FRANKFURT — Hill+Knowlton Strategies has hired Michael Baxter as managing director in Germany, focusing on the firm's technoogy practice.

Baxter joins after spending two years at NetApp as EMEA communications director, following stints at Applied Materials and Avaya. He takes on the role of technology lead on H+K's EMEA client advisory board, and will work closely with global tech lead, Sara Gourlay.

"The technology Practice is at the core of H+K EMEA and we believe that with Michael’s experience onboard we can take our products and services offered to the next level," said Lars Erik Gronntun, chairman and CEO EMEA at Hill+Knowlton Strategies.

A German-American with over 20 years of experience in the technology communications industry, Baxter has also held senior roles at Burson-Marsteller and SAS Institute.