Burson, the global communications agency purpose-built to create value for clients through reputation, has announced that Matt Reid has joined strategic communications and financial markets advisory firm Burson Buchanan as US CEO, effective December 2. Reid is based in Washington, D.C. and will oversee the expansion of the brand and business in the U.S. market. Reid uses his deep experience in financial and corporate communications, public affairs and crisis management to provide strategic counsel to clients facing “bet the company” opportunities and threats. His expertise includes managing financial transactions and issues; complex litigation matters and government investigations; policy and regulatory challenges; and major corporate crises. He has also managed communications for numerous corporate acquisitions, mergers and SPAC transactions. “Businesses are facing pressures from all quarters – both internal and external – that can create high-stakes threats, imperil reputation and undermine financial confidence,” said Corey duBrowa, Global CEO, Burson. “Matt brings a successful three-decade career in advising clients through myriad complexities, opportunities and strategic scenarios to protect and build reputation and optimize valuation. I benefitted from his steady hand and wise counsel during my time as a client and when we were colleagues at WE Communications, and know his considerable expertise will be a tremendous asset to our clients and potential clients as we build Burson Buchanan in the United States.” Before joining Burson Buchanan, Reid was Managing Director and Head of the Los Angeles office for H/Advisors Abernathy, as well as lead of the firm’s cybersecurity and litigation communications practices. He also contributed to the firm’s capital markets work in the U.S. and its global public affairs efforts. Prior to that, Reid was Managing Director and co-head of the Los Angeles office of Sard Verbinnen & Co. (now FGS Global), where he oversaw mergers & acquisitions, activist defence, executive transitions, crises, regulatory and litigation matters for clients across numerous industries, including technology, life sciences and education. Earlier, he was Senior Vice President, External Affairs for BSA | The Software Alliance, the leading global trade association for the software industry, where he oversaw global communications and government relations. He has also held senior corporate communications and public affairs roles at agencies including WE Communications, FleishmanHillard and GCI Group. He began his career working on high-profile political campaigns. “Burson Buchanan has a well-earned reputation in the UK across 30 years for helping clients manage issues, markets and corporate reputation to build stakeholder confidence and facilitate innovation and growth,” said Reid. “As a boutique strategic communications and financial markets advisory firm within Burson Group, we offer highly specialized expertise, backed by the resources of the global communications agency that set the gold standard for reputation management and strategic advisory. I couldn’t be more enthusiastic about what we’ll be able to achieve as we expand Burson Buchanan into the US.”

Burson, the global communications leader built to create value for clients through reputation, has been named the strategic communications partner for Eastman Auto & Power Limited (EAPL). Burson will provide integrated communication services to enhance its brand presence and build long term corporate reputation.Burson will focus on strengthening Eastman Auto & Power Limited’s reputation through comprehensive communications strategies, tailored content and proactive media relations, ensuring the company’s growth story resonates with its customers, partners and potential investors. With a proven track record of driving brand success, Burson will work alongside EAPL to elevate the company’s positioning in the competitive energy and automotive sectors.The partnership is poised to drive awareness around EAPL's cutting-edge solutions, particularly in the areas of clean energy and e-mobility. Burson's expertise in creating highly effective communication strategies will help ensure that EAPL’s message of progress and sustainability reaches its target audience, reinforcing the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and technological advancement.Sudham Ravinutala, Chief Marketing Officer at Eastman Auto & Power Ltd., said, “We are excited to collaborate with Burson as our strategic communications partner. Their expertise in delivering impactful communications strategies, combined with their deep understanding of our industry, makes them the ideal partner to help us further strengthen our brand presence and market leadership in Solar Rooftop Solutions, Last Mile E-Mobility Solutions and Continued Energy Solutions.”Spotlighting the significance of this partnership, Deepshikha Dharmaraj, CEO of Burson Group India, said, “Eastman Auto & Power Ltd. is a renowned brand at the forefront of energy innovation. We look forward to leveraging our creative expertise to build their reputation and share EAPL’s story of progress, sustainability, and industry excellence. We are committed to delivering innovative solutions support their growth vision.” 

