TORONTO—Teneo Holdings has expanded to Canada, hiring three senior executives to lead its new operation in Toronto.

The move takes Teneo's global footprint to 570 employees in 15 markets. The fast-growing consultancy last year acquired three UK PR firms, and is backed by private equity firm BC Partners.

James Crossland will lead Teneo Canada as senior MD and chairman. Crossland arrives from Kinross Gold Corporation where he was most recently EVP of corporate affairs.

In addition, Teneo has hired National PR managing partner John Crean to serve as Canada MD. Crean departs National after more than two decades with Canada's largest PR firm. Also onboard for Teneo's Toronto launch is SVP Andrea Mandel-Campbell, also from Kinross Gold Corporation where she was VP of corporate communications.

"Canada is a key market for Teneo," said Declan Kelly, chairman and CEO of Teneo Holdings. "Not only do many of our clients have operations in Canada, but Canadian companies are deeply tied to global markets through trade and foreign investment."

Teneo was founded in the US  in 2011 by Declan Kelly, Doug Band and Paul Keary. Last year, the firm added Financial Dynamics CEO Charles Watson to chair its international division.