Global communications consultancy Burson has named Gemma Hudson as Chief Executive Officer for Australia and New Zealand, strengthening its leadership as the agency expands its presence across the region.Based in Sydney, Hudson will lead Burson's operations across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, while also overseeing its government relations businesses, Hawker Britton and Barton Deakin. She will report to HS Chung, CEO of Burson Asia-Pacific.Hudson joins Burson from Johnson & Johnson, where she served as Director of Communications & Public Affairs for Australia and New Zealand. In that role, she led internal and external communications, corporate reputation, brand communications and public affairs across the market.With more than 20 years of experience in strategic communications, Hudson has worked across healthcare, corporate affairs, consumer branding, technology communications and public policy. Before joining Johnson & Johnson, she spent 11 years at WE Communications, including serving as Executive Vice President for its International Health practice across APAC and EMEA. She also led the firm's Australia and New Zealand operations as CEO for three years.Commenting on the appointment, HS Chung said Australia and New Zealand remain key growth markets for Burson, offering strong capabilities and significant expansion opportunities. He added that Hudson's blend of agency leadership and in-house corporate experience would strengthen the firm's healthcare offering while enhancing its integrated approach spanning brand communications, corporate affairs, advocacy and government relations.Hudson said she was pleased to return to agency leadership at a time when organizations are facing increasingly complex communications challenges. She noted that evolving geopolitical conditions are making it essential for businesses to effectively manage culture, reputation and public policy, adding that Burson's integrated capabilities position it well to help clients navigate that landscape.The appointment takes effect immediately and underscores Burson's continued investment in the Australia and New Zealand market as it pursues regional growth.