Burson, the global communications leader purpose-built to create value for clients through reputation, has announced that Taj Reid will join the agency as Global Chief Creative Officer, effective January 8th, 2025. “In a fragmented media landscape, with consumers of information facing an unprecedented volume of noise and clutter, brands and organizations need to reach their most important audiences not only via the right platform at the right time but also through a range of messages and experiences that earn their attention and inspire action,” said Corey duBrowa, Global CEO, Burson. “Taj is an exceptional talent who understands how to reach and motivate audiences at the intersection of creative, design and technology to drive preference and build reputations for clients across industries.” Reid spent the last five years with Edelman, most recently as Global Chief Experience Officer and U.S. Chief Creative Officer. Before that he spent two years as Principal Creative Director at Microsoft, where he led a cross-discipline team of designers, developers and content strategists crafting digital products and community experiences for Mixed Reality. Earlier in his career he served as Vice President, Creative Director at Edelman. Reid was named to the ADWEEK 50 in 2022. “Burson has an ambitious vision that blends the promise of technology with the unique inspiration and insight of human creativity,” said Reid. “By crafting engaging experiences powered by creative, design and technology, we can build future-ready brands that resonate and connect meaningfully with people. I’m thrilled to join Burson and help its clients create this kind of impact.” Simon Shaw, who had previously served as Burson’s Global Chief Creative Officer, will leave the agency at the end of the year. “I’d like to thank Simon for his leadership during this past year with Burson and for the contributions he made to Hill & Knowlton over his 10 years with the firm,” duBrowa added. “I wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”

Albert Shu, a long-standing figure at Weber Shandwick, is stepping down from his role as President of the firm's Hong Kong and Singapore operations. His departure marks the end of a two-decade tenure with the Interpublic Group firm in Asia.Shu joined Weber Shandwick in 2004 and has been instrumental in driving the firm's growth in both Hong Kong and Singapore. He led the Hong Kong office for 16 years and was instrumental in securing numerous awards and accolades.A Weber Shandwick spokesperson praised Shu's contributions: "Albert has served over 20 years with the Weber Shandwick Asia-Pacific team. He has led his teams with dedication, strategic vision, and a commitment to excellence. We thank Albert for his contributions and wish him all the best.""Albert will work closely with the leadership teams in both Hong Kong and Singapore over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition," added the spokesperson. Shu will remain with the firm until the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition. In the interim, Robert Magyar, a senior advisor based in Beijing, will oversee the Hong Kong operations, while Carolyn Devanayagam, the regional corporate affairs head, will take charge of Singapore.Weber Shandwick's operations in both Hong Kong and Singapore are significant, with the firm being the largest international PR firm in Hong Kong. The departure of Shu, who previously worked at Deloitte and Burson, marks the end of a rare instance of a single executive overseeing both markets.(Image: webershandwick)

Burson, the global communications leader purpose-built to create value for clients through reputation, has announced the launch of Decipher Health, its new cognitive artificial intelligence (AI) offering designed to optimize communications impact and stakeholder engagement across patient, advocate, healthcare provider, health decision-makers and analyst communities. This is the third AI offering of its kind from Burson and a key addition to the growing capability within PR Studio in WPP Open, WPP’s intelligent marketing operating system powered by AI.Decipher Health by Burson has trained cognitive AI models on a broad spectrum of disease areas, including general health, oncology, neurology, diabetes, respiratory, and sexual health. It integrates predictive believability and virality indicators. The result is a robust framework for forecasting the potential impact of different types of content across healthcare-focused audience segments that is based on observable, repeatable data. The solution, created in partnership with cognitive AI company Limbik, makes predictions about communications impact by determining an audience’s level of commitment to a particular topic and the believability of online content related to that topic. As part of WPP Open, Decipher Health will be made available to all WPP healthcare clients and is the latest innovation for Health@WPP.“The volume of information in the healthcare space can be both daunting and riddled with inaccuracies for people who are searching for material on a particular disease or therapeutic area,” said Chad Latz, Chief Innovation Officer, Burson. “We created this capability to predict with near certainty the potential for impact – including credibility and engagement - that content can have on a wide range of healthcare-specific audiences. This ensures we can help our clients cut through with communications and marketing that build their reputations, but also deliver valuable and effective resources across the patient journey.”In addition to message testing, Decipher Health tracks the impact of a variety of global macro themes that can affect the healthcare system, including: The economy; drug costs, pricing and access; supply chain; DEI; sustainability; elections; reproductive rights; women’s health and armed conflict.“What makes this such an extraordinary tool is the depth of our audience modeling,” said Brenna Terry, Global Chair, Healthcare, Burson. “Our patient audience is segmented beyond typical demographics to include a wide range of social determinants that can make people more – or less – likely to be susceptible to a disease and receptive to information. Drilling down to such a precise level ensures that we reach the right people at the right time with precisely the right content.“Decipher Health allow us to analyze gaps in message uptake among different critical healthcare stakeholders,” Terry continued. “What resonates with a patient is different than what will make an impact with a physician or an analyst. With WPP Open, we can forecast what works well with each audience and then develop compelling content that facilitates high-impact communications with all stakeholder groups. We now have instant market research right at our fingertips.”

