Edelman has announced changes to its EMEA leadership team, with Julian Payne appointed CEO for the region following the departure of Arent Jan Hesselink.
Hesselink, also known as AJ Hesselink, is set to leave the firm after a decade. He previously served as general manager of Amsterdam and EMEA chief operating officer before becoming regional CEO in 2023. He will remain with Edelman until June 1 to support the leadership transition.
Payne will take on the role of CEO, EMEA, alongside his existing responsibilities as global chair of crisis and risk. He will also continue in his current position as UK CEO during the transition period.
Payne joined Edelman in 2021 and has held senior leadership positions across corporate affairs and crisis advisory, including chair of corporate affairs for EMEA. His previous experience includes roles at BBC, Burberry and Sky. He also served as communications secretary to King Charles and Queen Camilla during their tenure as Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
In a separate move, Justin Westcott has been appointed CEO for the Middle East in addition to his current role as EMEA chief operating officer.
Westcott has held multiple leadership roles at Edelman, including global technology chair and UK COO. He has also previously worked in the Middle East, where he led the agency’s Dubai office.
The leadership changes form part of Edelman’s ongoing regional restructuring across EMEA.
