SYDNEY--Hill + Knowlton Strategies' Asia-Pacific leadership overhaul continues with the appointment of a new CEO in Australia.

The firm has named Paul Plowman to lead its Australian operations. Plowman joins after previously leading communications for Western Australian premier Colin Barnett and running his own agency.

He succeeds Sue Cook, who moves to the UK to lead H+K's healthcare practice in London.

Plowman also brings with him a new client for H+K: Competitive Foods Australia Limited, one of Australia’s largest privately owned companies, where he has been acting as senior government and corporate affairs counsel to its chairman and CEO, Jack Cowin.

Australia is the latest in a wave of H+K Asia-Pacific markets to see a leadership change. So far this year,  the firm has named new leadership in Hong Kong, South Asia, China and Singapore.

Earlier this year H+K opened an office in Canberra and announced the appointment of Simeon Duncan as Director Public Affairs, Canberra.

The moves follow John Morgan's promotion to regional CEO following the departure of James Heimowitz. Morgan oversees all of Asia except for China, after global CEO John Morgan elevated the country to region status, reporting directly to global HQ.

“H+K has a strong public affairs team," said Plowman. "I know we will maintain the momentum in our other strong industry sectors particularly FMCG, food and beverage and health.”

Cook takes on the role of MD of healthcare and medical knowledge, and will sit on H+K London's executive council. She took charge of Australia in 2010, after previously working as H+K’s Asia Pacific health practice director.

Under her leadership, the firm recently completed a 15-month contract with the Department of Health and Ageing, working with McKinsey and PwC to support the launch of a new electronic health record system.