ST LOUIS — FleishmanHillard has promoted J.J. Carter to the role of global chief operating officer and Americas president.

Carter (pictured), who previously oversaw Fleishman's East and West regions in the US, along with Canada and Mexico, will report directly to John Saunders, who recently became global president/CEO at the Omnicom Group PR firm.

Jack Modzelewski, who has served as Americas president since 2011, becomes global president of business development and partnerships. FleishmanHillard global vice-chairman of operations Guillaume Herbette departed last year to take charge of MSLGroup.

The promotion continues Carter's steady rise up the ranks at FleishmanHillard, which he joined in 2005. "Throughout his career, J.J. has taken on some of our most important work and he has successfully risen to each challenge," said Saunders.

"He has led numerous global accounts, becoming one of the firm’s most decorated client relationship managers. He has launched and run a successful practice, and served as general manager and regional president with sustained excellence."

Modzelewski will focus on growing partnerships with clients and the organizations with which FH shares both client and strategic business interests. "Jack has served FleishmanHillard and our clients with distinction over three decades," said Saunders. "His vast experience and reputation are enormous assets for the firm and I’m pleased he has stepped forward for this role."