AnnaMaria DeSalva is stepping down as chairman of Burson, effective June 30, marking the end of a significant chapter in her leadership journey. Her departure comes a year after the launch of Burson and five years after she took the helm at Hill & Knowlton, one of the firms that merged to create Burson. The agency has confirmed that her position will not be replaced.
Since the 2024 merger of BCW and Hill & Knowlton, DeSalva has played a key role in guiding the integration and shaping the agency?ÇÖs strategic direction alongside global CEO Corey duBrowa. She originally joined Hill & Knowlton as CEO in 2019, shortly before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and has since overseen a period of transformation for both the agency and the wider communications industry.
Under her leadership, the firm achieved significant growth, helped clients navigate unprecedented challenges, and laid the groundwork for Burson?ÇÖs formation. With the integration of the legacy agencies largely completed, DeSalva has chosen to step away at a natural inflection point, taking time before pursuing her next professional endeavor.
