NEW YORK — Hill+Knowlton Strategies is launching a new government and public sector practice, part of the agency’s larger effort to expand its expertise-focused offerings.

The practice will be led by George C. Tagg, Jr., a Washington insider who brings to the role expertise in global economics, energy, politics and security.

Tagg most recently served as a state department NATO policy advisor. Before that, he worked for the defense department’s policy office as a senior advisor, as which he led efforts to develop and implement security policy regarding Russia’s involvement in the Middle East, particularly Syria.

As a WPP-owned agency, H+K’s new practice will coordinate its work with the holding group’s government and public sector practice, the firm said.

“As a global organization, H+K is acutely aware of the ongoing challenges that clients face each day. We also have high respect and deep understanding of the essential role that government plays in determining the outcomes of these challenges, along with the many opportunities that are a natural byproduct of growth,” said global chairman and CEO Jack Martin.

“The new government and public sector practice is focused on the intersection of these two critical realms, and we are thrilled to have an advisor of George’s experience leading the way as we continue to work in partnership at the highest levels with our clients worldwide.”