and Ottawa General Manager
Ottawa – February 4, 2025 – Hill & Knowlton (H&K), a Burson Group Company, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Day as Senior Vice President and General Manager of its Ottawa office.
A seasoned leader with more than 25 years of experience, Chris has a proven track record of success in public affairs, government relations, and strategic communications. He has deep expertise in developing and executing impactful advocacy campaigns and stakeholder engagement strategies for clients in both the private and public sectors. Chris’ leadership, entrepreneurial mindset, and innovative, data-driven approach – combined with the Burson Group’s unparalleled global network and industry-leading tools – will be instrumental in driving growth and delivering exceptional results for clients in Ottawa and across Canada.
Before joining H&K, Chris was president of Winston Wilmont, where he provided executive-level advisory services to organizations across the health, transportation, agriculture, and international trade sectors. His wealth of experience includes time as an award-winning journalist, roles as chief of staff to two federal ministers and recognition among the "Top 100 Leading Canada's Global Future" by The Hill Times.
“Chris is a sought-after leader whose extensive experience and reputation for excellence spans public affairs, communications, and policy engagement,” said Sheila Wisniewski, President & CEO of H&K Canada. “We were looking for someone who deeply understands Ottawa's unique landscape while bringing strong people leadership capabilities, and we have found both qualities in Chris. We are so lucky to have him lead the Ottawa market and execute great work on behalf of our clients in both English and French.”
As General Manager, Chris will drive strategic growth and operational excellence for the Ottawa office. Beyond overseeing its financial performance and talent development, he will focus on fostering a collaborative workplace culture. Drawing on his established network, Chris will also expand H&K’s client portfolio while serving as a trusted strategic advisor to clients and the Ottawa consulting team, at a time of political realignment and economic tumult.
“As the epicentre of public policy and government decision-making in Canada, this leadership appointment is critical for our business as we enter a period of transition for our government with more change likely on the horizon,” said Wisniewski. “Chris' leadership will expand H&K’s presence and help clients effectively engage with government stakeholders to shape policy.”
"I am excited to embark on this new journey with H&K at such a critical juncture," said Chris Day, Senior Vice President and Ottawa General Manager. From data-driven insights to public and interest-holder activation campaigns, H&K’s supremely well-connected team is ready to help clients navigate the complexities of the current environment and find success – however they define it.”
H&K has been a driving force in shaping public discourse in Ottawa for decades, working alongside a national network of offices in Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. The team’s is uniquely placed to help clients navigate this moment of rapid change and deep uncertainty.
H&K experts help guide clients through complexities of government regulations and bureaucracy, contribute to public policy discussions, safeguard their reputations, and foster stronger, more sustainable decision-making by engaging meaningfully with citizens and communities.