LOS ANGELES—Hill+Knowlton Strategies has named Gary Goldhammer (pictured) as the firm’s chief digital strategist in the US. Goldhammer is based in Los Angeles and reports directly to Andrew Bleeker, H+K’s global digital practice director. Most recently, Goldhammer served as executive VP and head of West Coast client service at Velocidi, a digital marketing agency. Prior to Velocidi, Gary served as senior VP of digital strategy and development at Edelman.

BOSTON—Cone Communications has hired Cindy Hoots, a 10-year Starbucks corporate responsibility veteran. Hoots will join Cone’s corporate responsibility practice as an account director. Hoots was previously responsible for developing and implementing Starbucks’ stakeholder engagement strategies focused on sustainable business. After leaving Starbucks in 2009, she most recently worked for Important Media, a community of websites, as editor of the Inspired Economist.

LOS ANGELES—EKA campaigns, a subsidiary of public affairs firm Englander Knabe & Allen, has hired Kian Kaeni as a vice president and also managing director of its growing campaign division. Kian joins EKA campaigns as a veteran of a variety of local and statewide political and public affairs campaigns throughout California. After managing the winning campaign for Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Koretz, Kian was chosen as his senior legislative Deputy with responsibility for staffing on the city budget, transportation, public safety and film related issues.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ—MWW has promoted Loren Waldron to vice president, business development services. Waldron will continue to lead MWW’s new business team, coordinating efforts across the company’s nine offices to spearhead new business development initiatives and identify growth opportunities for the company. Waldron joined MWW in 2005 and has worked in management roles across the company’s new business development, marketing and creative arms.

NEW YORK—Dukas Public Relations has promoted Doug Hesney to vice president and appointed him to the firm’s executive management committee. Hesney will continue to manage DPR’s asset management group, one of the firm’s fastest growing practice areas, while also serving as in-house counsel. Prior to joining DPR, he worked as an account executive with Sharp Communications, a lifestyle and consumer agency focusing on luxury goods and services.