PR and digital marketing agency FleishmanHillard Sydney has kicked off 2018 with three new client wins and five new hires across its consumer and corporate practices.

The agency has welcomed Henkel, Western Union and Western Digital, along with growth from existing clients such as Johnson & Johnson, Carnival Australia and Philips.

Following a competitive pitch, Fleishman has been appointed to lead a new product launch for Henkel, the laundry and homecare manufacturer behind household brands Cold Power, Fab and Dynamo.

The agency will lead a fully integrated PR, social and digital program for Henkel, launching in the coming months.

Following a series of successful projects in 2017, Western Union has tasked Fleishman’s corporate practice with raising awareness of its payment and money transfer services.

Western Digital’s appointment of Fleishman will see the agency focus on driving brand and product awareness, with emphasis on key verticals such as gaming, photography and creative professionals.

FleishmanHillard Sydney general manager Jenna Orme said: “We’re always thrilled to welcome new brands to our stable, but we’re equally proud when long-standing clients continue to invest in their future with us.”

“We’re off to a solid start, all thanks to the great work we do with our people and partners.”

The agency has also announced a string of new hires to support its growth.

Chris McGhee joins Fleishman’s consumer practice as group account director to help further grow and develop the team’s PR, social and digital capabilities. Returning to Sydney, McGhee was previously head of communications at Caliber.

Helen McGuirk (account director) and Greg Collins (account manager) also join the agency’s consumer team from London’s Mischief and Fever respectively.

Joining Fleishman’s corporate practice is Olwyn Flanagan as senior account manager, hailing from Dublin’s largest independent corporate agency, Murray.

Jacky Barker comes on board as social media manager, working across Fleishman and sister agency Eleven.

Fleishman is also recruiting for an account manager and account coordinator.

Along with new hires, the agency has promoted Vicky Shepherd to account director, consumer, and Kate Scanlon to account director for corporate.