H+K Strategies names global technology practice lead

Hill+Knowlton Strategies has named Sara Gourlay, currently the head of the tech practice in the firm’s Asia Pacific region, to lead the firm’s global technology practice.She takes the reins from Amanda Groty, who will begin a new role at PayPal as senior director of communications for EMEA.Gourlay joined H+K in 2000 from Dell, where her public relations responsibilities included 13 European countries. In her 15 years with H+K she has served in numerous roles throughout the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, and the Asia Pacific region, including having led the tech practices for both H+K London and APAC.Other roles Gourlay has held with H+K include being COO of H+K India; general manager of H+K in Qatar and Kuwait; client services director for the region encompassing Africa, India, the Middle East and Turkey; and a board director of H+K London.“For me, technology continues to be the most diverse and dynamic industry sector and one that offers communicators the greatest opportunity to take risks, challenge the norms and change the way we make connections with a huge variety of audiences. I’m honoured to take on this role and to build on the success of the practice,” Gourlay said.“Gourlay has a deep understanding of multi-market communications, specifically for clients in the innovation, telecommunications, media and technology sectors using digital, social and traditional channels,” said Mike Coates, president and CEO of H+K Americas and head of the firm’s global practices.