AUSTIN—The Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas, a state agency dedicated to fighting cancer through funding innovative research and prevention programs, has hired Hill+Knowlton Strategies as its communications agency. The account will be led by H+K Strategies’ Austin office with support from the US healthcare team. CPRIT chose H+K Strategies to implement a strategic communications program to increase awareness on the state and national level of the state’s effort to fight cancer.

NEW YORK—The US Olympic Committee is working with Cohn & Wolfe as it begins its “100 Days” countdown to the 2012 summer Olympic Games. Cohn & Wolfe coordinated the media announcement and launch of the USOC’s “Raise Our Flag” campaign, giving citizens everywhere the opportunity to buy a stitch in the flag that Team USA will carry in the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

RICHMOND—CRT/tanaka was selected by kitchen design company Wilsonart International as its public relations agency of record. The agency has been charged with creating a brand platform and integrated marketing campaign to support Wilsonart HD, the company’s premium countertop surface product. The campaign’s focus is broad, targeting consumers, the home remodeling industry and the commercial design community.

SAN FRANCISCO—MWW Group has been selected as agency of record by NQ Mobile, a leading global provider of consumer mobile services focusing on privacy, security and productivity. As agency of record, MWW will focus on increasing NQ Mobile’s brand awareness, particularly as the company introduces products in expanding markets, while also positioning co-CEOs Henry Lin and Omar Khan as visionary thought leaders in the mobile industry.

NEW YORK—BackBay Communications has been retained as public relations agency of record by Accordion Partners, a financial services firm delivering deal and project execution services to private equity firms and corporate development groups. BackBay will provide Accordion Partners with media relations and writing services aimed at highlighting the firm’s expertise in private equity, M&A and corporate development.

NEW YORK—French champagne producer Pommery, with a legacy of more than 175 years, has selected Lou Hammond & Associates as agency of record for public relations, social marketing and positioning.

DOWNINGTOWN, PA—Schubert Communications has engaged with GSE Systems to provide the company with strategic branding and web-centric marketing communications services. Schubert will also provide public relations and media relations for GSE’s SimWorld International learning event being held later this year in Dubai.

SAN FRANCISCO—Allison+Partners is partnering with Adopt-A-Classroom, a national nonprofit that supports student success by empowering teachers with the assistance they need to purchase classroom supplies. Allison+Partners will develop and implement a communications plan that elevates Adopt-A-Classroom’s brand among teachers, donors and corporate partners, donating more than $150,000 this year.

CHICAGO—HarperCollins UK has selected Walker Sands Communications to launch a series of new iPad apps in the US. The first PR push for HarperCollins UK was the launch of Brian Cox’s Wonders of the Universe, an astronomy app designed to turn your iPad into a 3D journey through space and time.

NEW YORK—Stuntman, a consumer lifestyle public relations agency, has been named agency of record for The Anchor, a nightlife establishment located in SoHo, New York. Stuntman will partner with The Anchor and collaborate on innovative event marketing initiatives and will work with owners Jason LaGarenne and Gunther Bilali to position The Anchor as a relaxed and sophisticated counterpoint to the traditional Manhattan nightclub scene.