Strategic communications firm Burson has named Ross Hall to the newly created role of EMEA Chief Client Officer, assigning him direct oversight of client leadership, retention, and organic expansion across the region.Hall, who has served as the agency’s EMEA head of clients since July 2025, will lead strategic management for Burson’s top-tier client relationships. Working alongside practice and regional market leaders, his mandate centers on improving service delivery, embedding unified client leadership practices, and driving long-term account growth.The appointment rounds out a structural split in Burson's regional expansion strategy, following the recent elevation of Helen Searle to EMEA Chief Growth Officer and Global Growth Partner. While Searle previously managed a dual client and growth remit, her focus now shifts exclusively to new business acquisitions and international pitches, leaving Hall to concentrate on deepening existing client partnerships.Hall’s background across the agency network includes key milestones:• Burson Tenure: Joined in 2023 to lead the EMEA corporate and public affairs practice—a role now co-led by Lisa Welsh and Peter Gitmark—before shifting to head of clients in 2025.• Prior Experience: Served as Edelman’s regional client services director for EMEA, alongside senior leadership stints at Ketchum and FTI Consulting.Burson EMEA CEO Jon Hughes noted that the structural shift highlights the agency's commitment to delivering client value in the current intelligence era. Hall added that the agency's focus remains on seamlessly connecting internal expertise to client goals, ensuring organic growth stems directly from delivered value rather than sales targets.The executive restructuring is the latest step in refining Burson's regional leadership model following Hughes’ appointment as EMEA CEO in mid-2025, a year after WPP merged BCW and Hill & Knowlton to establish the brand.

Edelman EMEA chief operating officer Jon Hughes is leaving the agency after four years, with former global technology chair Justin Westcott stepping into the role.Hughes joined Edelman in 2021 as a senior advisor after departing Golin, where he spent 14 years, eventually serving as one of three global CEOs. He took on the EMEA COO role at Edelman in 2023. His departure marks a transition as he moves on to a new opportunity.During his tenure, Hughes played a key role in driving operational excellence and fostering collaboration across the region. Edelman EMEA president and CEO AJ Hesselink acknowledged his contributions, emphasizing the lasting impact he had on the agency?ÇÖs business.Westcott, who has been with Edelman for over 18 years, now takes on the COO position while continuing as a senior technology advisor for EMEA. In his previous role, he co-led Edelman?ÇÖs AI Strategy Committee, positioning the agency as a thought leader in AI and digital transformation.His career at Edelman has included serving as COO of Edelman UK and leading the firm?ÇÖs technology practice in both EMEA and the UK. Earlier in his career, he played a significant role in Edelman?ÇÖs Middle East operations, where he led the Dubai office and oversaw technology and consumer practices. Beyond Edelman, he mentors technology start-ups and advises high-growth companies on scaling and innovation.As COO, Westcott will focus on enhancing efficiency, fostering collaboration across markets, and ensuring Edelman continues to deliver for clients. His responsibilities include overseeing key markets such as Spain, Italy, Africa, and Ireland, as well as integrating the firm?ÇÖs specialized solutions and AI-driven strategies.Hesselink expressed confidence in Westcott?ÇÖs ability to lead the next phase of Edelman EMEA?ÇÖs growth, highlighting his deep operational expertise, technology acumen, and leadership experience. With a focus on AI, digital transformation, and evolving ways of working, Westcott is set to drive Edelman?ÇÖs continued evolution in the region.