Global public relations agency Burson has appointed Chris Creegan as the new Director of Gaming & Esports, based in Dubai. In this role, Creegan will lead communications strategies for clients within the rapidly expanding gaming and esports industry across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.Creegan joins Burson from TikTok, where he served as Gaming Partnerships Manager, driving key initiatives and collaborations within the gaming sector. His move to Burson reflects the agency’s commitment to strengthening its expertise and services in the booming gaming and esports market in the MENA region, which has seen significant growth in recent years due to increased investment, a burgeoning player base, and a rise in esports events.Creegan's expertise in building strategic partnerships within the gaming community, combined with his deep understanding of digital platforms, will be instrumental in crafting compelling narratives and driving impactful campaigns for Burson's clients. His appointment comes at a time when the MENA gaming market is projected to continue its rapid growth, driven by technological advancements and a young, tech-savvy population.Burson’s expansion into the gaming and esports sector is part of a broader strategy to cater to the evolving needs of the digital economy in the region, where gaming has emerged as a key cultural and economic force. Creegan will collaborate closely with Burson’s global network to deliver innovative communication solutions tailored to the unique demands of the gaming and esports industries.

Burson has named Simeon Mellalieu as CEO of its Hong Kong office, effective October 2, 2024.Mellalieu brings extensive experience from his previous role at Ketchum, where he served as Partner for Client Development in the Asia-Pacific region and Managing Director of Ketchum Hong Kong. With over 25 years in the communications industry, he has guided multinational companies in developing and executing national, regional, and global communications strategies.His diverse client portfolio spans various industries, including fast fashion, semiconductors, automotive, gaming, food and beverage, and banking.Before relocating to Hong Kong, Mellalieu spent time in the UK, gaining valuable experience at two prestigious PR agencies: Bulletin International in London, specializing in international broadcast PR, and Warman & Bannister in Cambridge, focused on technology PR.“We are delighted to welcome Simeon to our APAC leadership team. Hong Kong remains a critical regional hub for Asian companies seeking to build their reputation on the global stage. Simeon’s extensive experience will help us further bolster our ‘Asia Going Global’ offer in Hong Kong, helping clients navigate pivotal market changes and seize opportunities, both in the region and abroad,” said HS Chung, North APAC CEO, Burson. Simeon Mellalieu serves on the board of PR Hong Kong, showcasing his industry expertise and leadership.

Ketchum UK has announced the hiring of Noor Kheir as the new managing director of corporate, effective from September. In her new role, Kheir will lead Ketchum’s team of directors and senior personnel, managing corporate communications for some of the agency’s most prominent global clients, including P&G and Samsung. Her portfolio will also cover multi-market clients like 3M and Collinson, along with key European accounts such as Adobe and Mastercard.Kheir brings a wealth of experience in corporate communications, mobility & transport, and sustainability, further strengthening Ketchum's expertise and senior leadership team.Previously, Kheir served as managing director at H+K/Burson, where she spent five years overseeing the firm’s mobility & transport practice. Additionally, she held the role of managing director of WPP’s Ford Europe integrated agency, gaining significant experience in EV and sustainability/ESG communications. Before her tenure at H+K, Kheir spent 12 years at Edelman.Reflecting on her departure from H+K, Kheir said, “I’ve had an absolutely brilliant five years at H&K (now Burson!), working with amazing clients and amazingly talented people. I know everyone says that when they are leaving but that is 100% true of H&K. It is the right time for me to take on a new challenge, and I cannot wait to join the Ketchum UK team, leading the corporate community.”Sera Holland, Ketchum's chief strategy & innovation officer, global markets, commented on the appointment: “Our incredible bench of senior consultants and directors in our corporate team have been leading the practice successfully for a while now, but given the continued growth and opportunity we’re seeing across the corporate mix combined with our clients’ need for us to help them navigate through significant global and market change, the time was right for us to bring in a strong, experienced leader to take our offer and team to the next level. Noor’s experience in leading high-performing, integrated teams across global brands, in addition to the depth of her experience and reputation as a senior client counsellor, meant she was the clear standout choice for the role. She’s joining a stellar senior leadership team in the UK and has a real vision for where she wants to take our offer, and myself, Jo-ann, and the rest of our team can’t wait to partner with her to make it a reality.”Kheir’s appointment follows a series of other senior hires at Ketchum UK, including Estelle Boon from Grayling as managing director, consumer brand, and Bibi Hilton as chief client officer, global markets.

