9.27.2006 - 08:30am ET

(CSRwire) BOSTON - Henk Campher, most recently Director of Corporate Policy and Practices at the International Business Leaders Forum (IBLF), joins Cone's staff on October 1 as Vice President, Corporate Responsibility (CR). With more than ten years of experience in helping companies in the United States, Europe, Asia and Africa develop CR strategies, Campher will deepen the global perspective on a Cone team already known for its strength in Cause Branding, Issues/Crisis Management, and Marketing Communications programs.

"In his career, Henk has served as an activist and as an advisor around the world, urging businesses to take leadership roles in corporate responsibility and helping them on that journey," says Mike Lawrence, Executive Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at Cone. "As we work increasingly on global issues from sourcing to environment to human rights, Henk's experience adds great value for clients," adds Lawrence.

Campher has spent the past two years at the International Business Leaders Forum, a London based non-profit that develops CR policy and strategy solutions for many of the world's leading companies. He has worked with corporations including Nestle, Unilever, Shell, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Pfizer, Rio Tinto, Diageo, and SABMiller to develop innovative policies and programs in areas such as workforce issues, product responsibility, supply chains, social investment, public policy and stakeholder engagement.

In addition, Campher has worked closely with international development agencies and organizations, including the UNDP, USAID, G8, Global Business Coalition on HIV/Aids and World Economic Forum to help shape the role of business in development.

Campher also intimately knows the role of the non-governmental organization (NGO) community in pressing companies for change. As policy advisor at Oxfam Great Britain, one of the world's most respected anti-poverty organizations, Campher worked to engage private sector leaders such as Kraft, Marks & Spencer, BP, and Procter & Gamble on CR issues and initiatives. Campher also has extensive NGO experience in his native South Africa, including serving as a special advisor to the Nelson Mandela-initiated Proudly South African campaign, and serving on that nation's ministerial team to the World Trade Organization.

"I am thrilled to join Cone," says Henk Campher. "The agency has an extraordinary history as a pioneer in linking companies to social issues, at bringing business resources to bear on making a difference, and at credible communications based on research and facts. We believe corporate responsibility can result in tangible benefits to both society and to a company's bottom line. With interest in CR growing- and for good reason- Cone's roots and focus differentiate it from other agencies and consultancies in being able to provide high quality CR strategy and communications support."

Since its founding, Cone has demonstrated a commitment to helping companies create positive social change. The agency pioneered the concept of "Cause Branding" and helped create programs including the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, the Reebok Human Rights Awards, ConAgra Foods Feeding Children Better, and the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign. Today Cone also works with companies such as Starbucks and Mattel to develop CR strategies and communications that increase brand trust with key stakeholder groups.

"The global business environment will continue to pose complex challenges, especially at a time that expectations for corporate responsibility are increasing and technology is making the world increasingly transparent," says Jens Bang, President and CEO of Cone. "We look forward to helping organizations identify and meet these challenges in a way that builds respect, and Henk's expertise will be put to good use."

Cone, Inc. ( www.coneinc.com) is a strategy and communications agency engaged in building brand trust. Cone creates stakeholder loyalty and long-term relationships through the development and execution of Cause BrandingÒ, Corporate Responsibility, Brand Marketing and Issues and Crisis Management initiatives. Cone is a member of the Omnicom Group.