John W. Hill
American public relations executive
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John Wiley Hill (November 26, 1890 – March 17, 1977) was an American public relations executive. He co-founded Hill & Knowlton with Donald Knowlton in 1933.[1]
John W. Hill | |
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| Born | November 26, 1890 Near Shelbyville, Indiana |
| Died | March 17, 1977 (aged 86) |
| Known for | Founder of Hill & Knowlton |
Life and career
Hill worked as a journalist for 18 years, eventually becoming an editor and financial columnist. Hill moved to public relations in 1927, opening a firm in Cleveland, Ohio. In 1933, he brought in Donald Knowlton and began their firm. It eventually became the world's largest public relations firm.
The campaign paid scientists to publicly counter the claims of other scientists who said that smoking led to lung cancer. These scientists then later falsely testified to that effect in court when they were sued by smokers who were dying or suffering from lung-related illnesses due to smoking.[2][3]
Hill died in Manhattan of a brain tumor.[4]