Advertising conglomerate WPP is on the verge of finalizing a deal to sell its majority stake in financial communications firm FGS Global to private equity firm KKR for approximately $800 million.The announcement is expected as soon as Wednesday, coinciding with WPP's upcoming financial results release, according to Financial Times.The proposed agreement involves WPP selling its 50.5% stake in FGS for around $800 million, thereby valuing the entire communications business at about $1.6 billion. KKR's ownership would increase from roughly 30% to around 80%, while the remaining shares would be held by the firm's numerous partners and management team.Sources emphasized the importance of retaining some equity for partners as a retention incentive. However, they noted that as of Tuesday, the deal had not been officially finalized. Both WPP and KKR declined to comment.FGS Global was established through the merger of London-based Finsbury, Frankfurt-based Hering Schuppener, and Washington DC-based Glover Park Group. The firm operates nearly 30 offices worldwide, serving over 1,600 clients, and generated about $450 million in revenue last year, with earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of approximately $95 million.KKR’s acquisition of FGS is a strategic bet on expanding the business further, with potential exit options either through a sale or public offering in the future.The financial communications sector has seen significant consolidation, as businesses that once operated domestically now seek to offer comprehensive services to top executives, corporations, and financial groups globally.However, not all investments have been smooth. For instance, private equity firm CVC encountered challenges with its 2019 investment in FGS competitor Teneo, following a series of scandals and the abrupt departure of two of its three founders during the pandemic.This sale marks the first major transaction since WPP appointed Philip Jansen as its new chair last week. Jansen, who has extensive experience at BT and Worldpay, is expected to reassess the company’s future strategy.The deal would enhance WPP's financial standing, which has been under scrutiny due to its relative underperformance compared to rivals like France’s Publicis. It could also spark discussions about whether WPP’s share price accurately reflects the value of its diverse businesses, which include media, marketing, PR, and advertising globally.WPP is increasingly positioning itself as a technology-driven company, leveraging artificial intelligence and data-led services to deliver more targeted and efficient campaigns for clients.Those familiar with the discussions indicated that FGS had become seen as less central to WPP’s core operations, which already include major PR firms such as Burson, BCW, and Hill & Knowlton, as well as agencies like Ogilvy that provide PR services.Earlier this year, the Financial Times reported KKR's approach to acquire majority control of FGS. The private equity firm initially acquired about 30% of FGS in a deal valuing Finsbury at nearly $1.5 billion in 2023, with WPP retaining a 50.5% stake and FGS employees holding the remainder.The deal may also postpone plans to take FGS public within the next two years. Goldman Sachs has been advising WPP on the transaction.

Damion Potter has joined Burson as Global Chair, Public Affairs, effective July 22. He will be based in London and will serve on Burson’s global leadership team.Potter brings an extensive record in leadership roles in international diplomacy, government and public affairs, communications, crisis response, policy, trade and economic development, serving in both the public and private sectors in assignments spanning the UK, Europe, the former Soviet Union, Asia and the Americas. Most recently, Potter was Vice President and Global Head of Policy and Government Affairs for Haleon, the GSK consumer healthcare spin out, which was the largest listing on the London stock exchange in the past two decades. At Haleon, Potter was responsible for setting global public policy objectives and government engagement around the world.In his new role, Potter will lead the integration and further development of public affairs advisory assets across Burson, which includes teams in governmental centers globally, a network of expert external advisors, and several specialist companies in Washington D.C., including Dewey Square Group, Direct Impact and Prime Policy Group.“Damion is joining us at a time when government has never played a larger role in the business operating environment and when geopolitical shifts are also rapidly impacting trade, regulation, supply chains and commercial strategy,” said AnnaMaria DeSalva, Global Chairman, Burson, who oversees the agency’s global practices. “Today our clients require an integrated intelligence, government affairs and communications strategy to mitigate risk and build brands and reputation. Damion brings to Burson deep expertise and networks that will help us further empower our clients to foresee solutions, build support for key business decisions and transform business outcomes amid unprecedented complexity.”Before Haleon, Potter led the Delivery Department for the UN Climate Change Conference hosted in Glasgow (COP26). In this role he represented the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, advising the UK Government on policy and leading implementation of the World Leader Summit, the largest-ever assembly of world leaders in the UK.Earlier, Potter was British Ambassador to Panama City and Head of Central America Network, directing UK interests in trade, prosperity, peace and security. He negotiated the UK’s trade deal with six Central American countries following Brexit. He also served in diplomatic capacities in Sweden, Taiwan and Russia, with a focus on bilateral trade and investment in Taipei and Moscow.Before these roles, Potter was Communications Director and spokesperson for ESPN in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.“I’m delighted to join Burson at this important time to help clients grow or defend their businesses and build their reputations in an ever-changing world,” said Potter. “The Burson global public affairs team is renowned for its first-rate analysis and market intelligence; expert counsel to senior business leaders; its ability to work with local authorities on challenges and opportunities clients are facing in their markets; building government engagement; and leveraging its networks to positively influence the policies of decision-makers. Clients need this thoughtful and wide-ranging guidance right now and I am honored to join this outstanding team.”Potter is fluent in English, French, Spanish and Swedish, with conversational proficiency in Russian.

Burson, the global communications leader purpose-built to  create value for clients through reputation, has been named the strategic communications partner in India for Birla Opus Paints, a brand under Aditya Birla  Group's Grasim Industries. The agency will be responsible for developing and executing  a comprehensive communications strategy to establish Birla Opus Paints as a leading  player in the Indian paint industry.  Burson India will work with the Birla Opus Paints’ brand team to amplify the brand’s narrative and reinforce its commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability. Burson  India will leverage its extensive experience and network to create a strong brand identity  for Birla Opus Paints, enhance its brand image, foster thought leadership and deepen  engagement with its diverse audience, whilst also highlighting its association with the  prestigious Aditya Birla Group.  Inderpreet Singh, Head, Marketing, Birla Opus Paints, said, “We are delighted to  partner with Burson India. The team’s proven expertise in brand building, reputation  management and strategic communication aligns with our vision to establish Birla Opus  Paints as a formidable player in the industry. We are looking forward to partnering with  Burson to create engaging and powerful stories.”  "At Burson India, we reinvent how reputation creates competitive advantage for our  clients, enabling them to lead today and into the future,” said Deepshikha Dharmaraj,  CEO, Burson Group India. “Our legacy is built on providing creative and innovative  solutions that drive value for our clients and we are thrilled to partner with Birla Opus  Paints which shares the same values of innovation and quality. The brand's commitment  to expanding the decorative paint market perfectly aligns with our expertise in launching  new brands and establishing market leadership. We are confident that our experience in  reputation management and brand communications will help establish Birla Opus Paints  as a household name and a trusted brand in India." 

Burson, the newly formed global communications powerhouse born from the merger of BCW and Hill & Knowlton, has bolstered its leadership team across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. This strategic move strengthens Burson's ability to deliver innovative communications solutions for clients navigating today's dynamic landscape.Experienced Leaders at the HelmThe appointments include seasoned professionals with extensive experience in the communications industry. Rikki Jones, a 10-year veteran at GCI Health, will spearhead Burson Group Singapore as CEO, while concurrently leading GCI Health Asia-Pacific as President. Cindy Lim, with over three years at BCW Global, takes the reins as CEO of Burson Singapore. Lim brings a wealth of knowledge from her previous roles, including shaping marketing and communications strategies for prominent clients.Regional Expertise Across APACBurson's leadership extends beyond Singapore. Justin Then, formerly CEO of Malaysia for Hill & Knowlton, assumes the CEO position for Burson Malaysia. Additionally, Burson has appointed market leaders for key APAC markets:  Claire Li: CEO, Burson Greater China  Marianne Admardatine: CEO, Burson Indonesia  Tsuyoshi Takemura: CEO, Burson Japan  Wachiraporn Pornpitayalert: Market Leader, Burson Thailand  Tom Horn: Market Leader, Burson Australia and New ZealandHS Chung, CEO of Burson Korea, will continue to lead the Korean market while also serving as North APAC CEO.Focus on Client Needs and Innovation"In a rapidly changing world, clients require the best talent and resources to tackle complex challenges," said HS Chung, North APAC CEO. "Burson's extensive network across APAC offers clients access to a diverse team of specialists with proven experience."Adrian Warr, who will join Burson as South APAC CEO in September, emphasizes the agency's commitment to innovation: "We are dedicated to delivering exceptional value to clients through creative thinking and cutting-edge strategies. Burson's world-class talent will translate this commitment into building reputation capital, a crucial competitive advantage for our clients."Building on a Strong LegacyThis leadership announcement comes after WPP's merger announcement in January, combining BCW and Hill & Knowlton to create Burson. With over 6,000 employees in 43 markets worldwide, Burson honors the legacy of Harold Burson, a pioneer in modern public relations.Adrian Warr, the impending CEO for South Asia-Pacific, will cover Burson's business in India, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.

Burson appoints Ruud Wassen, Chief Client Officer, BrusselsGlobal communications agency Burson has appointed Ruud Wassen as Chief Client Officer, Brussels. In this role, Wassen will play a key part in serving and growing the agency’s clients in Brussels.Wassen will work closely with Burson teams, particularly in the sustainability and healthcare sectors, to enhance client service and innovation. His prior extensive experience includes serving as the Chief Marketing Officer for the international arm of Cigna Healthcare, a multinational health services company. Prior to that, he held senior leadership positions at Teneo, where he established the Brussels office in 2013. He also previously led the Energy practice at Burson-Marsteller.Andrew Cecil, CEO of Burson Brussels, said: “Wassen brings deep expertise in advising businesses at the most senior levels on strategic communications and EU policy. His considerable expertise will be particularly valuable to our clients during this unprecedented period with multiple elections around the world and constant state of political change.”“I am thrilled to return to Burson and to work alongside a talented team and in a dynamic business focused on building and protecting reputation for clients,” said Wassen. “Having counselled some of the world’s most respected companies, I am eager to leverage my experience to further strengthen Burson’s client focus, offer and services. With a year of political change ahead, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to be part of this premier global communications firm with such a strong legacy in public affairs.”

Today marks the official launch of Burson, a newly formed global communications agency resulting from the merger of BCW and Hill & Knowlton. This new entity is poised to become one of the industry’s largest players, introducing a modern approach to reputation management in today’s dynamic environment. The merger will be finalized on July 1.Over the past five months, Burson has made multiple global leadership appointments and undergone strategic layoffs to streamline operations. The agency has also unveiled new products, programs, and a brand identity designed to communicate its innovative approach to building and protecting reputations.“Businesses and organizations are operating in a constant state of complexity and uncertainty, marked by rapid advancements in technology, economic volatility, wide-ranging activism, and social and geopolitical turbulence. A strong reputation grounded in action, communicated clearly and creatively, and deployed as capital across stakeholders will enable clients to succeed in this environment. Reputation is a company’s most valuable asset for enhancing perception and growing performance, preference, valuation and return,” said global CEO Corey duBrowa, formerly BCW’s global CEO.  Burson introduces a new framework and consulting methodology to assess and manage client work around four key pillars: company actions, communications, social narratives, and stakeholder beliefs. This work is supported by The Burson Innovation Portfolio, a suite of products leveraging AI technology to address clients' challenges.“In today’s complex operating environment, business leaders are converting pervasive risks into opportunities for innovation and value creation. The Burson Innovation Portfolio, which draws on the technology strengths of our combined agencies and WPP, reflects our promise to combine artificial and human intelligence in ways that help our clients succeed at the intersection of risk, creativity and reinvention. Leading companies are already leveraging these solutions to build and protect reputation in highly material situations. We are committed to both our clients and our employees that Burson will be an engine for their growth and for the enablement of the transformations that the world needs now,” said global chairman AnnaMaria DeSalva.  The Burson Group also includes several specialist agencies: tech agency Axicom, financial communications agency Burson Buchanan, healthcare agency GCI Health, and Hill & Knowlton, which will continue operating under its brand.Burson is committed to professional development and will offer employees comprehensive training through The Burson Academy. This programme includes:Leadership: For career navigation, management, and leadership growth.  Client Excellence: For building strong consultative client relationships.  Craft of Reputation Management: With a focus on writing, media relations, issues management, and creative strategies.  AI/Innovation: For development in data & analytics, AI, the Burson Innovation Portfolio, and new methodologies.“Businesses and organisations are operating in a constant state of complexity and uncertainty, marked by rapid advancements in technology, economic volatility, wide-ranging activism, and social and geopolitical turbulence. A strong reputation grounded in action, communicated clearly and creatively, and deployed as capital across stakeholders will enable clients to succeed in this environment. Reputation is a company’s most valuable asset for enhancing perception and growing performance, preference, valuation and return,” said global CEO Corey duBrowa, formerly BCW’s global CEO.  The agency’s new website, Bursonglobal.com, features executive profiles crafted by Wynn Burson, grandson of agency namesake Harold Burson, who served as art director for the project.

Burson has appointed Adrian Warr, former Edelman leader, as CEO of South Asia-Pacific, a position initially designated for Matt Stafford, the former president of BCW Asia-Pacific who has departed from the company.Stafford's departure from BCW comes after his tenure as Asia-Pacific president since 2016, having joined BCW's predecessor, Cohn & Wolfe. Additionally, Stafford held the role of BCW global president of practices & sectors since 2022.In February, BCW and H&K had announced Stafford as Burson's CEO of South Asia-Pacific, as part of the initial round of regional leadership appointments. However, details surrounding Stafford's departure were not disclosed by a spokesperson.Warr will be responsible for overseeing Burson's operations in India, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. His tenure with Burson will commence on September 16, approximately two months after the official launch of Burson on July 1, following the merger of BCW and Hill & Knowlton Strategies.Having spent the past decade with Edelman in Asia, Warr held various roles, including APAC vice chair of practices and sectors. Before that, he served as APAC head of employee experience, CEO of Southeast Asia, and CEO of Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand.Prior to his tenure at Edelman, Warr spent 12 years in London, holding positions such as a partner at Portland and an associate board director at Freuds Communications. Additionally, he served in various roles during his seven-year tenure with H&K.Corey duBrowa, the global CEO of BCW, who will also hold the same title at Burson, expressed confidence in Warr's ability to lead the South APAC business. He highlighted Warr's expertise in blending creativity with innovation to assist clients in navigating challenges and building their reputations amidst geopolitical, social, and commercial complexities.

Burson has appointed Chad Latz, Grant Toups, and Chris Kief as the global heads of innovation, digital and intelligence, and technology respectively.Chad Latz, (pictured), currently serving as the global chief innovation officer at BCW, will maintain this role after the merger with Hill & Knowlton, forming Burson. He will spearhead Burson's innovation endeavors, particularly focusing on AI-driven solutions, and continue to cultivate a team of AI specialists spanning data, technology, and academia.Toups, the current global chief technology officer at H&K, will transition to the role of global chief digital and intelligence officer at Burson. Tasked with streamlining digital-first client solutions, Toups will lead a global team specializing in digital and social communications, reputation management, technology advisory, and advanced intelligence services.Additionally, Kief, currently holding the position of BCW's global chief technology officer, will maintain his role at Burson. He will oversee the enterprise technology strategy, including investments, deployments, and governance, while also driving product development through engineering teams.BCW global CEO Corey duBrowa, who will assume the role of global CEO at Burson, emphasized the significant impact of artificial intelligence and digital technologies on the communications sector. He highlighted Burson's commitment to leveraging these technologies to deliver innovative communication solutions, citing tools like Decipher and Sonar for predictive analytics and message testing. duBrowa expressed confidence in the appointed team's ability to uphold Burson's reputation as a leader in the industry.

UK financial services firm Buchanan Communications is joining Burson, expanding the number of brands under the new agency’s umbrella.Buchanan becomes part of Burson immediately. The agency, which WPP acquired in 1997, provides private and public companies services including capital market advisory on transactions including M&A, and crisis and change management.Buchanan also provides a comprehensive sustainability offering, including sustainability reporting and communications, along with creative services, including brand, website design, financial marketing collateral design, and digital content. The Buchanan team serves clients across consumer, leisure and gaming; energy and renewables; financial services; industrials and infrastructure; investment companies; life sciences and healthcare; mining and metals; professional services; and technology, media and telecommunications.  Buchanan will operate as a brand within Burson along with Hill & Knowlton, GCI Health and AxiCom. The integration of Buchanan comes ahead of BCW’s July 1 merger with sister WPP agency Hill & Knowlton into a single entity called Burson. The merger will create a $1bn PR firm that could arguably be the industry's biggest player.“Building reputation to grow brand and business value requires engagement across the full range of stakeholder audiences, including capital markets,” said BCW global CEO Corey duBrowa, who will be Burson’s global CEO Burson when the merger is completed. “Beyond strengthening financial confidence or ‘investability’ in an organization, managing relationships with investor audiences is crucial to optimizing and protecting a company’s valuation and reputation. Bringing the exceptional team at Buchanan to Burson gives us immediate strength in financial communications in key international markets and the firepower to expand this expertise at scale.”Buchanan chairman Richard Oldworth said, "The formation of Burson as the market-leading powerhouse in the global communications industry provides an exceptional opportunity for Buchanan to consolidate its leading position in London and expand its operations internationally. We share a common vision with Burson of building and protecting reputations, delivering significant value and placing our clients first, as capital markets evolve and present exciting global opportunities. Having the expansive global network and complementary skillsets which Burson provides will be of tremendous value to our existing and prospective clients."

BCW and Hill & Knowlton, which will merge as of July 1, 2024, to form Burson, today announced that leading financial communications and capital market advisory firm Buchanan Communications, part of WPP, will become part of Burson, effective immediately.Buchanan Communications specializes in supporting companies that require access to the capital markets to raise financing; optimize valuation; enhance reputation; and create new and lasting supporters among the investor, analyst and media communities. Founded in 1984 and acquired by WPP in 1997, Buchanan provides a fully integrated service for its publicly listed and private clients, which includes strategic counsel on relations with all capital market stakeholders, on all types of transactions (including M&A), as well as crisis and change management and all other corporate situations. Buchanan also provides a comprehensive sustainability offering, including sustainability reporting and communications, along with creative services, including brand, website design, financial marketing collateral design, and digital content.“Building reputation to grow brand and business value requires engagement across the full range of stakeholder audiences, including capital markets,” said Corey duBrowa, Global CEO, BCW, who will hold the same role with Burson upon completion of the merger. “Beyond strengthening financial confidence or ‘investability’ in an organization, managing relationships with investor audiences is crucial to optimizing and protecting a company’s valuation and reputation. Bringing the exceptional team at Buchanan to Burson gives us immediate strength in financial communications in key international markets and the firepower to expand this expertise at scale.”The Buchanan team serves clients across consumer, leisure and gaming; energy and renewables; financial services; industrials and infrastructure; investment companies; life sciences and healthcare; mining and metals; professional services; and technology, media and telecommunications."The formation of Burson as the market-leading powerhouse in the global communications industry provides an exceptional opportunity for Buchanan to consolidate its leading position in London and expand its operations internationally” said Richard Oldworth, Chairman of Buchanan.?“We share a common vision with Burson of building and protecting reputations, delivering significant value and placing our clients first, as capital markets evolve and present exciting global opportunities. Having the expansive global network and complementary skillsets which Burson provides will be of tremendous value to our existing and prospective clients.”Buchanan Communications will be a brand within Burson together with Hill & Knowlton, GCI Health and AxiCom.On January 25th, WPP announced it would merge its two largest communications agencies, BCW and Hill & Knowlton, to form Burson, a powerhouse delivering modern communications leadership at scale to clients across the world. The merged company will become an industry-leading, full-service communications agency focused on building and protecting reputation. Burson will be operational as of July 1, 2024.

Burson, the soon-to-be launched $1 billion PR firm formed by the merger of BCW and Hill & Knowlton, has appointed Laura Anderson as Chair of Technology for the Americas. Anderson brings over 25 years of experience in communications, having held leadership positions at companies like Google's DeepMind, Silver Lake, and Intel (where she spent nearly two decades, including two years as VP and GM of global communications).Anderson will officially begin her role on July 1st, coinciding with Burson's launch. In the interim, she will work with BCW starting April 22nd."Laura's extensive experience positions her perfectly to lead our Americas technology practice," said Kristine Boyden, CEO of BCW Americas (and future CEO of Burson). "Her deep understanding of the tech industry, from navigating policy issues to driving innovation, will be invaluable to our clients."Boyden continued, praising Anderson's ability to guide tech brands through challenges and build strong reputations. This expertise, Boyden believes, will benefit both Burson's regional and global technology clients.

Allison Cirullo, formerly Edelman's COO of global brand for nearly 17 years, has joined Burson to lead their consumer and brand division. She will also serve as global chair of consumer and brand, launching July 1 with the merger of WPP agencies BCW and Hill & Knowlton. Cirullo will additionally hold the position of North America chair of consumer and brand, starting April 15 until Burson's official launch.In her previous role, Cirullo oversaw the growth and operations of Edelman's global brand practice. Her extensive experience includes roles such as managing director of US brand and managing director of Chicago brand. BCW's global CEO, Corey duBrowa, who will lead Burson as CEO, praised Cirullo's expertise in building brands and enhancing reputation across various industries.Cirullo's move follows a series of senior departures from Edelman, including Jim O'Leary, who left after 15 years to join Weber Shandwick as North America CEO.